Jessyca Marshall: Unlocking Opportunities with Holistic Hair Care and Beauty

Ladderworks is a publishing platform of diverse picture books and online curriculum with the mission to empower over a million kids to become social entrepreneurs. Our current series features interviews by our interplanetary journalist Spiffy with inspiring Social Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Builders, and Changemakers who are advancing the UN SDGs. 

Hey, friends! Spiffy here, back with the scoop on the entrepreneurial leaders of Planet Earth. As the only interplanetary journalist stationed on this blue planet, I’m thrilled to present this galactic exclusive with Jessyca Marshall, CEO of Naturally Beautiful Hair Care. Let’s learn what’s happening at Naturally Beautiful Hair Care and how Jessyca is making a positive impact in the world.

Spiffy: Hi, Jessyca! Thanks for talking with me today. Tell me, what challenge are you addressing through Naturally Beautiful Hair Care?

Jessyca: Thanks for having me, Spiffy! I am addressing the challenges of good health and well-being within the hair care and beauty industry by promoting the use of natural, non-harmful products in hair care and wellness as well as holistic approaches that include mental health sensitivity and support. The issue of gender inequality in business ownership, as well as decent work and economic growth, is addressed through my hair care entrepreneurship programs aimed primarily at Black women entrepreneurs desiring to start or grow a business. By having more Black female entrepreneurs and business owners, we will address the challenge of reducing inequalities.

Spiffy: That’s beautiful and sounds very meaningful. What motivates you to do it?

Jessyca: I started as a business owner after realizing I can combine doing a hobby I loved with my desire to be independent and economically self-sufficient. I loved being able to support myself and, ultimately, other women with knowledge and skills to maintain their own beautiful hair in a healthy and natural manner. I enjoyed the freedom of knowing how to maintain my hair, along with the ability to go into business and maintain the hair of others. The transformation one can experience mentally, physically, spiritually, and economically is so powerful.

Spiffy:  I love how you’re sharing your powerful experience with others. What is the impact of your work?

Jessyca: My work has helped hundreds and continues to help hundreds more around the world in at least eight countries and most of the US by providing needed information and training on hair techniques, products, maintenance, business building, and more. Many of the graduates of my certification program have gone on to creating, growing, and expanding businesses, freeing themselves from dependence on jobs with limitations, adding income to their households and families, and further impacting the lives of other primarily Black women positively.

Spiffy: Wow! Tell me about a recent milestone or initiative by you or your organization. What impact does that make? 

Jessyca: We've recently enrolled over 100 people in our core program and have a licensee program that helps these graduates leverage their businesses to become host training locations as affiliates of our main program.

Spiffy: Thanks for speaking with me today, Jessyca—it’s been an honor!

Jessyca Marshall is a NYC/NJ area natural hair business owner and licensed social worker with a masters from Columbia University School of Social Work. She now works with people all over the world supporting their personal and professional goals within the hair industry and their lives. She particularly enjoys working with other women of color and mothers to tap into their skills and passions, particularly around their hair and entrepreneurship. The overall theme is EMPOWERMENT, and she’s here for it! (First published on the Ladderworks website on June 2, 2023.)

The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of Ladderworks LLC.

© 2023 Ladderworks LLC. Edited by Lindsey Brannon. Spiffy’s illustration by Shreyas Navare. For the Ladderworks digital curriculum to help K-3 kids advance the UN SDGs, visit Spiffy's Launchpad: Creative Entrepreneurship Workshops for K-3 Kids and their caregivers here.