Jackie Simien
March 13, 2017
Jackie Simien has interviewed a former U.S. President, a former U.S. Vice President, civil rights activists and countless entertainers in a journalism career that has spanned 20 years. She would say, though, that one of the most exciting things she has ever done was leave the news desk to launch her own communications company, J. Simien Media.
Simien began her professional career as a journalist following her graduation from Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge. At LSU she earned a degree in Mass Communications, with minors in English and History. Immediately following graduation she had the rare opportunity to be a paid intern at WFTV Channel 9, the ABC affiliate in Orlando, Florida.
From Orlando, she returned to her hometown of Lake Charles, Louisiana to become a reporter at the station she grew up watching, KPLC TV, the NBC affiliate. At KPLC Simien was the featured night side reporter, and she hosted and produced the monthly half-hour public affairs program, “Emphasis.”
Jackie Simien spent the bulk of her career in Beaumont, Texas. She started her tenure as the weekend anchor at KFDM Channel 6, and worked her way up to the position of main co-anchor of the 10 PM weeknight newscast. She took a brief break from television news to become the first spokeswoman for Inspire, Encourage, Achieve (Ben’s Kids), a non-profit organization that provides assistance to children involved in the criminal justice system. Simien returned to television in 2009 to 12News HD, Beaumont’s ABC affiliate, assuming the position of solo anchor of the 5 PM newscast and main co-anchor of the 6 and 10 PM newscasts. Two years after her arrival, 12News became #1 in the ratings for the first time in station history. She also set record-breaking ratings for the 5 PM newscast. Among the most memorable interviews of her career were those with former President George W. Bush, former Vice President Dan Quayle, civil rights icon Dick Gregory, and entertainment legends Merv Griffin, Burt Reynolds, and Beyonce.
In September 2015, Jackie Simien left her position as 5, 6, and 10 PM news anchor at 12News to begin J. Simien Media. Among the clients to whom she provides public relations expertise are Hyundai of Silsbee, Creative Corrections Education Foundation, The Allison Law Firm, and Southern Creole Foods. She is a dedicated member of Alpha Kapa Alpha Sorority, The Links Incorporated, Jack & Jill of America Incorporated and The Parish Council of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church. She is also author of the Creole children’s book, “Bonjour, Tee Belle,” which is dedicated to her Creole French speaking mother. She is the mother of a teen daughter.
It defeats the very purpose of who we are to not try our very best to get it right.
Q. Who or what inspired you to start a career in broadcast journalism?
A. Television and books were my best friends growing up. I loved watching the news. Oprah Winfrey eventually became an inspiration, as well as my hometown news anchor, Cynthia Arceneaux.
Q. You were on the news at a time when there weren’t many who looked like you. How did you deal with those challenges?
A. Ironically, when I moved to Beaumont to accept what was my second job in television, I was one of FOUR Black women at the very same station, and there were three other Black women at the other two stations in town. That was unheard of. I didn’t think I would get the job here because during my interview I noticed two of the other ladies in the newsroom. Little did I know, there were three (the other was out on a story). I thought to myself, “They don’t need me around here. I might not get this.” I was hired and worked alongside Darlene Dorsey, Saki Indakwa and Marcia Marbury. There was zero rivalry among us. That was twenty years ago. Darlene is the only one still in the business. We all still keep in touch to this day.
Q. News reporters are often criticized even when the error isn’t their fault. Were you ever verbally attacked because of a story that you reported? If so, how did you deal with it?
A. Absolutely, and often! I dealt with it by going through stories step-by-step with those who criticized me (us). For example, if a complainant said, “You said on the news that the robber was a man and it turned out to be a woman.” I would say, “Did you hear ME say the robber was a man, or did you hear me say, ‘Police say the robber is a man?’” Often viewers don’t always hear what they THINK they heard. It’s not always their fault. But there are times when we have been wrong, too. I admit that. I assure you, though, that our goal is to be 100% accurate. It defeats the very purpose of who we are to not try our very best to get it right. Oftentimes, inexperience is an issue. That’s not an excuse, but it is a reason.
Q. Do you think that Black women have a more difficult time progressing in broadcast journalism than other races?
A. I think a bigger issue might be size, looks, cosmetics, etc. Looks play a very critical role in the television business (news or otherwise), where women are concerned. A man can grow old doing the news—go bald, get fat, wrinkled, etc. Not many women get the privilege of aging in the same manner on television.
