Jeanita Spikes is the owner of Painted and Polished – a salon and spa in Frisco, Texas. She first got into nails at the age of 13. She had no way of knowing that a routine trip to the Southside of Chicago to get a manicure for her eighth grade graduation would lead to a lifelong passion. Intrigued by the bright colors and creativity, Jeanita continued to feed her interest.

“I would go to the library and check out library books on nail care, manicures and then I would receive books in the mail,” Jeanita says. “My mom eventually reached out to a cosmetology school, after seeing how serious I was, and they allowed me to shadow the students there.”

BGWP: How did you end up in Dallas?

Jeanita: My husband works for State Farm and State Farm is really huge out here. I went to Bible School in Oklahoma and that’s how I met my husband. We got married and had our daughter in Oklahoma and then transferred to Dallas. It’s been three years.

When I first got here I didn’t work I stayed at home with our daughter. But last year I opened up Painted and Polished. I started working for a salon, built a clientele in about 6 months and then went out on my own.

BGWP: How did you decide to open your own shop and not just work for someone else?

Jeanita: Leadership had been on me for a long time. I sought a lot of counsel of people who have businesses. I talked to people and I said I have these strengths. I [remember] I was on an interview and the person hiring said it looks like all your positions are only from 9 months to a year. I hadn’t noticed that.

Everywhere I go, I excel but at the same time I realized I wasn’t fully using my gifts. I worked in a lot of customer service, clerical work, banking and management but I would go to nail places and they wouldn’t always give the customers what they needed. For example, telling you you need a nail treatment versus letting you get a gel manicure just to make a profit.

BGWP: What’s your favorite part about what you do?

Jeanita: Serving others. I really think that God gifted me with a heart to serve. The most intimate you get besides a person’s spouse is someone yielding their body to the person serving them whether that’s the doctor’s office, dental office or what I do with manicures and pedicures.

People get their nails done for occasions or for relaxation and I get to be a part of that.

BGWP: What does it mean to you to be a black girl with purpose?

Jeanita: It means to have an identity that soars beyond just yourself. A person with purpose has these shutters on. They know what they’re headed out to do. They’re not aimlessly wondering.

BGWP: How do you feel like your purpose plays out in what you do?

Jeanita: I know I’ve been called to intercede and pray for people. To serve them in a manner where they normally wouldn’t listen to people but they’ll listen to me because I’m the nail girl. Encouragement as well. I’ll say Holy Spirit give me the words to encourage these women.

When people ask what I think I get to share what the Word says. I pray strongly for my clientele but also for the opportunities to share the gospel even if it’s just a word of encouragement.

BGWP: What is the hardest part about walking in your purpose?

Jeanita: It can be lonely. You may not get the support you expected from certain people in your life – your parents, your spouse, your best friend. They may not understand the different sacrifices and risks you choose to take and choose to make. But you know God told you to so that’s all that you expect.

[Ultimately], people want a cheerleading squad. It feels good for people to tell you Good Job even before they see the results and that doesn’t always happen. You just have to seek the Lord [in the midst of it].

BGWP: What has been one of the biggest fears you’ve conquered and what was the result?

Moving into the space I’m in now. It was something totally different than what I did before in term of being independent and not being a part of other salons. I don’t have my family here to say “they’ll be my clients” but I’ve done well.

BGWP: What would you say to someone who doesn’t know where to start to find their purpose?

Jeanita: Go back to what [you] enjoy, to what you’ve been doing for the longest. It might be helping seasoned folks or children. [People are] often surprised with how [their purpose] is totally aligned with what they’ve been doing.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask people who you respect, who are trying to please God, pursuing purpose and know you.

BGWP: What’s your go to scripture when you find yourself needing encouragement?

Jeanita: Philippians 4:6 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Ephesians 6:10-11 –  Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil.

BGWP: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our audience?

Jeanita: Embrace the process. When you’re pursuing purpose, there will be a lot of bumps. It has a lot to do with God chiseling you. Don’t quit. Don’t give in. That may mean you have a day or a week when you need to phone a friend but stick with it.

The Bible says that God has a perfect plan for all of us (Jeremiah 29:11). So if you think about somebody taking time and effort to prepare something for you and no one can do it but you. It’s worth pursuing. It’s worth finding out. It’s worth the pain and toil that it may be causing on the flesh side because it’s doing great work in the spirit man.

Understand it’s all connected. You not doing what you’re supposed to do can affect someone else’s path.

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Know someone who needs help living on purpose or the push to pursue entrepreneurship? Send this post to them using our handy share buttons. Also, be sure to comment below with your favorite tips from Jeanita. 

Lastly, if you live in the Dallas Fort Worth area be sure to visit Painted and Polished for your salon needs. You can also support Jeanita’s Stay Polished campaign! She’s using the stay polished message to encourage all women to take care of themselves.

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