We recently connected with Nathaniel Jaye and have shared our conversation below.
Nathaniel, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Keeping creativity alive is very important for staying innovative and inspired. Staying curious about the artist world around me leads to asking questions, explore new things, and seeking out different perspectives. I/we are only as knowledgeable as the people we surround ourselves with. The Beauty industry is consistently changing and evolving, and if we make the choice to not dive into those changes and finding ways to make ourselves open to them, we are putting ourselves in a creative imprisonment. Moreover, adding books, watching movies from certain time periods, the environment, magazines, fashion shows or simply people watching; are practices that I incorporate into my routine that help keep creativity alive and thriving in my personal and professional life.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
For more than 20 years, I have worked to establish an impeccable reputation for excellence in his approach to craft and design, while honing my professional business acumen.
My formal training began at Dudley Cosmetology University, where I graduated in 2003. I continued my education at Winston-Salem State University, receiving dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Business Management and Marketing. i took the opportunity to combine my academic and practicum knowledge to expand my professional portfolio by completing educational training and development courses, workshops, and seminars from world renowned companies such as; Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Avlon Industries, Pravana, Design Essentials, Mizani and Influence Hair Care.
My drive and forward-leaning approach to style and business has afforded me the opportunity to train with some of the industry’s most preeminent hair designers around the globe, thus, allowing me to garner expert knowledge in techniques such as; hair extensions, wig making, lace closure/frontal application and inventive color design. In Addition, my dynamic personality (as some would say), coupled with my ever-expanding skills, has led me to work with public figures such as; Erica Campbell (of the Gospel group Mary Mary), Full-Figured Fashion Week in New York City, Charleston Fashion Week and The Bronner Brothers Hair Show.
I like to describe my design aesthetic as clean, edgy, and creative, and has been featured in publications such as; Southern Bride, The Knot and Munaluchi Bridal magazine. To give you som context of my background; I am originally from Delaware and is currently based in the Triad area of North Carolina. I freelance all over the world, building a loyal and dedicated clientele as I diligently work to expand my brand.
I recently graduated with my MFA at the The university Or North Carolina School of the Arts in Design & Production. Since graduation I have had the esteem pleasure of working productions such as “City of Angels”, “Arden of Faversham, “Dreamgirls”, “ Wicked” , “Death Of a Salesman” and recently “The Wiz” .
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Education Networking
Remain humble
Continue to be a student of the field; know that that there are many ways to do one thing. And that your way is not always the best way. Remain open minded and never take constructive criticism personal. If someone is willing to provide you with advice (solicited or unsolicited) make note of it and remain humble. Everyone you meet in this industry is not always going to be kind and willing to hold your hand So always be READY!! Lastly; be willing to help another out; wisdom is met to spread to help creatives grow.. we are not the gatekeepers!!
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
There have been many that have help me on this journey of success; however, to name one would be my mentor Camille Friend. I was introduced to her about 6 years ago via a two day Film and Television class she offered in Los Angeles. She later had a six week Onset course she curated through her “Hair scholars” mentorship program. This program provided hairstylist and makeup artist alike with the tools to be the best Department head and/or key hairstylist on a film set. This information is not easy to access and having this opportunity sets one apart from others; especially when trying to get hired.
Her mentorship provided me guidance, advice, and support based on her own experiences and expertise. It supported me in navigating the complexities of the industry, avoid common pitfalls, and accelerate my professional growth.
Overall, having a mentor in the entertainment/beauty industry can be a game-changer for your career development. It can help you gain confidence, expand your skills, and unlock new opportunities that you may not have been able to access on your own. If you have the opportunity to connect with a mentor in the beauty industry, I highly recommend taking advantage of it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nathanieljayehair.com/
- Instagram: @hairbyNathaniel_Jaye
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HairbyNathanielJaye1?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
KaTrena Wise Artography