Q. What prompted you to leave broadcast journalism?
A. The demands became impossible. Thanks to the Internet and social media, preparing for the news on television isn’t enough. Now, journalist must tweet about their stories, Facebook, put a story on the station website, go live with their phone as soon as they get to the scene of the story, etc., etc. Television stations in smaller cities like Beaumont aren’t hiring extra people to handle the Internet. They put that extra work on the reporter/anchor. The public thought we got a lot of stuff wrong before, but try doing Facebook live as soon as you get to a story, begging people to let you interview them and get all the facts straight! AND then still try to LOOK CUTE FOR THE CAMERAS after all of that!! It can’t be done! Not successfully.
I don't think enough people know how devastated I am when I am not happy with my work.
Q. What is your most memorable story and why?
A. It would have to be the three part mini-series I did following a group of Port Arthur church members (Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church) on a mission trip to the third-world nation of Haiti. It was my very first trip overseas and my first time in a third-world country. It was life changing! I returned to the United States with a new pair of eyes. Everything looked different to me. After sleeping in mud huts, climbing mountains, staying in an ant-infested hotel on my last night (and that was a luxury compared to the other six days of the trip), I had a new appreciation for my life in the United States.
Q. What advice would you give a young woman that is wanting to go into broadcast journalism?
A. Usually I try to talk them out of it, lol. I encourage them to learn to WRITE WELL because no one is going to write your story for you. YOU are the writer. Somehow that’s being missed. And you must have an interest in EVERYTHING. Every day you are covering something different and from day to day, you don’t know what subject will be in the spotlight. You must know something about everything.
Q. After being a public figure for so long your face is very recognizable. Do you ever wish that you weren’t so well known?
A. In twenty years being recognized has mostly worked in my favor. It’s weird for me now when I’m not recognized. That honestly doesn’t happen very often. In December, I was visiting Germany and I was recognized by a gentleman from Houston on a random street corner. In Germany! That has happened to me in Jamaica, New York City, and Las Vegas. There haven't been too many places I’ve been in the last fifteen years that I wasn’t recognized by at least one person.
Q. You are a woman of many talents. What is one thing that people do not know about you that you wish they did?
A. This isn’t a talent, but I wish people knew that I’m really shy and a bit self-conscious. If I’ve ever “acted funny” with you in public, it’s likely because I’m feeling bad about what I’m wearing or how my hair looks that day. I don’t think that people know how hard I work. Even some members of my own family think that all I did as a news anchor was showed up to work and read. All you have to do is read, they’d say! They didn’t realize all the work I put into rewriting news stores and helping the reporters and producers so that the audience got perspective and facts. I don’t think enough people know how devastated I am when I am not happy with my work. I also think people would be surprised to know that I can be a bit of a comedian. I’m not as serious as some people might think.
Q. Being a business woman is very demanding. How do you make time for yourself and for family?
A. Working for myself has made it easier than ever for me to make time for myself and my family. The work I do now can be done from almost anywhere. I just need my phone and my IPad, for the most part. Since leaving the news business, there haven’t been times that I’ve been at my daughter’s sporting events while still getting some work done. It’s better than missing her events altogether, which is what was happening when I was in the news business. News waits for no one!
Q. What is one quote that you think of that keeps you going when your days are hectic?
A. There isn’t a particular quote. The one good thing about working in news is that deadlines are for real!! I’ve just gotten used to meeting deadlines. So even on my busiest days, I have faith that I’ll “beat the buzzer,” because that’s what I’ve been trained to do!
Dr. Jinneh Dyson
March 6, 2017
Dr. Jinneh Dyson embodies the message of resilience, power, perseverance, and learning to live and be healthy mentally. Her passion for helping people overcome adversities stems from the agony that she experienced when she lost her mother to cancer at the age of 14. Attempting to mask the pain, she surrendered to many of the struggles and low expectations and perceptions of self that affects youth today who are lacking parental guidance and support.
Refusing to become another negative statistic, she turned her losses into lessons and her past mistakes evolved into her personal mission of teaching others how to ThinkUP and create the future they desire in their mind first. Dr. Jinneh uses her story of loss, struggle, and unconventional triumphs to empower, inspire, and transform students, leaders, and people from all walks of life.
