Meet Jill Burgess | Master Loc Artisan

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

Hi Jill, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After being laid off from my corporate job back in 2019, I hated the feeling of the huge financial lost. I wanted to be in full control over my own financials, so financial freedom was my main drive. I wanted to create a source of income while doing something I am passionate about. Starting my brand Essence of Jillizm wasn’t planned but more so, of a vision that I had to fulfill.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
In 2019, after being laid off is when I decided to start my own personal loc journey. I began to dissect and really research the history and background of the origin of locs, to learn more about my African heritage and how that aligns with my purpose in life. During this time, I began crafting locs which became therapeutic; brought a sense of self-fulfillment, balance and awakening that no corporate career could offer. I planned to bring my vision of combining locs into wicks, trunks and/or bonks to fruition. This was essential for my personal and spiritual growth and became a beautiful outlet to express my majestic creativity. The Essence of Jillizm was then born.

Getting to this point of my life wasn’t easy for me at all, surrounding myself with the right people and support system was super critical for my brand. Having a team behind me who respects the vision and offers their support, to keep me sharp, focused, and humble is a vital part of the overall success of my brand. Also, believing in myself at a 100% would be at the forefront of it all, that is what would keep me going when others doubt me.

Additionally, the biggest lesson I’ve learned throughout this process is controlling my thoughts and paying attention to what I consciously and unconsciously tell myself. What you tell yourself you will become, so you always want to be optimistic and see out that vision of yours to create the reality you want for yourself.

Lastly, I would like the world to know that Essence of Jillizm is a part of a hair evolution. We are upgrading the culture of locs and showing the beauty of it. Essence of Jillizm want’s the world to be able to understand and fully respect the culture of locs. In addition to, having it be respected in corporate America as well. Black hair is beautiful and super diverse. I want Essence of Jillizm to be an outlet to show the world the beauty in Locs.

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?
This is bit of a difficult question for me because I see myself as a very simplistic person. I honestly enjoy the simple things in life. I find my highest peace whenever I am by water so I would take them to the beach. A weeklong relaxing trip at a beach house on the water sounds super relaxing to me. It wouldn’t matter where i am in the world, being by the water will always bring me happiness. In addition to being by the water, I love being a great host for others, so I wouldn’t mind staying in and cooking. Nothing is better than a home-made meal at the house while watching movies all night. What’s a better vacation than that?

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to give a shoutout to my flower bugs, my four children who always kept me motivated. They always trusted and believed in me. They are my reason why.

Website: Essenceofjillizm.com

Instagram: @Essenceofjillizm

Facebook: Essenceofjillizm

Image Credits
@abstractvisualllc (for the self portrait)