Author: LaToya Wilson

Jaqueline is the sole owner of JP Advising, which operates two ways via financial planning and math tutoring. She specializes in budgeting, debt management and general financial planning services for personal and business customers. JP Advising has the privilege of offering math tutoring for students grades 3 to college level math.

Personal budgeting and debt management along with math tutoring has been the most sought offer services offered by JP Advising. Jacqueline is extremely proud of how successful the business has been by gaining new clients consistently and being utilized for events.

She believes that her unique mix of services creates the perfect niche that sets her apart from other businesses. Jacqueline fell in love with math at an early age. During her professional career she spent years teaching math and tutoring kids.

While studying Finance in college, she fell in love with the idea of being able to do something she loves, which is teaching Math and assisting others with Math in real-life situations. These passions are what drove her to structure the business in a special way. Being able to help children in an early age understand and develop a love for math is something that will stick with them throughout their lives. She strongly believes that her business will provide the bridge that this industry has been missing for a long time.

You have a unique perspective in the way your business is structured. It’s actually brilliant! What was your inspiration behind combining both Finance and Math tutoring services? 

The inspiration behind my business and purpose is solely based from my past experiences as a professional working in Finance, Accounting, and as a Math teacher and also my personal experiences. Through these experiences, I was able to witness first hand the importance of education and also education of money management to my generation and those to come after. I have always been a Math and numbers person for as long as I can remember. Unfortunately, a lot of people are not as savvy with numbers or Math, if they even like it. However, I noticed that with most people who struggle with Math also struggle with money management and personal finance. This motivated me to bridge the gap between the two and build my business based around that idea. I figured if I could teach kids and teenagers not only Math concepts but also about Personal Finance and Money Management it could help shape the future of these younger generations who do not receive this type of education in school. This mindset also pushed me to look more into the adults as well who may have not received this type of education or even been taught at home. I believe that no matter how old we get or how long we have been out of school, we are always learning. 

You have a degree in Finance so the obvious choice in my mind would be to go into a field with your degree; however were there any other professions you considered before starting your business? 

Yes, I did consider other professions, especially coming out of college, I bounced around between Accounting, Finance, and Teaching. However, sad to say those dreams were shut down pretty quickly, within a few years of graduating college. I had always dreamed of being a top financial executive for this major corporation and that I had worked my way up to the position that I ultimately deserved, but reality hit hard. Being a college graduate, I was told a lot of times that I didn’t qualify for certain positions because I didn’t have enough experience (I know I am not the first to say that). I always wondered how am I supposed to gain experience when no one, I mean, no one will give me a chance? So I landed a lot of different opportunities but nothing major, nothing that lived up to my expectations. I didn’t see myself growing within the company and I always felt that there was a ceiling above my head. I eventually grew tired of the routine and mediocre pay and then on top of it all not being able to make my own rules and be my own boss. I had reached my breaking point in January 2018 and I walked away from my last job. I knew that the only way that I would reach my dreams was to start my own business and be my own boss. So that is exactly what I did. 

I love that you offer money management to the youth which is a huge thing and oftentimes even as adults we don’t know how to manage money. What challenges have you encountered with that population? 

I have ran into some challenges of just pushing the importance of money management to youth. Some just do not understand how important it is just because they are so young and haven’t really had to deal with money or finances. Some have parents who don’t really stress the importance either. So just trying to bridge that gap and break down some of these generational curses, pushes me to continue to keep educating our youth about these important factors of life. In the end, most parents and youth do understand how important financial literacy is and they want to learn if they do not know. I pride myself in being a good educator and being able to connect with my students, whether young or old(er).  Besides that I have always loved a challenge! 

What new things are on the horizon for JP Advising?  I am rolling out more group Math sessions and group Financial Literacy classes. I am offering most of those group classes virtually through Zoom but I am hoping to get some in person group sessions as well later in the year. I have also created my own practice Math Workbooks for 1st grade Math through Algebra 2 and I have created my own Budgeting Planner System. I am super excited for what this year has to bring. I have truly been blessed to stay in business and not really be too negatively impacted by COVID. I do have to say that COVID has definitely allowed me to open my business to other avenues of how I operate. I am very optimistic about this year and I expect to reach more youth and adults. 

How can our readers connect with your services?