Dr. Jinneh holds a Doctorate Degree in Management, specializing in Nonprofit Organizations, and she is also trained in creative visioning, counseling, and organizational leadership. Dr. Jinneh is the founder of The ThinkUP Business Academy, a highly-sought after International Speaker, Best Selling Author, Mental Health Advocate, Non-Profit Consultant, a radio co-host of the Dr. Conte Show, a Fox News contributor, and a contributing writer for Huffington Post and Black Enterprise. She has made appearances on ABC, Fox, and Behind the Headlines. She has also had the honor of being featured in Essence Magazine, The Houston Chronicle, The Oklahoman, The Houston Business Journal, and The Washington Post. You will be able to see her every Monday on Fox News 4 at 5:30 PM for a motivational segment.
When she is not traveling, the country transforming minds, she enjoys spending time with her husband Anthony and their two children, Josiah and Ariane.
Society has skewed our understanding and our ways of thinking by only speaking about mental health in the realm of illness.
Q. Who or what inspired you to take the “leap of faith” to become an entrepreneur?
A. My children are definitely my inspiration. As a mom, I have the honor of waking up every day guiding, leading, and inspiring two incredible young ThinkUP leaders, but most importantly I have the honor and privilege of modeling to them what a life of service and faithfulness looks like. My decision to take the “leap of faith” and become an entrepreneur, centered around my own desire to finally and truly start to live and walk by faith. It’s one thing to inspire others to do something, but an entirely different thing for you to do it and for you to model what this looks and feels like. I do not want my kids to pursue and chase titles, degrees, and positions based on their own desires, but to learn at an early age that their sole purpose in life is to use their gifts and talents to glorify God. This is why I did it—for them! They are my WHY!
Q. You are a mental health advocate. In the Black community, man people don’t believe in seeking mental help. It is something that isn’t talked about often. In fact, most people in the Black community believe that you should just pray instead of seeking help for depression and other issues. What advice do you have for someone who wants to seek mental help but is too embarrassed to do so? What are some of your ideas to improve the way the Black community thinks when it comes to mental health?
A. Well for starters, we all have mental health needs. Society has skewed our understanding and our ways of thinking by only speaking about mental health in the realm of illness. However, as leading authority on this topic, I try to remind my ThinkUP friends from all over the globe that mental health is beyond illness, it is the presence of wellness. So, the same way we view dental health and annual physicals and so forth is the same way that we need to address mental health in not just the Black community, but all communities. Seeking help or even quietly admitting that you need it, is not a sign of weakness or an attack on your Blackness, instead, it is a sign of strength. It is a sign of growth, a sign of maturity, and a sign that you would rather address something that is broken than to continue to suffer in silence. As we work to educate our community and mitigate stigma, we must also continue to share and encourage the following:
- Seeking help is not a sign of being weak, it is, in fact, the mere opposite. It is a sign of strength. Remember the Bible tells us to seek wise counsel, so if you need help, reach out and speak up.
- You are not alone. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five individuals is diagnosed with a mental health disorder in any given year.
- There are a number or resources available to help you understand what you may be experiencing. Therefore, it is imperative that you have a keen understanding of what it is and what it isn’t.
- Share your testimony and your triumphs. Many times, we are reluctant to share about our struggles and challenges, but I am always reminded that my obedience to share about my past is tied to someone else’s destiny.
- No matter what you have gone through or what you may be experiencing now, you can change your life, by working daily to change your thinking.
Build a business based on your skills first and then your passion.
Q. You are a best-selling author. What advice would you give to someone who wants to become an author?
A. Write. It’s that simple. Just get up every day and make a decision to write!
Q. Achieving a doctoral degree is an amazing accomplishment. The state of education is in turmoil right now. What advice or suggestions do you have for improving public education?
A. Get educated. Stay informed on what is happening on all levels, learn the system and the rules that accompany it, and learn how you can make a difference especially in your local community, as politics is local, and true change starts at home.
- Speak up. Don’t just talk about change, be about it. Don’t just focus on the problems, be solution-oriented and come to the table with a well-thought out discussion or plan on what should be done. Many of the thought-leaders are used to people coming to the table with problems, but if we really want to change the game, we must implement a new strategy and come with well-thought out and practical strategies.
