“I always knew cosmetology was for me but my parents were like, ‘That’s not really a career. It’s not really something that will get you anywhere.’ But I was like, ‘Dad, you have a sister who has her own beauty salon. What are you talking about? She’s doing well. That’s how she pays her bills and stuff.’
“They wanted me to be a nurse, and I tried CNA. I took the class and all, but it just wasn’t for me. I like doing hair and makeup and nails. Anything beauty related. It’s just my thing.
“Growing up, I was so interested in changing people, like the way they feel about how they look. I got that from hanging around my aunt’s beauty salon and seeing how she helped make girls happy. That’s what I want to do, too.
“I want to have my own salon, for sure. I have no idea how I’m going to get there, but I just know I’m going to.”
— Jennifer Hernandez