Phreedum: Tell me a little bit about how you started the
Jspot?
JD: I’ve always had an interest and an eye for makeup.
Initially I started by helping family and friends while I worked a 9-5 doing collections. I was growing weary of that job and thought
if I was going to work, why not do work that I enjoy? I decided to try to work
at MAC and in order to do so I needed more education to my instinct and personal
know how. I went to Von Lee Aesthetics to really hone in my skills. I worked at
MAC for a year before returning to Von Lee Aesthetics to learn about skincare.
This time when I finished I decided to do freelance work. My freelance work morphed
into the Jspot.
Phreedum: How
exactly did you come up with the name Jspot?
JD: My first name
is Jalea, so I knew it was going to be J something. One day I was watching the
show “Girlfriends” and it was the
episode were Joan is pitching names for the restaurant she wanted to start. Jspot was the name she really liked. And, so
did I.
Phreedum: Who are
you in 5 words?
JD: Determined,
goal driven, resilient, bossy, passionate.
Phreedum: What
has been a highlight for you as an entrepreneur?
JD: The respect
and support that I have received for my work has been amazing. My friends and family have been encouraging
from the beginning and through the years I’ve gained so much support from
clients. It’s just really great to see so much love from people and it’s for
something I really enjoy doing.
Phreedum: What do
you enjoy most about the work you do?
JD: I truly enjoy
my clients. I enjoy meeting different people who trust me to help them enhance
the natural beauty they already possess. I get to teach them things so they can
become confident in caring for their skin and looking their best. My client’s
keep me going.
Phreedum: How
does Jspot change the lives of others?
JD: Being in the beauty industry, I think it gives
my client, men and women, confidence. I educate them and increase their
awareness about their skin type and skin health. I think some people think the
services I provide are a luxury and unnecessary, but people have real issues
when it comes to skin care and that can really hamper their confidence and
ability to fully enjoy their life. Skin health
his just as important as the health of the rest of your body. People come to me
and I get to help them understand everything that impacts their skin and how
they can start making changes and see results.
If you look good chances are you are going to feel good. Who doesn’t
want to feel good?
Phreedum: What
has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
JD: Two things. The first is to put aside your
expectations and what you think will happen. Sometimes if you over think or
expect too much too fast you can become afraid and doubtful. Fear and doubt are
dream killers not enhancers. The second is to do what you feel and if you stand
behind it it will work out. This is my
version of the whole “follow your heart and things will fall into place” saying.
Phreedum: What’s
the best thing about being an entrepreneur in the Baltimore area?
JD: I think over
the past few years the entrepreneurs in Baltimore have increasingly been more
supportive of each other. I think when I first started it felt more of a “mine
is mine” mentality and I think that was and is unnecessary. If you are an
entrepreneur just do what you do well and you won’t have to be threatened by
other entrepreneurs who do what they do well. The increasing camaraderie here
is really great and I can honestly say in Baltimore that we support each other.
Phreedum: What is
it that most people don’t get about skin care and makeup?
JD: It’s not
rocket science. As far as makeup, there is no book that says you have to wear
foundation, eye liner, etc. I recommend
that you put on whatever makeup you feel like putting on and don’t overdo it.
Regarding skin care- that is a reflection of your health. Your face is
reflective of your diet. Watch what you
are eating and if you are having problems see a professional.
Phreedum: Besides
your makeup and skin care services you recently tried your hand at event
organizing and fund raising, can you tell me more about that?
JD: Recently I
organized and hosted “Kiss Cancer Goodbye.” In December of 2010 my hair stylist
died of Lymphoma cancer. I noticed a lot of beauty companies were doing things
regarding breast cancer and I wanted to do something for my hair stylist. It
really started with me designing a t shirt and then that grew into an event.
All of the money made from the t shirts and the event went to a family struggling
to pay the medical cost associated with fighting cancer. I started planning the
event on November 2, 2011 and had it on December 29th 2011. We raised
about $1000.00.
Phreedum: Very
impressive.
JD: Thank you.
Phreedum: Last
question, if Jspot was a shade of lipstick, what would it be?
JD: A bright teal.
Teal isn’t a primary color so that means it’s a mixture of other colors
and the end result is a color I love. Jspot has been a mixture of passion,
support, experience and skill. I’ve used all of those things to create and
continue to build a business that’s my own and that I love.
For more information about Jalea visit jspotbeauty.com. or follow
her on Twitter @Jspotbeauty
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