This Dope Female Barber Is Breaking Stereotypes As A True Mother/Hustler
So many of the moments in our life feel motivated by fear, but the key is to feel it and do it anyway.
When Jaelyn Langston left her job as a grade-school teacher, she had no idea that she would become one of the most well-known and most sought out female barbers in New Orleans, but she did it anyway. The 35-year-old barber shared that while she enjoyed teaching, the vulgar vernacular on her social media pages quickly became a topic of conversation in the teacher's lounge and she made a decision to choose a career that allowed her the freedom of expression.
While pursuing a new career as an adult was scary for the mother-of-one, issa fact that doubt kills more dreams than failure ever could. She told xoNecole, "When the universe taps you on your shoulder, answer. We all know when it's time to move on but we get stalled by fear and uncertainty. Test the water! We'll be surprised to learn there's nothing this universe wouldn't award us."
Now, instead of lining kids up for snack time, Jae spends her time hooking New Orleans men up with a snack-worthy line-up. Although Jae enjoyed the stability of her 9 to 5, this Mother/Hustler says that her sanity was more valuable. Jae told xoNecole, "I often think about the consistent pay and schedule and how life seemed a tad bit more simple, but it also felt out of alignment with who I am; I couldn't imagine clocking hours for someone else's dream."
Along with being a full-time barber, multimedia personality, and positive vibe-pusher, Jae puts most of her energy into raising her 10-year-old king. According to Jae, because her time is so limited, she makes sure to use it valuably, "Time is one of the most important assets, if not the most important. Build rituals and routines that keep you motivated and grounded. Revisit and adjust regularly."
We sat down and talked to Jae about how she manages being a full-time mom and 24/7 hustler all while minding her self-care at the same damn time. Here's what she had to say:
How do you handle moments when you feel overwhelmed?
"In moments where I feel overwhelmed, I carve out a space to gather myself. I stop to breathe and sort through my feelings and get to the bottom of why I'm feeling overwhelmed. Then, I fix what I can and release what I can't."
"I carve out a space to gather myself. I stop to breathe and sort through my feelings and get to the bottom of why I'm feeling overwhelmed. Then, I fix what I can and release what I can't."
What’s the hardest part of your day?
"I honestly don't know what the 'hardest' part of my day is. That's just not how my mind works now. There are things that need to be done … I do them and move on the next thing to do. Sometimes I have to move on from a project to avoid frustration and getting stuck, but I wouldn't call that hard. I'd call that maneuvering."
How (and how often) do you practice self-care?
"It's mandatory that I practice self-care daily. Usually, it's in the form of my morning ritual: morning joint, meditation, stretch, and workout. I also have random moments of nude dancing where I embrace my body and spirit or grounding under a favorite tree."
When do you feel most productive?
"I feel most productive when I've completed a task outside of my comfort zone. I'm not much on networking or cutting deals with strangers or distant associates, so when I'm able to check off an objective that falls under that umbrella, I feel extra good."
What is your advice for dealing with mom guilt?
"The best advice I could give for mom guilt would be don't beat yourself up for the sacrifices you have to make today. The tomorrows will be so much better because of them. Communicate your feelings with your children. They can understand and respect what we're going through if given an opportunity to do so. My son is very perceptive… and feels me. It takes more energy trying to keep things from him, so I've found it's easier and more beneficial to just let him know how I feel about my 'current mom status.'"
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned as an entrepreneur?
"[Practice] consistent effort with your goal in mind and be prepared to do it ALL even if you don't have to. Everything will not always be aligned and you'll HAVE to jump in to get things done to keep moving."
What is the most important lesson you want your kid(s) to learn from you?
"The most important lesson my son can learn from me is, happiness is possible and plentiful. Explore this world and continuously find new ways to love yourself. Self-care is necessary and may often be confused for being selfish by those who aren't willing to understand. Those who do care to understand will encourage all works that lead to your happiness."
"The most important lesson my son can learn from me is, happiness is possible and plentiful. Explore this world and continuously find new ways to love yourself."
How has being a mother helped you become a better entrepreneur (or vice versa)?
"Being a mother puts the fire under you to succeed. Your biggest fan is watching front row and center at all times. I have no choice but to be honest about my efforts and success. It's easy to bullshit yourself but it's a little tougher to when your wide-eyed, inquisitive child is watching."
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a mom who runs a business?