- Get active. Attend school conferences and board meetings. Maintain open and honest communication. Show up NOT just when there is a problem or an issue, but be a friendly face and a fiery force at all times.
- Lastly, we must educate and empower our youth. I am a proponent of both public and formal education, but I am also a strong supporter of life education. Our institutions are simply there to reinforce the information and knowledge that our youth are receiving at home. Therefore, we must push the envelope at home, teach our youth how to be scholars, and not just students, and most importantly let’s teach them how to be innovators and producers in this global economy.
Q. You come from a small town. Through work and dedication, you have achieved success and greatness. To who or what do you owe your success?
A. At an early age, I knew that there was something greater inside of me than what I was experiencing. I also knew that I did not want to become another negative statistic, but that if I continued to work hard that I would one day be a trivia question. That was and still is a large part of my internal motivation. I think my unwavering faith in GOD reminded me and told me what could be, and the foundation laid by my mother was what gave me the inkling of hope that I could literally do whatever it is I desired.
Q. As a Black woman, what advice do you have for improving relationships among women of color?
A. She is your sister. She is you. You are her. We are all many members of ONE body, with ONE unique purpose and goal—which is to leave the world better than we found it. This is achieved when we have a great relationship with ourselves, when we are happy mentally, and when we have a true foundation in Christ. Intimidation, jealousy, and competition only arise when you are insecure and uncomfortable with who you are. Become grounded and rooted in Christ, stay focused on HIS will for your life, and remember that REAL women do not compete, we collaborate; as your only true competition is yourself.
Q. Women of color struggle when it comes to being successful with business and finance. What is your philosophy on the importance of Black women becoming entrepreneurs and managing their finances effectively?
A. I believe that entrepreneurship is the ONLY true way to attain long-term and generational wealth. This is single-handedly the best approach for us to live and leave a legacy. Many Black women struggle in this area because we are unfamiliar with it. We have not been exposed to successful entrepreneurship models or how to build true financial wealth, and we make decisions based on our current situation and circumstances. I am the founder of The ThinkUP Academy, where I teach entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, speakers, and authors how to grow and expand their businesses so this is a frequent conversation and discussion piece. Here are the three things that I believe that ALL women of color who desire to build a business should focus on first:
- Build a business based on your skills first and then your passion. Identify the ONE thing that people are always asking for your help with and start there.
- Win from within. You do not have to have a website, business cards or other fancy stuff. Just start with what you have and where you are. I started my business with no website, no cards, and no message; just a personal mission to teach people how to ThinkUP. I took a $497 investment and flipped it into approximately $50K in just three months and now I teach others how to do the exact same thing. So, start now and with what you have.
- Connect with others. Like many things, it takes a village. Running a successful company is not something that you can do alone. The hours are long, the days are longer, and the journey can sometimes be painful, frustrating, and heart-wrenching. So, connecting with others is a sure-fire way to keep you from losing your mind at the end of the day. Also, do not be afraid of working with a mentor or investing in a business coach, developer, strategist, or consultant. These are individuals who have been where you are and who have learned the ropes to get there much quicker.
Keep in mind there are no secret formulas or shortcuts to success, but connecting with the right people can make this journey a little more rewarding and profitable.
Q. You have become a highly sought after motivational speaker and business consultant. Your passion takes time away from family and friends. How do you balance work and family?
A. Balance? What’s that (laugh)? I dropped the notion of trying to create balance years ago. Now I center my life and my days around my priorities— GOD, family, business, and then friends.
I have also learned how to operate in grace, compassion for myself, and understanding. Meaning, I give myself permission to go hard in one to two areas a day and not as hard in others. As a person who loves clean and organized spaces in my home, I realize that this comes with a sacrifice. Weeks that my house is in disarray means that I had an amazing week in business—building incredible brands, speaking to students at schools and universities, transforming lives at conferences churches, or just simply serving in my community. So, I don’t beat myself up about not being able to do everything. I do what I can to the best of my availability. What get’s done, gets done and what doesn’t, well it will eventually. I used to overwhelm myself with creating long-tedious, “Things To Do list”. Now, I use a “Success List” to plan and schedule out my day and I only focus on doing 5 key things to do. Here is how I organize my day:
- I use time blocks to schedule things
- I focus on the most important tasks first (revenue generating, follow-up, media and speaking request and so forth)
- Followed by personal tasks and my internal business tasks.
