From Broke College Student to Entrepreneur: Jamila's Story

Well!! Where to begin?? My name is Jamilah Nia Hakim. I started my business Nia's Hair in the Fall of 2011. I came up with the idea because i wanted to have my own hustle on campus. I wanted to sell something that I knew was popping, something everybody will always want.

I watched the movie "Good Hair Bad Hair" one day and it inspired me to enter the million dollar industry of selling pure virgin remy hair. So I got all my ideas together and presented it to my father (my investor) and my mother. They both supported me and helped me get my business off the ground. So it became a full fledge BUSINESS instead of a hustle, something that im still trying to get people to understand.

Now one of the challenges I face is selling an luxury item to people. Many women don't understand good quality hair and want to be cheap, so i face negative comments from time to time which doesn't bother me at all. I have experienced Youtube gurus who try to take advantage of companies and get what THEY want. The positive side of this business is the feeling i get when someone sends me a picture of them rocking my beautiful product in their head. It's a great feeling, it makes me feel like my hard work is well worth it.

Now being a full time student I have to focus on my studies as well as my business, which at times can be hectic but I've pretty much got it under control. One of my biggest accomplishments was getting hair to Nikki Nicole Dillard from Kandi Koated Nights! She is well on her way to becoming famous. My mother who is a spiritual advisor found her on twitter and wrote her some nice things. After establishing a relationship I asked her to advertise some hair for me and she gave me a shoutout on the show and everything! She looks great in my hair and now i'm working to try to network with her.

I continue to work hard for my business until i make it to the top! Some advice i can give to young entrepreneurs like myself is never give up NO MATTER WHAT! Always strive for your goals! If you are religious pray!! God listens!!! Much Love!


As told by,

Jamilah Hakim
Niashairboutique.bigcartel.com

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