"The biggest challenge being a mom and entrepreneur is figuring out a way to keep the money flowing when you have to drop everything and be a mom. I have no 'sick days' or 'vacation time'. I have to be prepared to make money even when physically can't make money."
Do you think it’s important to keep your personal and professional life separate? Why or why not?
"The need or desire to keep one's personal and professional life separate would be based on the individual. My brand was birthed out of my transparency, so there is a very blurred line with my personal and professional life. Of course there are things that remain private, but for the most part, expressing the ins and outs of my journey have only contributed to the success of my business endeavors. I would say to anyone be true to who you are. People gravitate toward authenticity. If you're forcing it, your audience/market will know."
"Expressing the ins and outs of my journey have only contributed to the success of my business endeavors. I would say to anyone be true to who you are.
What tips do you have for financial planning, both professionally and for your family?
"Budget. Determine what percentages make sense and stick to those numbers. We can't and don't skim off the top with the light bill or car insurance; don't do it with your own goals. Handle your budgets the way you handle your bills… put the money where it NEEDS to be. Build both a personal and professional 'Just in Case' account. Having a cushion is always good."
Keep up with Jae by following her on Instagram @Jae_Every_Dae.
Featured image by @coseyphoto.
Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Sheila Rashid's Androgynous Approach To Unisex Clothing Is A Lesson In Embracing Individuality
The ItGirl 100 List is a celebration of 100 Black women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table.
For Sheila Rashid, it all started with some free-hand drawings and a few strokes of paint.
The Chicago-based clothing designer and creative director of Sheila Rashid Brand recalls using her spare time in high school to hand paint designs on t-shirts and distressed hoodies, distributing them to classmates as walking billboards for her art.
Rashid sought to pursue fashion design at Columbia College in Chicago but eventually took the self-taught route to build upon her knack for crafting one-of-a-kind, androgynous pieces.
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Thanks to the mentorship of local designers taking her under their wings, Rashid was able to gain valuable experience in putting together collections and creating patterns; equipping her with them with the necessary skills to pursue her own collections.
After two years of living in New York, Rashid returned home to the Chi and uncovered the unique flair she could offer the city. “I moved to New York after that because I wanted to be in the fashion capital world,” she tells xoNecole. “That's when I really got a leg up. I found myself when I moved back to Chicago after moving to New York.”
For the Midwest native, inspiration comes from her time around creative peers and the city’s notorious winters — known to be a main character in many Chicagoans stories. “It's a different perspective and mindset when I'm making stuff because of the weather here,” she explains. “When we get summer, it’s ‘Summertime Chi’ — it's amazing. It's beautiful. Still, I find myself always making clothes that cater to the winter.”
"I moved to New York after that because I wanted to be in the fashion capital world. That's when I really got a leg up. I found myself when I moved back to Chicago after moving to New York.”
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Many designers have a signature aesthetic or theme in their creations. In Rashid’s design story, dancing between the lines of femininity and masculinity is how she’s been able to distinguish herself within the industry. Her androgynous clothing has garnered the eye of celebrities like Zendaya, Chance the Rapper, WNBA star Sydney Colson, and more — showing her range and approach to designs with inclusivity in mind.
“I think I do reflect my own style,” she says. “When I do make pieces, I'm very tomboyish, androgynous. My work is unisex because I feel like everybody can wear it. I cater to everybody and that's how I try to approach my clothes.” From denim to overalls, and color-drenched outerwear, Rashid has mastered the structure of statement pieces that tell a story.
“Each collection, I never know what's going to be the thing I'm going to focus on. I try to reflect my own style and have fun with the storytelling,” she shares. “I look at it more like it's my art in this small way of expressing myself, so it's not that calculated.”
"My work is unisex because I feel like everybody can wear it. I cater to everybody and that's how I try to approach my clothes."
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Still, if you were able to add up all the moments within Rashid’s 20-year career in design, one theme that has multiplied her into becoming an “ItGirl” is her confidence to take up space within the fashion industry as a queer, Black woman. “Being an ItGirl is about being yourself, loving what you do, finding your niche, and mastering that,” she says.
No matter where you are on your ItGirl journey, Rashid says to always remain persistent and never hesitate to share your art with the world. “Don’t give up. Even if it's something small, finish it and don't be afraid to put it out,” she says, “It's about tackling your own fear of feeling like you have to please everybody, but just please yourself, and that's good enough.”
To learn more about the ItGirl 100 List, view the full list here.
Featured image Courtesy