Daily Inspiration: Meet Jayda Williams

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jayda Williams

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hey there! My name is Jayda Williams but I go by Jayda Empress. I’m a licensed cosmetologist and I own a salon called Making Empresseons: Beauty Empire located in Center Line, MI!

My journey into the beauty world started quite young. I remember being a young girl, maybe 12-13 years old, who loved doing my grandmas make up and hair. Whenever I would visit her I would apply her foundation, blush, mascara and lipstick and style her hair with the curling irons or sometimes braid her hair like Princess Leia.

I have memories of mommy and daughter dates to the nail salon to get manicures.

I remember graduating high school and soon going into college where I studied criminology. I was juggling 3 jobs at the time and had no passion for what I was doing.

Consumed with work, lack of sleep and energy, school became the straw that broke the camels back for me so I decided to give it a break to reset and gain some clarity. Eventually I begin to feel a lack of motivation and fulfillment in the jobs I was working. I felt complacent and lost in life.

One particular day I remember my mom came into my room to check on me. I wasn’t doing the best mentally and just questioning my career and life choices. After mom asking me questions about my interest and giving encouraging words she suggested I give nails a try. Initially nails didn’t sound like a realistic career choice, I had the doubts of being successful and actually making a successful living.

But my mom planted a seed I believe her nor I knew would grow into something so great!

As time went on, I went from working 3 jobs to 2. One night I came home and I saw that my mom bought a practice nail table, hand mannequin, and a nail starter kit. She set it up for me to see when I came into the house. There were times I would walk past it. I was reluctant on giving it a chance but the day I gave it a try I fell in love and never looked back. I begin to practice on myself, close family and friends. I brushed up on my skills quickly. Family begin to tell friends about my new journey and soon I begin doing nails on my coworkers too! It didn’t stop there. I was also doing family and friends hair for their birthdays, prom and graduation ceremonies. I loved doing my big sisters hair, she would let me try any style I wanted on her and I enjoyed every bit of it!

My mom immediately encouraged me to get my license- we were on the hunt for schools. Instead of getting my license for manicuring only I got my license for cosmetology which is hair, skin AND nails so there were no limits to what I could do! Nails are therapeutic for me. I’ve never envisioned myself experiencing peace and freedom with a paint brush in my hand. Just as much as I love doing nails I love doing hair.

Once I graduated it didn’t take me long to get find a salon home and build my clientele because of the rapport I had established. I spent about 2 years working within salons total before moving into my own salon suite. Being on my own taught me a lot about entrepreneurship, maintaining an overhead cost and retaining clients. A year after being within a salon suite I was blessed with the opportunity to expand into my very own store front salon which is where I am today! The Beauty Empire! The journey here hasn’t been the easiest route but I thank God for placing people around me who saw what I didn’t see within myself. There were many times I got discouraged and wanted to give up but I’ve invested so much time, years, money and prayer to give up.

I enjoy uplifting others and sharing my God-given gifts and talents with women and making them feel beautiful.

I give credit to God for carrying me this far and I encourage you if you’re reading this and you’re doing something that you love and enjoy but you don’t see it happening for you right away. Remember that an empire isn’t built overnight. Be strong and don’t give up, your work will be rewarded!

Love,
Mrs. Jayda Williams

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been the smoothest journey but the crooked paths have been made straight!

I’ve faced many obstacles such as comparison, discouragement, and lack of confidence. I’ve struggled with structuring my business properly when it came to my income, expenses, and managing inventory. I would say one of my biggest challenges has been me. I can get in my head and overthink the possibilities. Sometimes I allow my inadequacies stand in the way of my progress and I would shy away from opportunities that seemed bigger than me.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a licensed cosmetologist and I specialize in nail care and hair care. I offer a variety of services from acrylic extensions, structured manicures, gel manicures, rejuvenating pedicures, hand drawn nail art, hair treatments, steam treatments, blow and gos, silk presses, and hair extensions. I would say that I’m known for enhancing the beauty of those who sit in my chair. My greatest goal for my guests is to help them maintain a healthy appearance and to restore damaged hair and nails back to health! I create custom regimens for my guests needs. I’m happy to hear my guests express their satisfaction with their overall experience because of quality, ambiance and the services provided. Client retention is important and seeing guests return makes me happy.

What sets the Beauty Empire apart from other salons is our mission. We are a faith based, black owned salon. Our purpose and plan for this beauty empire is to provide top-notch, high quality services and a royal experience to all guests. We uphold the standard of professionalism, integrity, cleanliness and compassion. We offer a peaceful atmosphere that’s comfortable and inviting while spreading the light of Christ and positivity that pours back into our communities. This is where impressions are made for a lifetime!

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory is playing outdoor games like hopscotch, freeze tag, red light green light and hide and go seek with my neighborhood friends.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://empresseonsbyjayda.as.me/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empresseonsbyjayda?igsh=MXB2YWZreWg2ZDMzdg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19AQBWyvc6/?mibextid=wwXIfr