 I travel for work throughout the year because I have clients all over so I can be contacted through email at jpadvisingllc@icloud.com or through my website at www.jpadvisingllc.com (contact us page). For my young people who are all about social media, I can also be reached on Instagram @jpadvising and on Facebook @jpadvisingllc  . 

Our hair is our style, our history (or herstory), our personality and even our culture. Jasmine found it to be a way of bonding and socializing with other women.

Jasmine has personally worn hair extensions for over 27 years and whenever she tried to find a hair extension company that delivered both excellent customer service and quality products, the industry was lacking. The entire process was difficult and made her fearful of buying hair extensions from a new company because of her past experiences. She found that most companies were just after money rather than providing the service they advertised.

This forced Jasmine to take it upon herself and take the negative experiences and turn them positive. This is how Herstory Hair was created. A hair company and platform that serves as a supportive environment for women to aid each other with their growth by connecting and encouraging one another through sharing personal stories.

Jasmine managed to eliminate the frustration and devastation of trying multiple hair companies only to be disappointed in the end by the lack of customer service and quality products. With Herstory Hair the work is already done for you. Jasmine has handpicked the highest quality of raw Cambodian, Raw Indian and Virgin hair extension manufacturers.

She is so proud of the effort and commitment that went into making this dream a reality, but more importantly the connections made along the way. The women she has met have been outstanding individuals who have provided immeasurable support and inspiration. Now, being able to return the joy that they gave me, is a gift that will never stop giving.

Jasmine, Herstory Hair launched on January 15th and knowing your background with all the disappointments with other hair companies, what was the defining moment when you knew you had to get into the game and change it?

The defining moment was ordering hair from a well-known hair company and receiving the hair and it was trash. I was not even able to get a response from the hair company’s customer service until weeks after many phone calls and emails. When I finally got a response, the person on the line did not sound like me and I’m quite sure they didn’t look like me. I was fed up with people not caring about the person on the other end. I said to myself, these people do not care about the black woman, the just want our money! That’s when I said I’m going to start my own hair company and I’m going to nurture the black woman. I’m going to make sure she receives the best products and customer service. We do not have to put up with this kind of treatment.

You entered into an industry that is saturated with hair extension businesses. Then Herstory Hair stepped onto the scene. What makes your brand different from the rest in the industry?

Herstory Hair is a company whose goal is to nurture and create a beautiful self awareness from the inside out. We believe that beauty starts from within. Its not just a hair company, it is a platform that will do just that.

As someone who does not wear hair extensions, other than braids, what advice would you give me as a first timer or virgin to the extension lifestyle, for lack of a better word?

I would applaud you for wanting to wear a style that would be protective for your natural tresses. The key is to be kind to your natural hair and scalp while wearing the extensions. Your natural hair should not be overmanipulated or neglected. Its very important to get them installed properly and not wear them too tight or to have them in for an extended amount of time without proper care. There are maintenance requirements that need to be followed when wearing hair extensions.

What is it about hair extensions that boost confidence in women?

There is a reciprocal relationship between emotions and appearance. It is scientifically proven that “bad hair” days increase levels of self-doubt and personal criticism. A high-quality weave could surely extend a positive attitude about oneself. I believe in putting a confident woman in the hair extensions. The hair is just an added bonus to the confident woman. This is what sets Herstory Hair apart from other hair companies. We want to create beauty from the inside that will radiate on the outside.

Jasmine, you also have a Facebook group called “Queens Talk by Herstory Hair”. Tell us what this group is about and how it enhances your brand.

Queens Talk by Herstory Hair is not just a Facebook group. Right now, its also a virtual event where women can share their stories with one another for uplifting encouragement, empowerment, and inspiration. There is healing power that comes from sharing one’s ideas and experiences. Again, Herstory Hair is all about nurturing each other as women.

Finally, what is one thing you want our readers to know about HerStory?

I want readers to know that there is power in sharing. There is always someone whose been through an exact or similar situation and has made it through resiliently. I’ve been there. And it was connecting with women who shared their stories with me that got me through. We are all Queens and we deserve the best. I’m going to provide the best!

What is your definition of A Pretty Woman Who Hustle’s?

A pretty woman who hustles is one that is very self-aware. Her purpose is to lift up , help and not tear down all while making a few coins.

Connect with Jasmine and the HerStory Extensions brand online on their website