Isata Jay

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Meet
Isata Jay

NO GATEKEEPING! INTERVIEW

Before we dive into the specifics, could you introduce yourself and share a bit about your background and the experiences that have shaped your path in entrepreneurship?

Hi, My name is Isata Jay. I'm 24 years old. Born in Harlem, raised in the Bronx by a single mother of five. Growing up, I wanted to be successful. I recall being eight years old and telling everyone I will be a millionaire as an adult.

As a teenager, I had really thick and long hair, and my mother didn't know how to do it, so she sent me to the Dominican Hair Salon. Over time, I noticed my hair was breaking and getting shorter. YouTube University had recently launched, so I spent the summer at home learning how to do my hair. I eventually became so skilled that I started doing my own and my friends' hair.

In the summer of 2016, I had just went to Africa for the first time, and I wanted a silk press. When I visited the salon, they told me that the only way to get my hair straight was to relax it. That school year, in the fall, I met Ian Madover, who introduced me to entrepreneurship and invested in my education. During that time, I launched a hair care line, but I didn't give it my all, so the business failed.

What are some key lessons you've learned through your journey that weren't obvious when you started?

People will only support your business as much as you support your own business. Starting out, we usually rely on our friends and family to share our posts or bring us clients. However, if they see you are dedicated and serious about your business, they will learn to do the same.

Entrepreneurship is not easy. It takes a lot of delusion, faith, and resilience to be a successful business owner. When you are the first in your family to do something so big and out of the norm they will shut you down. However, you must be stronger than that and remember God gave you that vision for a reason. He will guide you, but you must keep him centered the whole time. Also, conceal your plans until they are finalized.

It's like a rulebook that tells everyone exactly how a brand should look, sound, and feel so that it's recognizable everywhere

What was the biggest challenge you faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?

The most difficult thing I had to do in my profession was to trust my gut and build a clientele. At the beginning of my career, the majority of hairstylists only did wigs because it was the trend, so I followed along. Even though I was skilled at it, I didn't want to become an expert since I didn't find it enjoyable. I wanted to revive that traditional shop vibe while concentrating on serving natural hair. When you arrive to the salon to get your hair washed, groomed, and chatting, yet you leave feeling gorgeous with your natural hair.

The more I did wig installations, the more I despised the job itself, so one day I simply cut the cord and stopped providing the service. My friends advised me to stop doing it gradually, but I said no and did what worked best for me. When I did this, my business experienced the highest growth. I began investing more in my equipment, branding, and education.

What are some common misconceptions about your field, and how would you clarify them?

Misconception: Natural hair doesn’t grow as long as other hair types.
All hair grows at a similar rate, about half an inch a month, but the coiled structure of natural hair can make length retention more challenging due to dryness or breakage. Educating yourself or your hairdresser by telling you about proper hydration, protective styling, and trimming habits helps you achieve your hair growth goals.

Misconception: Going natural means avoiding all heat and chemical treatments.
While many choose to avoid heat and chemicals, others incorporate them responsibly. For example, silk presses can provide a temporary straight style without compromising hair health when done correctly. The key is hydration and moisture.

Misconception: Natural hair is “unmanageable” or “difficult to maintain.”
Natural hair, like any other hair type, requires proper care and understanding. With the right techniques, products, and education, maintaining natural hair becomes straightforward. Having a routine makes a huge difference.

What’s one book, podcast, or platform that has significantly influenced the way you work or think?

A book that shaped my way of thinking and work is “We Should All Be Millionaires” by Rachel Rodgers. If you are starting a business, I highly recommend this book. She teaches us how to navigate the struggles of entrepreneurship and when to hire and delegate. The book also has exercises you can use to scale your business.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your industry?

Practice your craft, make sure you are good at it, and start marketing yourself online. You should be posting on social media at least 3x a day. Think of social media as your storefront, we want to know you are open so the more you post quality videos the more traffic your page will get. Also, engage with your audience they want to connect with you so be relatable.

Free business consultation.

Tailored brand packages for small businesses ready to scale up.

How do you stay motivated and balanced in the face of professional challenges?

I like to have a routine. A structured routine creates stability and reduces stress.

I also like to create goals. Every morning, I like to create a to-do list for my day so I can execute them by the end of the day. Having short-term and long-term goals gives me direction and keeps me focused on progress rather than obstacles.

What impact do you hope to leave on your industry or community through your work?

My role model is Madam C.J. Walker. I would want to equip hairstylists and entrepreneurs with the skills and mindset to thrive, ensuring the next generation inherits a thriving and innovative industry. I would want to build a sustainable business that creates jobs, supports other professionals, and uplifts the community. I would like my clients to embrace their individuality and confidence by wearing their natural hair.

Network With Isata Jay :

IG: isatajay_beauty:| TIKTOK: iSATAJAY_
ISATAJAYBEAUTY.COM
ISATAJAY@ISATAJAYBEAUTY.COM

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