Life & Work with Daphne Jenkins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daphne Jenkins.

Hi Daphne, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been interested in hair since I was a young child. I remember I was doing hair at the age of 9. My baby sister was my very first client! I had always wanted to make hair a career. It didn’t matter what I had going on, hair was always there! Many people do not respect the hairstylist job position. I heard it all…you’re too smart, there’s no money in that, you should do more, what a waste, etc. it was very hurtful. Like I said before, it didn’t matter what I was doing and what phase of life I was in, I was always doing hair. One day I told myself that I should take it to the next level and get licensed. Due to my circumstances…being a mother of 3, a wife, and working full time, I took the Natural Hair Care route which was only a 3-month long course. I am now a licensed hair care specialist with my own business, Natural Selection Stylez, LLC. I’m loving EVERY minute of it.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely NOT been a smooth road. I wouldn’t change anything about my journey though. I was working full-time at a pharmaceutical company from 6 am to 2:30 pm. I would get off of work (in Clayton) just to have enough time to grab a quick bite to eat and head to class (in Raleigh) by 4 pm. I attended class from 4 pm to 10 pm. Depending on the night it could be 11 pm before we let out. Just to take a 30-minute drive back home and have to be up by 4 am the next day. I missed so much time with my family. I had to listen to my kids tell me how much of a bad mom I was because I was absent from them. It hurt so bad but, I had to keep focused on the end goal. I knew it wouldn’t last long!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At the moment I am a part-time hairstylist still trying to find a balance between being employed full time and being a business owner. I specialize in natural hair. I educate others on how to maintain and care for their hair. I am most proud when my clients let me know how much of a blessing I am to them. I believe one thing that sets me apart from some others is that I absolutely love what I do. I’m not about just making some money. I actually care! I am constantly educating and sharing helpful tips to protect my clients’ hair underneath their protective style. I feel like when our hair looks good, we feel good! That goes for both men and women. I notice it with kids as well! Especially little girls. When I give them the mirror and they smile from ear to ear, it warms my heart. I know my work is done!!

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking?
I think it is very important to take risks in life. Step out of your comfort zone. You may like it and it may be something that gets you to the next phase of being successful! One of the biggest risks I have taken is promoting myself on social media! I am an introvert. I like to stay behind the scenes, lowkey! But, in this line of work you have to market to get business. I remember the first picture I posted on Facebook I got so many likes and appointment requests. The business was finally booming!!

Pricing:

• Box Braids- $80 and up
• Cornrows (without extensions)- $45 and up
• Cornrows (with extensions)- $60 and up
• Loc Maintenance- $45 and up
• Soft Locs- $110 and up

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Natural Selection Stylez, LLC