We were lucky to catch up with Jada Anastasia recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jada , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
You know…there’s something amazing that happens when you know and accept yourself. Anyone who knows me would tell you my personality/mannerisms have been the same my whole life. My mother often tells me hilarious stories about my independent and, sometimes, rebellious nature as a child. She’s always complimented my sense of humor, compassion, tenacity and uniqueness. No flex, but I’ve heard those things my entire life from others, as well, and no matter how many times I had heard it, I didn’t believe it. In fact, I often thought I needed to “dial it down” a bit to fit in. I, sometimes wondered, why I couldn’t be more compliant or reserved. I always felt uncomfortable or out of place.
One day, I had a revelation. I was uncomfortable with me. I cared, too much, about whether or not someone would like me, as is. I spent too much time trying to be like others and it was insanely draining. I made a decision. I acknowledged who I was and decided to create my own lane instead of trying to stay in someone else’s and the game changed. I became much more effective, successful and I stood out when I learned to just be me. I’m not cocky, but my confidence level is way up because I know and believe in who I am and what I’m capable of. I can stand in a room filled with anyone from the guy on the corner to the president and rock it because I am the only one who looks like me. I’m the only one who can be me. I’m just me…just Jada.
Thanks, tell me about your business and upcoming projects?
Just Jada is an all-natural & organic skincare brand. I began conceptualizing it in 2008 while studying at the Aveda Institute in Tallahassee, Florida to become a licensed esthetician. Once I graduated, and began researching other brands, I came to a quick and unsettling conclusion. There was no skincare that catered to melanin-rich skin. One of the basic principles of skincare is that different skin types require different types of products & ingredients. That’s how Just Jada was born.
I paired my knowledge as an esthetician with my knowledge as a black, female consumer and created unique formulas that addressed the needs of highly-pigmented skin.
Just Jada has skincare and body care products for men, women and children. All ingredients, including fragrances, are all natural and organic. This fall, I’m expanding the line with products that help the skin to age gracefully. We’re all going to age. The goal is to do it gracefully. So, that’s what’s going on with business!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Faith, grace and determination have, definitely, been the most impactful.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. That’s from Hebrews 11:1. In other words, faith is what you believe beyond logic. I’m a spiritual person. I believe in the power of the mind and the conviction of the heart. If you believe with your heart and mind, you won’t be easily swayed. That doesn’t mean everything is always great or that I don’t have doubts about my purpose, it just means my faith is bigger than those fears and I know, at the end of the day, I’m good.
That’s where grace comes in. I’m human. I’m going to make some choices, in business and in life, that may set me back or that don’t pan out according to plan. In those moments, I try to give myself grace instead of beating myself up and I let me faith fuel my determination. Every week, there’s a moment where I’m like, forget this! I feel it and then I remember my purpose and I keep going. They all work together: faith, grace and determination.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Always! I’m building my tribe. I am looking to connect with other business owners, particularly those in the beauty industry. Right now, one of my focuses is getting Just Jada products on shelves in salons & spas. Our products will be available, beginning in October in a few salons in Tampa and Atlanta. I’m also always looking for new content creators. If anyone is interested, they can email my assistant so we can connect and carve out some time to chat. She can be reached at: admin@justjadaskin.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.justjadaskin.com
- Instagram: @justjadaskin
- Facebook: Just Jada Skin
Image Credits
DoPhotography
