With prom approaching, a lot of money is being spent, whether it’s dropping a ton of cash on a dress and tickets, or just being a senior and spending so much throughout the year. These student entrepreneurs have businesses that are affordable to the student body. There are all types of different businesses around Judson.
Judson Barbers
Cayden Martinez (@cblendz.23)
“When I was in 7th grade, I used to enjoy watching this YouTuber. He inspired me to want to start [cutting hair], but since I was so young no one really took me seriously,” Martinez said.
Going into high school, Martinez didn’t put much thought into actually cutting hair, considering he is an athlete and already had enough to worry about. Eventually, he started to lose interest in the things he thought he loved, so he started cutting hair because “I found my love for it, the feeling of being happy again, the feeling I used to get when playing sports.”
Martinez started off by cutting some of his teammates’ and cousins’ hair. “I give them much love and respect because I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for them and their trust.”After a while, he was close to giving up, but encouragement from his teammates and staying disciplined kept him going. As expected, Martinez had a few people question and doubt, but instead of letting it get to him, he uses it as motivation to keep going.
As inflation increases and the barbering industry grows, most barbers are increasing prices because that’s what they live on. Martinez charges depending on the type of haircut, but is very reasonable with his prices.
“I love seeing the people whose hair I cut in the halls. I can see how their demeanor changes and it gives them even more confidence than before.”
Kenyon Smith (@allcity_.pressure2)
“My dad really inspired me to do hair. Seeing him cut my brothers’ and my hair and how he would use the clippers helped me a lot,” Smith said.
Smith started his barbering journey in 7th grade. He started off by watching Youtube, and loved how they would give their clients “crispy” haircuts. He had a few moments where he held himself back and messed up, but failing is essential in order to succeed, in which, this motto applied to Smith.
As time went by, he started to cut his brothers’ hair and practice on them because he always knew if he messed up, his father was there to fix his mistakes. If he made a mistake, his dad would come in and show him step by step how to fix it, and how to do what he was trying to achieve. Smith would pay attention to his dad’s handiwork with the clippers and what he needed to do throughout the process.
“I’m just blessed that I had someone to help teach me the ways of barbering. Most people don’t have anyone to teach them and have to learn on their own, so shoutout to whoever started on their own. Whatever y’all are doing, keep going and keep pushing yourself.”
Smith’s prices range from $15-$20 depending on if you go to him or he goes to you. His prices are very affordable and flexible if you aren’t able to pay the standard price, and the outcome will not disappoint.
He likes to treat his clients as if it’s him getting his hair done. He does the best that he can to make everyone look good and strives to always give clients a boost of confidence.
Judson Nail techs
Kristen Fuentes (@kk_beautyacrylics)
“I love that you can be creative and the girly aspect of it,” Fuentes said.
Before Fuentes started, it was hard for her to find people with affordable prices and quality nails. Not everyone has the funds to pay for such extravagant nails, and when the designs are simple or nails aren’t done to the client’s standards, they shouldn’t have to pay such high prices. This problem was something that made her want to start giving people a comfortable and affordable experience when getting their nails done.
“I love seeing girls feel like a better [version of] themselves afterwards,” she said.
When she first started, she wasn’t very confident in her work, and it was hard for her to get clients, but the more she practiced, things got easier. She loves that people tell her about her progress and give her all of their support, especially when she doesn’t realize it, which makes her appreciate her clients more.
Her prices range from $40-$65, depending on the length, and she offers service on fingernails and toenails. She is the perfect affordable nail tech to go to for prom, and she will make your experience worthwhile.
Jade Pruitt (@jades_nails777)
“I love that my clients feel beautiful after doing their nails,” Pruitt stated.
Before Pruitt started doing nails, she used to be a nail biter, as many people are, which began to damage her nails. She then discovered acrylic nails and she decided to give it a try.
Pruitt learned how to take care of her nails and began to do the same with others. She finds healthy things for your nail bed. Pruitt puts a lot of care into her clients after seeing how nail salons can be with either thinning your natural nails, giving half-done service or charging expensive prices. She treats her clients with the respect they deserve, well-done nails for an affordable price, and uses all the healthy things for your nail journey while still being able to be in style.
Judson Lash Tech
Jenah-Rae Garza (@prettynminks_)
“I try my best to make all my girls feel like baddies while managing the work lifestyle,” Garza said.
Garza started doing lashes when she realized how much money girls would spend on just getting the simple things done. She felt like most people would charge the most unreasonable prices that students can’t afford. Her prices are very reasonable and she gives your price by just looking at an inspo picture.
Most of her clients have jobs, and she is very flexible with her and their scheduling. She tries to make the best of the time she has with her clients by chatting with them or just respecting them and trying to make them feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible.
“Nothing tops girl-core,” Garza said.
Judson Hair Stylists
Alyssa Grimes (@braidsbylyssa_)
“I love to see my working progress get better because I came a long way,” Grimes stated.
Growing up, Grimes did her own hair; she always had a thing for it and loved it.
“I never thought I would come this far with doing other girls’ hair,” Grimes said.
Grimes started doing other girls’ hair during quarantine and didn’t stop from there. She fell in love with seeing girls’ reactions and how happy they were with the outcome.
Grimes’s prices are worth it; she puts a lot of effort into the styles and makes sure they are neatly done.
“They last a good minute if you take care of your braids properly!” Grimes stated.
Jaliyah Mcpherson (@laidby_liyah_)
“You shouldn’t have to spend an arm and a leg to enhance your beauty,” Mcpherson said.
Mcpherson caught her interest in doing hair at the age of nine. She loved watching her mom do others’ hair and seeing their reaction to how beautiful the outcome was.
Mcpherson then started practicing with her mom and began to enjoy it the more she did it.
She loves that she can do something for girls and make them feel so much better with their hair done at an affordable price. Mcpherson is home-based and she accepts everyone.
“It’s not just about doing girls’ hair, it’s everything as a whole,” Mcpherson said.
She does many different styles and tries to make her clients as comfortable as possible during an appointment.
All of these students run their businesses while managing their school life. They all have affordable prices, are accepting to everyone, and perfect to go to for your prom appointments. It’s amazing to have kids at Judson with the talent to give service to other students and are understanding with their clients, making their time worth it with the outcomes.