From braids to a silk press, many young black and brown people have a personal experience getting their hair done. Whether it's getting it done every week or waiting months to finally get it done, these unique experiences we have collectively have brought us together more than we know. Growing up, my mother would always try to keep my sisters and my hair in style and maintained. We all had thick, 4C hair and she would do what she could to keep up. At around 8 or 9 years old, my mother began to push me to help her while she did my hair. It started with just asking me to finish the braids down to the bottom and evolved into me washing, prepping, and doing half of the work. By 10 years old, I was doing my hair and trying tons of new styles as I got older. Because I started doing my own hair so young and my parents couldn't afford to take me to a salon, I quickly began to try new things. Reaching the end of middle school, I started to do my nails, brows, etc. It came as second nature to me and I loved learning new things. Going through high school, I would get asked to start a business doing hair or nails by all of my peers and family members. I knew I wanted to start a business, but I wasn't sure if being an independent hairstylist was best for me. Reaching the end of high school and choosing Entrepreneurship to be my major, I had to figure out how to include all my passions in the businesses I want to pursue in the future. I want to create something bigger than myself that can benefit the people in my community. Choosing to open salons and beauty supply stores is only a fraction of the things I want to pursue in the future but it is one of my biggest goals and will be the first business I open. There are a lot of cosmetologists and estheticians that either don't have the proper education or don't have the opportunity to have a space in a salon. Providing both a safe and open environment could allow many more people to be able to pursue their dream legitimately. It is very important to me that the salons I open provide the best education and certifications possible. Cosmetologists and estheticians should know how to work will all skin/hair types and know how to use the proper techniques necessary for each client. My goal is to be able to search my communities for passionate, creative, and adaptable estheticians and cosmetologists that are looking for a salon family to join. Because I also want to open many other businesses and get into the music and entertainment business, I want to be able to intertwine them all. I hope to be able to provide bigger opportunities to everyone that may work in my salons. Cosmetology has been a big part in my life since I can remember and has had a bigger impact on me than I could’ve imagined. It is very important to me to include my passions in my career decisions because I want to love what I do. I am looking forward to beginning my journey with opening salons and beauty supply stores as well as helping my community as much as possible.