Jana’s passion for hair design might not have been something that she decidedly chose to do at one point or another. In fact, her fascination with hair styling started from home at a very young age. Being very observant, she was drawn to it very early on, so much so that other career ventures just didn’t fit with her. Here’s everything the founder and owner of J’s Hairven had to share with us about her experiences in the fascinating world of hair design.
Tell us about Jana Charles and J’s Hairven.
Jana: I’m 36 years old and from the community of Babonneau. I attended the Babonneau Primary School, thereafter the Vide Bouteille Secondary School. I’m also certified in the field of hair design and makeup artistry. I am the founder and owner of J’s Hairven, a hair studio which specializes in hair beauty, wig installations, weaving, relaxing, trendy cuts, colouring and virtually anything to do with hair. J’s Hairven has been in operation for four years and is located in Rodney Bay.
What are your specialities, personally?
Jana: When I first started I was more into weaving and creating wigs, which I consider to be my specialty. With the ever-changing demands in hair trends, new and more exciting treatments have become available such as silk press, which is a natural way to straighten hair temporarily without the chemical process. Dealing with different hair textures and thicknesses makes it challenging but it takes my creativity to a different level.
How did you get started?
Jana: Growing up, I was surrounded by relatives who loved braiding hair. I particularly marvelled at one of my cousin’s styling techniques and thought to myself I could do that. Using my childhood friends to develop and enhance my skills, the passion for hair design ignited.
After leaving secondary school, I worked short term as an agent at a call centre. Whilst there, I gained experience in customer service. Thereafter, I enrolled in the Hair Design and Makeup Artistry Program at the NSDC (National Skills Development Center) where I was awarded Most Outstanding Trainee.
Working for about eight years at Phase1 hair salon, greatly helped to solidify me as a hairstylist. I was constantly encouraged by persons around me to venture on my own. After much thought, I decided to take the leap of faith and make it happen.
Who or what would you consider to be your greatest source of inspiration?
Jana: I think a lot of the encouragement came from home and clients. The encouragement I got from my family, friends and clients really gave me that boost.
Do you have any mentors, what role did they play in your entrepreneurial growth?
Jana: My first and biggest mentor is my mother. She always believed that I would take hairdressing to a different level. I don’t know what she saw in me that I didn’t see in myself, at first. Whatever it was, it showed! Even the business name was inspired by her.
My former boss, Emile Williams, is definitely one of my mentors.
I learned a lot working for him. He trained and encouraged me to better myself at the craft.
What have your major challenges been and how did you overcome them?
Jana: Initially, securing finances for the startup of the business was a challenge for me. I didn’t take a loan and dug into my savings. It was a bit scary because I didn’t know if I’d succeed or not. I mean having a business is really taking a big risk, and that’s what I did with J’s Hairven. I took a risk!
As far as overcoming the financial challenges, it is greatly due to clients’ reviews and referrals. Also, the social media platforms have helped to increase my clientele. If you’re passionate about something and your work speaks for itself, you can be sure it will be your biggest form of advertising. I’m a go-getter, so I try not to think of the negatives but instead, I think “It’s going to happen”.
Tell us about some of the things that make you smiled along your journey.
Jana: Every client that walks through my doors puts a smile on my face. Every time I walk into my business, I’m thankful for that. Every time I open my eyes in the morning, I’m thankful. My mom passed away, and you know, sometimes people say you have a guardian angel… I get comfort from that because I know she’s watching over me.
What would you say is a major achievement in your career so far?
Jana: My major achievements are being acknowledged as a business owner and also giving someone the opportunity of employment.
Where do you see yourself and J’sHairven in the next five years?
Jana: I see J’s Hairven taking off in so many different ways. The aim is to train and empower young women into becoming entrepreneurs. Also expanding the business in various locations where the majority will experience what it is to “reveal their inner goddess”
What’s your advice to up and coming entrepreneurs?
Jana: Be true to yourself. Whatever it is you want to achieve, make sure that it’s something that you love. If you’re not passionate about it, you’ll get frustrated and you’ll want to quit easily. The most important thing is to go for what you love. Nothing comes before prayer so put God first, speak to persons you trust, and go for it!