- Client projects are next
- Marketing content
I also plan out my day the night before so that I know exactly what I need to focus on when my alarm sounds off at 4 a.m.!
Q. If you could tell your 16-year old self one thing, what would it be? Why?
A. Girl, listen to what the “old folks” are saying. The lessons have been learned from those who are much older and wiser than you are. So, learn from them and know that you do not need to make EVERY mistake to learn from it. Sometimes, there are people who are assigned to you in particular season who can help you bypass and avoid much pain and hardship.
Q. What is one quote that has kept you going on the days that you felt like giving up?
A. Geesh, just one? I don’t know if I have just one, but I do constantly remind myself that I was born for such a time like this and that everything I need is already inside of me.
Q. What is one piece of advice that you would like to leave the readers with?
A. To simply remember that you are not defined by your past, your current situation, nor your present circumstances. It is not about how you start, but how you choose to finish. So, if you have a desire to do, be, and become more, then go for it! Everything you need is already inside of you. Your gifts have already made room for you. So, step up, take that leap, write that book, finish that degree and know that you are simply ONE habit away from greatness! ThinkUP!
Mrs. Tiffany Johnson
February 28, 2017
Mrs. Tiffany Johnson is recognized as one of Southeast Texas finest photographers. She is best known for her evocative color photography. Her passion has led her to capture many beautiful memories.
Tiffany graduated from West Brook High School in Beaumont Texas. She is a wife, mother, and a student at Lamar University. Next to God, her family comes second. The knowledge that she has gained from photography and what it takes to be an amazing incredible photographer comes from God. She currently has a photography business, Jay Michael's Photography, and a T-shirt business that offers fashion forward t-shirts that represents her love for GOD.
Her businesses speak volumes with a very beautiful presentation. From the outstanding photographs that clearly focus on capturing outstanding images that last a lifetime, to her spiritually based inspiring soft fashion forward t-shirts that have inspired customers all around the world, Mrs. Tiffany Johnson is clearly a Black business woman on the rise.
God is my spiritual stress reliever!
Q. Who or what inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
A. God! My husband purchased a camera for me to take pictures of our kids. However, God told me, “I have so much more in store for you to do with that camera.” Eventually it all came together. Our first child (a boy) was a full-term stillborn. We named him Jordan Michael Johnson. I literally lost my mind and my faith. I could not understand why we had to lose our child. In time, I realized what God meant. Over time, my business was formed and we named it Jay Michael's Photography. My business was named after our son as a way to keep his name alive.
Q. The photography industry is very competitive. How do you set yourself apart from other photographers?
A. There are a lot of photographers in Southeast Texas who are very talented. I set myself apart by not comparing my work to others. I focus on the canvas and how to bring life to the image and create memories that will be passed down for generations. Twenty years from now, I want that great-great-grandchild to say wow, who took this picture! Every time I am capturing memories, I ask God to help me create breath-taking images that will last a lifetime. I also ask God to send me my customers.
Q. Have you ever had to deal with a customer that was unhappy with the photos that you provided? If so, how did you deal with it?
A. Not unhappy, but one who did not pay for my services. It was a test! Honestly as a child of God I failed.
Q. Taking care of children, wife duties and being a Business Woman is extremely stressful. How do you deal with the stress?
A. God and prayer! God is my spiritual stress reliever! Every morning I pray for peace, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding over my family and myself. I pray to be more like Him and that His will be done in our lives. That does not mean that life is a breeze. It is not! Just ask my husband and kids (lol)! I can be rowdy! A glass of wine is my worldly reliever. One glass or sometimes two (lol)! Most importantly, I know that God knows my heart and he will never put more on me than I can bear.
Q. What advice would you give to a young woman who is contemplating entrepreneurship?
A. Pray over it. It will not be easy, but it will be worth it. Also, do not compare your success to others. Sometimes we look at others success and downplay the talents and skills that we have. We might not be on the level that we would like to be on and because of that, we think we are not successful. #ButGOD If you are not wanting for ANYTHING then you, my friend, are successful. Realize your success may not look like the success of others but it is still success!
We should carry ourselves in a Godly manner and turn negative energy into positive.
