Sometimes we have people in our lives that we really want to get to know and for whatever reason, don’t. We’re curious to know more and ask questions but never do. This week I got to chance to change that. I had a sit-down conversation with someone I’ve come to admire. When I got the opportunity to write this article, I knew that she would be the person I’d want to interview first. Let me introduce you to Quay.
Jaquavia Jacques (Quay) is currently a senior at Florida State University majoring in Public Health on a pre-dental track; she is also a CEO. The start of her business came from a mere hobby in the 7th grade. She began doing her own hair, then her siblings, then her friends. And eventually, she had enough people to call them clients. Although it started with a different name, LoverGirlHair has grown alongside Quay for a few years. She started out as a stylist, then began selling hair extensions and is now releasing her own hair products.
Managing a business, keeping up with school, and participating in other organizations isn’t easy. As an entrepreneur and full-time student, Quay stresses the importance of organization using online calendars to keep track of her appointments. But even being organized, things can get overwhelming. So how does she stay inspired to keep going? Quay says, “you have to be your own support system. Especially when you’re working late nights [and] no one is there to help. You have to be your own motivation to continue.”
If you’re thinking of starting your own business, her advice would be to do something that represents you and to always have a why. “I like to make people feel beautiful. I like the smile on their faces when I’m finished with their hair.” She’s also adamant about only starting things that represent you. “[Don’t] do things just because.” As much as you need to be educated about what you want to do, without passion and dedication it’s easy to give up.
Although it’s not something that can be seen or measured, Quay is most proud of her self-growth and self-reliance. When asked where she’ll be in five years, she told me she’s working towards being a millionaire by the age of 25, which is only three years from now. Quay inspires me to never settle and that no goal is unobtainable. She is the ultimate girl boss.
Keep up with Jaquavia on social media @quay.btw & @lovergirlhair!
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