An interview with Charlette Edwards of JC Styles.
Describe your business.
Hey! We are JC Styles. We are a hair studio that focuses on and specializes in bridal up styles, natural balayage and keratin treatments. Our home base is in Brighton, but we travel to where ever you need us. On your wedding day we would be honoured to assist in making you look and feel your very best! We believe fabulous hair will compliment your natural true beauty.
What brought you to the region?
I grew up in Cobourg and worked at a local hair salon. My husband, Josh, grew up in Carrying Place and started his career in Belleville. When we got married we settled down in Brighton because it was half way between our jobs. The housing market was good for us as well.
What makes the Bay of Quinte a good fit for your business?
We absolutely love being in this area because of the people that live here. Our business is all about community and supporting one another. The Bay of Quinte provides an environment that allows small business to thrive.
What was the hardest thing about starting a business?
I found the hardest thing with starting a business at first was the unknown. I am a person that can be really impatient, but I have learned that entrepreneurship takes great patience. And that it’s okay to make mistakes in order to grow.
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs in the area?
Taking risks is totally okay. If your plans don’t go as you would have hoped or wanted, simply reroute. You don’t know until you try.
How has COVID-19 affected you and your business?
The announcement startled us. Fear, worry and wondering really crept into our minds as to how our lives were going to change in the coming months, since the business had to shut down. Josh and I really needed to consider how we were going to let this affect not just our personal lives but also our business. We decided that we would take the time during the big shutdown to work ON the business instead of working IN it. I didn’t realize how much we needed that break to actually have time to update our social media platforms, create new content and have breathing room to start dreaming new dreams. We took the fear COVID-19 brought and turned it into hope. With adjusted hours and services, we were able to maintain a lighter load once we re-opened.
What surprised you about starting a business in a smaller community?
Nothing at the moment.
Describe your perfect day off.
This question is an easy one! I am a big family person and my love language is quality time. My perfect day off would be waking up at 8 am with my son and husband. I would make us a tasty bacon and egg breakfast. After, we would get ready to go out for the day doing whatever together. This perfect day would finish off by going out for a yummy supper and then getting home for the baby’s bedtime routine. While the baby enjoys his last feeding we would watch shows with buttery popcorn in bed.
What’s your secret to surviving winter?
I love this question and let me tell you why! This was a realization I came to just recently. Before our baby was born I was NOT a winter person. I got cold so easily and wanted to be home in bed watching shows at 5 pm when it got dark. After we had our son, Triden, my main concern was him, getting him into a warm place and making sure he is okay. He takes my mind completely off myself and I no longer feel the cold because I’m so concerned about him! My baby is my secret to surviving winter.
If you were to have one word tattooed on you, what would it be?
This is a good question because having something tattooed means its permanent. The word I would choose must be something really worth having with me always. That word is “Faith”. Faith in God is the root of my being and what makes me who I am.
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