Jenise McBride is the CEO of Angelically Kute, a protective-style Hair Salon, and the Founder of H.E.R-Volution University, an online platform that is revolutionalizing hair ergonomics. Over 6 years ago, Jenise decided that she was done with weaves, flat-irons, and relaxers and began her natural hair journey. Like many women who decide to “go natural,” Jenise discovered there were not many styling options. So, she decided to change all of that!
Jenise taught herself, and then mastered, the Versatile and Seamless Knotless Crochet braiding techniques, as well as other protective styles such as Faux Locs, Crochet Box Braids and Senegalese twists. As she began to practice her skills on family and friends, word quickly spread. In the blink of an eye, her protective styling business, Angelically Kute, was born.
Now, equipped with her unwavering passion, healthy hair knowledge, and superb customer service, Jenise has changed the dynamic of the hair protective styling industry as we know it. Her innovative and forward-thinking, in creating “seamless hairlines,” has led to an extensive roster of clients ranging from The Everyday Mom to The Sophisticated Elite and rising celebrities. She even began producing revitalizing hair oils to promote healthy hair growth.
Jenise is a sought-after natural hair care protective stylist nationally and internationally. She travels across the country throughout the year for her loyal clients and to teach Educational Workshops about her AngelicallyKute Crochet Method.
GGR caught up with the self-described “innovator” for a chit-chat about her journey to becoming Atlanta’s Master Crochetologist.
Tell us a little about your family background relating to Guyana.
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York but her parents are from Guyana. My mom was born in Ituni and grew up in Linden. Her maiden name is Facey and her Uncle, Sam Facey, was a well-known police officer. My dad was born in Linden.
Did you always know you wanted to work in the hair industry?
No. I went to College to be a radiology technician and halfway through decided that it wasn’t for me. I’ve always known how to braid since a child and did it as a little side hustle in college but I grew to love it, then my clientele grew through word of mouth. Social media spread my work even further and it became a full-grown business and grew into what it is today. What would you say most motivates you to do what you do?
What do you love most about what you do?
I love creating and making women feel and look amazing and beautiful. I also enjoy doing hair and creating my own schedule, being my own boss and making a great living doing what was once a hobby
What would you say is your biggest accomplishment?
Creating an online platform to teach women how to create economic power for themselves by teaching them my techniques and how to be a successful Business owner.
What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
Hmm, that I was a Seamstress and fashion designer. My business started out as Angelicallykute which was a kids couture line and I was selected as a designer for Taliah Waajid Fashion Show which was my first introduction into the Natural Hair world. I was also featured in a magazine sold all over the U.S and Canada for my designs along with being featured as a designer for the celebrity kids fashion show.
Do you have any mentors or key people who have deeply influenced who you are?
My Mom. She has taught me how to work hard for what I want and not to depend on anyone or look for any hand-outs. Dr. Kari the creator of the Megan Goode Goddess Locs is a great colleague and mentor. Tiffini Gatlin of LATCHEDNHOOKED has been immensely helpful along my journey as well.
What are some challenges or obstacles that you’ve had to deal with?
The feeling of not being enough and finding a balance to manage both my personal and business life. I’m also reluctant to entrust others to help me because I’ve had people around me who didn’t always operate with integrity. Therefore, allowing someone to manage my business is hard to do for me.
What advice would you give a young girl/woman who wants to pursue a similar career?
To work hard and be true to yourself. Stay focused and create a plan to get you where you want to be in life. Don’t worry about how and what others are doing because people will portray a different life to you on social media to where that can become a distraction and take you off your path. Study every facet of the business and surround yourself with great like-minded people.
What would you say is the essence of being a woman who rocks?
Helping others and being genuine and authentic. Anyone can give you a motivational speech but are they providing you with a way to have economic power like other communities do? We keep everything a secret because in our minds we think they will take away what we have if we share when it’s truly the opposite. There is no greater success than being of service to others in ways that can help them to provide a better life for themselves.
What’s next for you or what are you most looking forward to?
I look forward to building a community of successful women through my online platform H.E.R-Volution which stands for Hair. Ergonomic. Revolution. That is revolutionizing the way in which we do and think about hair. I look forward to using this platform to help women build healthy successful businesses and teaching innovative techniques for various styles such as my seamless crochet braids installations and more at www.Herv-University.com
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