Meet Jaylyn Roberson | wig specialist/colorist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaylyn Roberson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaylyn, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up I have always been artistic. Growing up some of my dream occupations were to be a fashion designer, artist, or anything that allowed me to express my creativity. I started out drawing pictures for family members around my early teen years. My family caught on to my interest and eventually I was gifted canvases, paint/art sets, sewing machines, etc. That same sewing machine I was gifted is the same sew machine I use today to make my custom-made wigs, I guess the universe has always known my potential. In high school I would create senior night or graduation posters for friends and associates, I guess you could consider that my first creative business. The one thing that has stuck with me through all those stages of finding my art was something my elementary art teacher told me one day, “You can’t mess up art, you can turn it into something else beautiful”. With my business now being coloring hair I think of that saying often because there are all different qualities of hair from the worst of them to the best of them. So, with that being said if I’m not aware of the quality of hair I’m working with it can sometimes be a failure and as an artist I have to figure out a way to solve the issue and turn it into something beautiful.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What sets my art apart from others is that it’s art in the form of hair. I’m most excited about my growth as a business owner and the opportunities I’m given. I’m most proud of being self-taught as well as self-driven and I’m always open to learning more. I got to where I am today by actually taking it serious professionally and just putting in the time and effort. My business isn’t where I would like it to be today, but I know it’ll grow into a beautiful empire the more I learn. Was it easy? Absolutely not, nothing in this life is easy. However, anything thrown at me I overcame, by remember there are people wishing they had the opportunity and who I have looking up to me. I learned that anything thrown at you is to make or break you. And if you let it make you then you just won the biggest prize there is! It builds character, reminds you your stronger than what you think. What do I want the world to know about me and my brand and story? The name laidbybug comes from my childhood nickname “bug”. I was given that name because I was born prematurely and “as small as a bug. I decided to use the butterfly as my logo even though a butterfly isn’t technically a bug the caterpillar is and forms into something beautiful. The butterfly signifies growth, change, and transformation and that’s exactly what my business will represent/signify. I started making wigs because I was exhausted sitting in the hair salon all day for one service. From there my friends started to want one and from there clientele began to grow by word of mouth. Till this day that is the way I gain clientele is by word of mouth and my work ethic. My work truly speaks for itself and shows I genuinely enjoy what I do. <3

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m more of a nature and outside girl so majority of the things we would do would consist of outside. I would probably let them rest after traveling depending on how long their trip was. Once their well-rested I would probably take them axe throwing or the escape room, and of course celebrate Taco Tuesday with Mexican and drinks. A brunch date at flying biscuit and Burton Park would be another day of adventures. More than likely spend the day at another park with a nice picnic and skating or bowling after. To show the night life we’d probably head to cloud in downtown Athens or drive to Atlanta if were down for the ride. After all the festivities I will my friend a safe travel and watch their location all the way to their destination lol.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
SHOUTOUT to Willie Craddick Jr. and his book “They Counted Us Out”!! By the age of 17, Willie had published 2 books and you can purchase both books online by looking up his name. His second book “They Counted Us Out” is fictional story about struggles he had to overcome as a teenager. The main objective of the book is to tell his story and let other teenagers know that they’re not alone and as long as you stay determined you can achieve anything! Willie was one of my closest friends and always gave me the advice I needed about my business. Whenever we spoke it was always positive and about future goals or current achievements. He always gave his last to his community, always. Sadly, his life was taken early so the supports means the world! I want him to know he made his mark in this realm. Thank you from me and willie <3

Website: https://linktr.ee/JaylynRoberson

Instagram: @laidbybug on Instagram

Image Credits
Main (cover) photo: @heronlyfan on Instagram