Meet Jolene Hayes | Natural Hair Stylist & Loctician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jolene Hayes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jolene, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
The most important lesson I’ve learned in business is to never undervalue my work not even by a small modification. People respect and revisit businesses that don’t bargain the cost of their goods and/or services provided.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the owner of JO LENE Gentle Braids & Natural Hair Care, a natural hair salon in East Dallas. I am best known for providing pain-free braid, twist and loc services. I am most proud of the fact that many women and children have learned to see, love, and appreciate the beauty of their natural hair because of the service and hair care tips I have provided them. I got to where I am today business-wise by simply doing what God has placed in my spirit for me to do. It wasn’t easy, because I’ve often second guessed myself. I’ve had to shut off the negative self-talk and take whatever the next step was faithfully without giving myself time to overthink it. I’ve learned to believe in my abilities more and doubt myself less. I want the world to know I love everything there is to love about natural hair. At JO LENE Gentle Braids & Natural Hair Care “good” hair is healthy hair and if you have hair growing fully from your head, then it’s good.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting the area for a week, we’d be discovering a lot of places together since I don’t really go out much. We’d probably visit Pinstack, have a drink and food at Bar Louie’s, or hang out in Deep Ellum. I’d also love to take a walk or bike ride around a park or lake or go do something fun with the kids. The most fun and exciting places are always where the crowd is a mix of people of different backgrounds, culture, and sexual orientation. So whatever places draw the most eclectic group of people, that’s where we’d be.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give thanks to 3 clients in particular; Shonda Hawkins, Kelly Allen, and Sharon Alexander. Each of these women have provided support and encouragement beyond the salon and chair. They helped me to see my work as more than just a hustle. Through light conversation and gifts of appreciation they reminded me that I am a small business owner. This pushed me to think seriously about my growth not only in business but also in general as a mother and friend. I’d, also, like to shoutout all my clients that have been with me continuously since I opened up shop inside The Village Salons of Lakewood. The positive words they use to describe my work and me as a stylist has reshaped the way I think of myself and the work I do. Because of them, I am more confident in the services I provide and my ability to provide those services well.

Website: https://jolene.as.me

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jo_lenegbnhc

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jolenegbnhc

Image Credits
Anthony Coleman