Interview with Billie Jean Bolden

We sat down with hairstylist and entrepreneur, Billie Jean Bolden, for an nterview.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born and raised in Greenville, SC. I love being a wife and a sports mom. I have been a licensed cosmetologist and independent contractor since 2011. If I’m not working I’m home. I’m a foodie, I love Instagram, and enjoy watching crime shows & reality tv.

Did you always want to be a hairstylist?

I started doing hair when I was a little girl. By the time I was 5 years old my grandmother trusted me to shampoo her hair. She had arthritis in her hands which made her hands sort of crippled. She could not stretch her fingers out. Also I attended the boys & girls club and Phyllis Wheatley Community Center. Doing each other’s hair was something we did for fun or to pass time. Ive always wanted to do hair.

As we all know this is our new normal. How do you think this pandemic is going to play out with being s hairstylist in the future?

I think it will play a major part. I believe some hairstylist will find other occupations and never do hair again. I believe many hairstylist will make sure they have more than one stream of income if they already don’t. I think it’s going to totally change the industry. I think it’s going to make more industry professionals realize that we have to have more than talent. We have to be about our business. We have to have waivers, contracts, insurances, and policies in place. I’m praying for us all.

What was your first hairstylist job?

My first job doing hair was working as an assistant for Shayla Goldsmith.

Are there any celebrities you would like to work with? And why?

Being a celebrity stylist was my goal back in the day. Now I just want to get paid to do what I love to do. If they paying I’m slaying. I don’t care who it is. I’ve heard horror stories about servicing celebrities. I’m not going to be rushed, talked down to, or paid in social media shoutouts. I don’t do hair for clout. I need my check and my respect. Peace of mind is the real bag.

What advice would you give an entrepreneur in the hair industry?

I would advise new entrepreneurs in the hair industry to keep God 1st, always work on your skills, learn how to use social media effectively, and if you don’t have a business mind develop one or hire a team. Be a business woman/man not just a hustler.

Women always debate on what is "good hair". What would you classify or define as "good hair"?

I think good hair is hair that is taken care of. It doesn’t matter what the texture is or what style it is in. Good hair is hair that is clean, moisturized, with healthy ends.

What will be some upcoming hair trends for summer 2020?

I think some trends will be bangs, bobs, pixies, fros, and neon colors.

Besides being a hairstylist, do you have anymore side hustles?

Besides being a hairstylist I also am a cbd advocate, a design essentials affiliate, and I’m an affiliate with Olaplex where I receive commissions when customers use my direct links. I advertise all of my business hustles on my Instagram @billiejean.styles You can find the direct links to purchase TLC health and wellness products, design essentials products, and Olaplex products using this link- linktr.ee/billiejean.styles . You do not need a code in order for me to receive commissions as long as you use the links I provided.

Where can people book you at?

As of right now I’m only offering virtual consultations and virtual trainings. My booking link is- styleseat.com/billiejean

Any shout outs?

Thank you so much for the opportunity to give my opinion on these matters! I’d like to give a shout out to my amazing husband Devin Bolden and my Team at Transformations Salon (Debra Brockman owner & Toshia Mays Snoddy colorist)