Q. Why do you think that it is so important for black women to become entrepreneurs?
A. We all have a gift. God our father gives us each a gift. You should find out what that gift is, focus on it and ask God what is it he would have you to do. Realize what your gift is. I see so many people becoming entrepreneurs every day on social media but some forget to bring God into the equation and think that they can take gifts/ideas that isn’t theirs. If you follow what God has given you He will not fail you!
Q. To who or what do you owe your success?
A. First and foremost, GOD! My husband, mother, cousins and friends. They keep me spiritually lifted. But most of all my fans (lol). Customers, especially the ones who come back for another session. Words cannot express how grateful I am.
Q. You recently exposed the problems that some schools in BISD has with the lack of qualified teachers. What advice would you give to improve the state of schools in SETX and do you think that parents should have a choice out of private and public schools?
A. Financially it is a struggle for parents to place their kids in a private school. The fact is that we have so many parents that are not being parents. If you follow me on Facebook, I post a lot about spiritual warfare. Unbelievably we are at war with the enemy. Our kids are under attack! The class I spoke of had qualified teachers, they just ran them away. Sometimes when a teacher calls a parent to speak of their child’s bad behavior the parent takes it out on the teacher. Kids are raising kids and it shows! Our young girls want to be “Bad and Boujee” and our young men want to be “G’s.” Parents while you are jamming in the car hooked on that beat, pay attention to the lyrics. We are filling our children’s minds with filth! It is everywhere. It is on the television, social media, and phone apps. I challenge every parent to attend school with their child just for one day. Parent involvement is the key!
Q. What is one of your favorite quotes that gets you through difficult times?
A. #ButGOD! #ButGOD! Every believer can fill in the blank.
Q. As a Black Woman what is your opinion about the state of racism in 2017?
A. It is still alive and brewing. For instance, after 9 years as a photographer, I can count on one hand how many times a potential customer from a different race has contacted me about my services. I feel that racism will never go away. It is the way of the worldly world. We just have to pray for our enemies, treat everyone equally, and remember, LOVE conquers all!!
Q. What advice do you have for improving relationships between Black Women?
A. We should carry ourselves in a Godly manner and turn negative energy into positive. Our words, tone and smile should be uplifting. If we all work to become more like Christ, this will improve relationships and there will be no stopping us. You should develop friendships where you can send a text or inbox saying “girl pray for me” and they do it without questions. They do not need to know the storm, but will rejoice in the breakthrough. We need to support one another more and use your platform (social media) to share others work. We must understand that what God has done for others He can do for you! If we establish this mind concept we will be a beast in every industry. Hello my beautiful Black Women!!!
If you would like to do business with Mrs. Tiffany Johnson you can contact her at:
Jay Michael's Photography Website: www.jaymichaelsphotography.com
Jay Michael's #ButGod T-shirt Collection:
https://www.squareup.com/ store/JayMichaels
Email jaymichaelsphotos@yahoo.com
Phone Number (409) 223-7042
Mrs. LaSan Hunter-Gilder
February 3, 2017
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13
Mrs. LaSan Hunter-Gilder was born June 18, 1980 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She was raised in Kirbyville, Texas and graduated from Newton High School in 1998. After graduating high school, she attended Lamar University for one year before moving to Houston, Texas to finish her studies as a Medical Assistant. In 2002, she graduated from the National Institute of Technology-Galleria. However, her passion for styling hair grew, so she attended and graduated from Southeast Texas Career Institute as a licensed cosmetologist in 2004. And in 2009, she became a licensed Cosmetology Instructor. In 2008, LaSan became the proud co-owner of her first salon, Magnificent Hair Designs in Kirbyville, Texas. She still operates out of her Kirbyville salon at least twice a month. Her second salon, De Luxe Cheveux, was opened with her friend and business partner in Beaumont, Texas in 2015. The salon is a proud member of the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, and the SETX Young Professionals Organization.
De Luxe Cheveux also received the award for Best Salon in Southeast Texas in 2017 by Hair Choppers.
LaSan has positioned herself and the salon to be active in the community by partnering with other organizations. The salon is working with the Texas Department of Transportation to keep the community clean by adopting a two-mile stretch of highway in Jefferson County. Every month, De Luxe Cheveux gives complimentary makeovers to deserving women and teens who have sacrificed themselves for others. The salon also gives away baby supplies to those in need throughout the community.
