Exploring Life & Business with Jasmine Hammond of Jae Allure

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Hammond.

Hi Jasmine, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Let me take you back to 2005. It was a hot summer in New Jersey and I was staying with my cousin. She reminded me of my mother, they do not play when it comes to appearance. My cousin sparked my love for a piece of what makes me the woman I am today, a Manicurist. I am Jasmine Hammond and thank you for allowing me to share my experience with you. I was so inspired by how she would paint our toenails using the nail polish liners from the beauty supply store. Fast forward, throughout high school, my friends would go get their nails done at the traditional salons and allow me to do the nail art. I absolutely love free-hand nail art!

Skipping to the end of 2011. It was my first semester as a freshman in college at Fayetteville State University. Let’s go Bucking Broncos! A friend at the time and I were chatting about pursuing the nail technology program at Fayetteville Technical Community College. With the support of my family, I was able to attend their night school program. So you can imagine the chaos, right? Classes during the day, Nail school in the evening, and KFC on the weekends. We can say tired was an understatement. However, I knew then at 18 years old that eventually, I would appreciate the fact that this is a skill that no one can take away from me. No matter what, I was going to have a way to be able to generate income for myself.

In April of 2012, the program ended and I received a feeling of defeat. I did not feel prepared enough to take my state board exam. So, a year later I met my boyfriend and he encouraged me to study again and take my exam. I passed! My little sister showed me the Instagram page of a Manicurist in our hometown, Fayetteville. I am forever thankful to Minxdiva for taking a chance on me. She took me under her wings, showed me new techniques, and was a model of how a boss should operate. After leaving her salon, I started servicing clients on my own.

2020 hit and I was thinking of a way to transform my role in the nail industry. I began to purchase supplies because I wanted to do YouTube tutorials with press-on nails. As we all know the world shut down in March of that year. Since we could no longer operate, It kicked me into the high drive to make press-on nails for my clients. I purchased my LLC, got my EIN, purchased my domain, and built my website. It was honestly an amazing feeling to start press on nails in that capacity. I have been able to enhance a plethora of nail plates that were not located near me. Such as having the ability to service clients in Canada, Louisiana, and Texas.

I have always treated my nail business as a part-time job. In September 2021, I decided to go full time with my business of doing press on nails, among other items I have on my website: www.jae-allure.com. Although press on nails are truly my happy place, I would love to work in a salon or suite again soon.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. The first challenge would be a lack of confidence. Not believing that I could generate enough income for my lifestyle by being a full-time manicurist. I knew others were doing it, but I held myself back.

The second challenge would be not having a business coach. I feel as though having guidance can assist in making the best decisions. In the meantime, you have to work with what you have to reach your destination. Challenge three would be marketing for myself. Creating content comes easy to me. However, the difficulty creeps in when you have to make sure that the content is not only intriguing within the first second but reaches the right audience as well.

Challenge four, since the salons have opened back up, I feel like I am working twice as hard to gain attention and clients. In addition to the opening of salons, there are a numerous number of people that create press on nails. So I have to make sure that my work sticks out like a sore thumb. The final challenge would be finding my voice. Marketing does not stop at social media.

I can talk to a manager about a food code violation in a second (I used to be a health inspector). When it comes to promoting my business I would be so nervous to tell someone that I did my nails when receiving a compliment. Initiating conversations with people that had their nails done or looked like they could enhance their nail plates made me sweat.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Jae Allure enhances nail plates and encourages healthy habits. I started this business to offer all of my interests and skills in one space. I am a licensed manicurist and with each press on set 15 nails and a prep kit are included. If you are interested in trying press on nails, sizing kits are available. There are 10 different shapes to choose from and a sizing kit provides complete accuracy to ensure the fit is perfect for your nail plate.

I accept custom orders via email or social media DM. I have created sets for model photoshoots, weddings, proposals, birthdays, vacations, and the list continues. What I love about press-on nails is the versatility. You can either wear them short-term or long-term. You have the option to get sticky tabs or glue with your purchase.

The tabs are perfect for special events, weekends, or when you just want to enhance your nail plate for a few days. The tabs last about 2-3 days. The glue can last up to a month. The key to a long-lasting press on nails is in the preparation process. Also, if you are purchasing for a loved one gift cards are available as well.

I am proud to have become a brand ambassador for a company called Stamped Marketing. This has allowed me to offer a feature called the SM3 nail chip to any set. An SM3 nail chip uses technology to enhance promoting and marketing. Whether it is your birthday and your coworkers want to send you funds via cash app or you are dropping a mixtape and you want to share it with others, the SM3 nail chip can assist.

A link is installed into the chip and then the chip is encapsulated into the nail or press-on the nail. After that, you tap or hover the phone over the nail where the chip is encapsulated and the link that is attached will appear on the phone screen. Similar to when you scan a QR code. If you are a nail tech you can use code “JAMAFIA” for money off your order. Visit my website to learn more about this feature.

In reference to the healthy habit aspect of Jae Allure, I encourage staying healthy mentally, internally, and physically. I host a meditation session on Instagram Live every Monday at 8:45 pm. I became a Reiki Practitioner in 2021 and eventually will offer these services as well.

Lately, I have been wanting to tap into my biology background by breaking down what nutrients we need and explaining the science behind it. In 2021, I got sick with Covid and it encouraged me to teach more about staying healthy. Which led me to offer my wellness products. I offer herbal teas, sea moss gel, and elderberry syrup.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Take your business seriously. If you have a product-based business I highly encourage you to plan properly and do your research.

Before getting started, think about the mission, vision, and values of your business. Think about who your target audience is. Create and write out your ideal customer/client. My favorite podcasts to listen to are: “Earn Your Leisure”, “The Ops Authority”, “Social Proof Podcast”, “Black Entrepreneur Blueprint” and “Social Media Marketing School.”

Look into what it takes to get an LLC and make sure you do not pay for your EIN (I did and later found out that this is free). Look into getting a Duns and Brad number and research building your personal and business credit.

GET A BUSINESS BANK ACCOUNT. Figure out how long you will allow your funds to sit and how to pay yourself. Find ways to invest your finances. Take care of yourself. Make sure you look into an affordable life insurance policy and health insurance options. For organizing your finances, utilize a bookkeeping service. It is worth the money. I use Quickbooks.

When it comes to building your website, make it appealing and research different apps that will enhance your website. Feel free to visit the website and platforms of others that are in your industry. Lastly, keep up with trends and never stop learning.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.jae-allure.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/jae_allure?utm_medium=copy_link
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UClO7ldAl4yrdyWHmNCeqeJQ
• Other: https://linkpop.com/jaeallurellc

Image Credits
ezontheeyez (@ezontheeyezprod, Email: [email protected])