Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Verdieu.
Hi Stephanie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a former immigrant from the island of Bahamas. I have had a dream of opening a hair salon since I was 17 years old. Though at the time I was still without legal immigration status, this was my American dream. With so many denials from immigration about granting me status and a deportation letter at hand in my senior year of high school, I looked to all the help I could get from my teachers/counselors and the faith of a mustard seed in God.
Everything worked out! I was granted to stay in the United States, pursue my high school diploma, and attend beauty school. While on the journey to success as a pregnant mom in college, that did not stop me from becoming a business owner. It was not until I got a glimpse of what God had in store for me that I could tap into making my dream a reality. My path would cross with a few mentors who would help me birth those dreams and desires God placed within me. Through mentorship and my Associate of Arts degree in Business Management, I opened my salon in 2013 and became an author.
I stood on His word and promises for my life through all my trials and tribulations. Putting my trust in God and fully plugging into His purpose is my desire for everyone who hears my story and crosses my path.
Awarded community leader in Plantation, FL in 2017, featured M.O.M. in Mom’s Magazine 2016, and transitioning to a new city in 2018 has made me believe in God’s plan for myself even more. With clients from Florida to Chicago, I am grateful to everyone who has supported my business, son, and dreams. Stephanie Verdieu is the founder and CEO of Intrigue Stylez Hair / Ava Jade Collections LLC and 3x-Author.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the obstacles I faced was being denied by immigration multiple times with a letter of deportation, overcoming that but then becoming pregnant in my early 20s and still pushing through college courses and working on my feet for many hours (12-15 hour days to make ends meet).
I also dealt with domestic violence after my pregnancy and overcame that trauma through counseling. My ultimate challenge was finding funds to establish and furnish my salon and finding the right people to work alongside me. I was happy to work with the women that were sent my way. It was also very hard when I had to close my salon after 5 years of being in business due to my moving. I learned that I can be the same person and touch many lives no matter where I am located.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Ava Jade Collections-Intrigue Stylez?
I have been in the beauty industry professionally for the last 10 years, but I started braiding when I was 13 years old. I love what I do and the lives that I have the opportunity to impact through hair styling. It is not just a job for me but a ministry of love. You can feel a client’s confidence and trust when their hairstyle is revealed. I help my clients grow and maintain healthy hair through protective styling, including locs, microlocs, and braids. What sets me apart from others is that I can build my business wherever I go in a holistic way that is contrary to the standard that’s out there for cosmetologists.
My brand belief is that beauty starts from the inside, and how we treat ourselves is how we will treat our hair. I am here to speak life into their hearts so they believe that they can achieve and take care of the look they deserve. As licensed professionals, we don’t just take care of hair; we also touch souls as therapists would.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters to me the most is family. I grew up in a household of 5 children, and we were always around each other for most of our lives. Our kids are well acquainted with their cousins and share a special bond. 2 years ago, we lost our youngest sister, and that, of course, has brought us closer than before. My family has helped me as a single mom and an entrepreneur in more ways than I can thank them. My son is my ultimate motivation in my journey of becoming an entrepreneur and building a legacy for him. I am stronger because of the backing of my family. Even with our loss, we continue to uphold each other to continue to love, laugh, and trust the process of life. I can do the work that I love and impact others because of them.
Contact Info:
- Website: Avajadecollections.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanieverdieu_?igsh=cTZydXg0eXdjaWdx
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP2jmV6LBG7rzk64aAQDwCQ
Image Credits
Product line pic by Joshua Cox, pictured with short blonde hair, styling client- Traci Burke Photography, Book Cover – Christina Jones