LaSan is a member of Believers New Life Ministries Church in Kirbyville, Texas. As a woman of excellence, LaSan demonstrates to her family, friends, clients and to the community, God’s love. She shows her amazing talent and attention to detail to each one of her clients. And her purpose shines through in all of her endeavors. She never misses an opportunity to encourage someone through the Word of God. With all of her many accomplishments she credits being a wife and mother to two amazing children as by far her greatest achievements. Mrs. Hunter-Gilder is a woman of style and grace and an inspiration to many women in the community. Black Business Women of Southeast Texas salute you, Mrs. LaSan Hunter Gilder!
God created you, so embrace who you are and love who you are.
Q: Who or what inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
A: My Mom and Pastor inspired me to become an entrepreneur.
Q: Was this your dream or did life lead you this way?
A: Yes, this has always been a dream of mine and life has also led me here.
Q: Do you think that women, specifically black women, have it harder in business? If so, how do you deal with that?
A: Personally I think that women period have it hard regardless of the career or profession that they are in. But, as black women, we make it hard for each other with jealously, envy, strife etc. Instead we should be showing each other love, encouraging, complimenting, motivating and uplifting one another.
Q: Did you face any struggles starting your business? If so, how did you overcome them.
A: I was fortunate in that I did not face any struggles while starting my business. I believe that timing is everything. When it is your time, then it is your time! When I opened De Luxe Cheveux Salon everything fell into place. When I was trying to move on my time things were not going according to plan. That is how I knew it was my time!
Q: What is the most important thing that you have learned about entrepreneurship?
A: I have learned that the customer is not always right! (Lol) I have learned to stay humble and appreciative of everything and to never take anything for granted. I've also learned to always stay ahead by educating yourself. You don't know everything. Embrace change! Nothing stays the same. You must be confident in who you are as a person and as an entrepreneur and never compare yourself to anyone else. God created you so embrace who you are and love who you are. It may be 100 people in the same business as you but that 100 people may not be doing it the way that you are doing it!
I want everyone that grace my doors to know that they are important, beautiful and amazing in some way.
Q: To who or what do you contribute your continued success?
A: To God, to Jesus, my Lord and Savior! Without Him I am nothing. My Mom is my biggest cheerleader! She has always told me that I can do anything that I want to do. And to my Pastor for teaching me the Word of God and for leadership skills.
Q: How do you balance work and family?
A: Family is everything to me! My schedule is booked according to what my family has going on. I thank God for understanding clients! I am that mom that is at the school, at the games and the recitals. Whatever is going on mommy is there!
Q: What advice would you give a woman that is is aspiring to be a business owner?
A: I would tell her to step out on faith, write the vision and then start doing the vision. Faith without works is dead! Set goals and strive to accomplish those goals. Be confident in who you are and who God says that you are. You are the head and not the tail. You are above and not beneath. You are the first and not the last. Always be true to you and your clients. Be authentic! And know that trials and tribulations will come, but do not give up, learn and grow from them. Stay positive and remain humble. Be passionate about what it is that you are doing. Educate yourself on your business and the demographic that you are trying to market to. Everyone will not be receptive to you or your brand and this is okay!
Q: What is the one thing that you wish that you could change in the world?
A: I wish that I could change how people view and treat each other. We are living in a selfish, cruel world. Some people are so inconsiderate of others. I wish that people would treat each other with compassion, love and respect...The God kind of love!
Q: If you could change one thing about your industry what would it be? Why?
A: I would change the negative view about Hair Stylist. A lot of people think that they are unprofessional, overbooked, messy and late. I am not just a stylist, I am a business woman who take what I do seriously. I want my clients to come and get the service that they want and leave with something extra. It may be a beverage, word of wisdom, a good laugh, or a feeling of being free, but in a timely manner. I want everyone that grace my doors to know that they are important, beautiful and amazing in some way. De Luxe Cheveux is about Luxury, Style, and Grace! As stylist we are more than just "beauticians," we are friends, therapists, mothers, sisters, lawyers, counselors, etc. People trust us with very important personal information that should always be confidential and stylist should not take that lightly. We are trusted with more than just hair and appearance, we are trusted with hearts!