We recently had the chance to connect with Jakeya Howard and have shared our conversation below.
Jakeya, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
A lot of people think waxing is just about removing hair, it’s not. At WaxMePrettyJae, it’s about creating a full self-care experience. I specialize in helping clients feel confident in their skin while providing education for students and beginner waxers who want to level up their technique. People sometimes don’t realize how much skill, precision, and knowledge it takes to do this work safely and professionally. Waxing isn’t just pulling strips. it’s skincare, it’s trust, and it’s artistry.
There’s also this misconception that waxing is “one-size-fits-all” and only for certain skin types or body types. That’s absolutely false. My goal has always been to show Black and brown women, and really all women, that their skin deserves luxury and care. I take pride in creating a clean, welcoming space where every shade of melanin feels celebrated. That’s what WaxMePrettyJae stands for.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
When I started WaxMePrettyJae, I knew I wanted to create more than just a wax studio. I wanted to build a space where women, especially Black and brown women could feel celebrated, confident, and completely at ease in their skin. I’ve always believed that self-care should feel like a luxury, not a chore, and that’s the energy I bring into everything I do.
My journey started with a passion for beauty and skincare, but also with the desire to do things differently. I noticed how intimidating waxing can feel for first-timers, and how often people don’t see professionals who look like them or understand their unique skin needs. That pushed me to not only master my craft but also create a clean, fun, and welcoming vibe that makes clients feel at home the moment they walk in.
WaxMePrettyJae is more than just a place to get smooth, it’s a whole experience. And as my brand has grown, so has my mission. I now work with esthetician students and beginner waxers to teach them the skills and confidence they need to thrive in this industry. For me, it’s about empowerment whether it’s helping a client fall in love with her glow or mentoring the next wave of beauty professionals.
This is bigger than waxing. It’s about showing women that they deserve to take up space, feel beautiful, and invest in themselves unapologetically.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that shaped me the most is the one I have with my daughter. Motherhood didn’t just change me it saved me. Before her, I was in a place where I felt lost, unsure of my purpose, and honestly, just going through the motions. But the moment she came into my life, everything shifted. She gave me a reason to heal, to grow, and to fight for the kind of life I wanted us both to have.
My daughter taught me what unconditional love feels like not just for her, but for myself too. She made me look in the mirror and see a woman who’s capable of so much more than I ever believed. Because of her, I learned how to pour into myself so I could pour into her. She is my light, my peace, and my constant reminder that even in my hardest seasons, I have something and someone worth fighting for. She didn’t just save me; she made me the woman I am today.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self, ‘You are enough, just as you are. Stop being so hard on yourself everything you’re going through is shaping you into the strong, beautiful woman you’re meant to become. Give yourself grace, trust your journey, and don’t let the world dim that light inside of you. One day, all the pain and confusion will make sense, and you’ll be so proud you never gave up on yourself.’’
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the beauty industry is that it’s all glamour and easy money. People don’t see the long hours, the physical toll, and the emotional energy it takes to care for clients and run a business. Another lie is that this work doesn’t require real skill or education. Waxing isn’t just ‘ripping hair off’ it’s an art and a science. You have to know skin, technique, hygiene, and how to create an experience that keeps people coming back.”
There’s also this unspoken idea that the industry is only for a certain type of client or professional people with a certain look or skin tone. That’s false. Beauty is for everyone, and so is this industry. That’s why I built my brand to feel inclusive and empowering, especially for Black and brown women who are often overlooked in these spaces.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I think my customers would miss the experience I create the most. It’s not just about the wax it’s about how I make them feel when they’re in my space. They’d miss the comfort, the laughs, the way I make them feel confident and cared for no matter what. So many of my clients tell me they feel safe and celebrated with me, like they can fully relax and leave all their worries at the door. That’s what they’d miss not just the service, but the energy and connection we’ve built together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://servicesbyjae.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waxmeprettyjae?igsh=MTY2OGo1anhyMThwYg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
