Meet Lailah J | Entrepreneur, Nail Technician, Model

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

Hi Lailah, how do you think about risk?
When I think about risk, I think “if there’s no risk, there’s no reward”. in life and in my career they’re will always be situations where you will have to take risk if that’s starting a new business, partnering with a new business or person, moving to another state etc. bit without risk you won’t know what can come out of that situation good or bad.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started modeling because I wanted to give my community a way of being represented. A lot of times the African American Muslim community gets overlooked or frowned upon because of our culture and practicing’s. I always tell people that there isn’t only one way to be and because of stereotypes I often get put into a box on how I should dress or present myself. I really just want to show the world that there is more than one type of Muslim or “Muslimah” and not everything you see in the media is true. We like to dress up, and have parties and gatherings, and go out. it just might look different than the average person. I am also a Nail Technician and business owner. I love how I can express myself and others through the art of nails. I also love being able to service and pamper people. we are in a time where self care is important and a simple manicure or pedicure can go a long way, and if I can some art on top of that then my day is made. I also own a cosmetic line called “Bijoux Cosmetics” where we specialize in natural & organic products for our hair, skin, and nails. A lot of the time African Americans don’t have or don’t know that we have access to products specifically for us and why we should use those products. I love to educate people on how to take care of our biggest organ which is our skin. It was not easy getting to where I am today and sometimes it is still a struggle. Being an entrepreneur is something you have to take seriously because their are so many ups and downs and it’s the downs that will be the most rewarding.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would bring them pass The Pedicure Loft in Decatur to get pampered by some of the best African American nail technicians. I then would take them into the city around midtown for some shopping and maybe a movie in Atlantic Station. We would then go to Rock Steady for some dinner a good music, and see where the night takes us from there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shoutout my family but more importantly my mother and grandparents. they have always pushed me to do and be better and go after my goals. They always try to help in any way they can. I would also like to shoutout my family and friends in DC because without there verbal support, motivation, and reminders that where you start is not where you finish I wouldn’t be able to keep going as hard as I do.

Website: https://ThePedicureLoft.as.me/?calendarID=8798907

Instagram: @Lailah.ibraheem & @bijouxxnails