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Quo’Shay Jackson of Oakland, Ca on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Quo’Shay Jackson and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Quo’Shay, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of doing hair, I love connecting with new people. People are always drawn to kind, creative energy—and that’s definitely me! My spirituality is a big part of who I am, and it helps me stay grounded, spread love, and shine light wherever I go. I find so much joy in vibing with good energy, making people laugh, and turning simple moments into soul-deep connections.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a hairdresser who discovered my passion at just 16 years old, and now at 34, that spark has grown into a lifelong purpose. Throughout my journey, I’ve had the honor of connecting with so many amazing individuals from all walks of life. What started with styling hair has evolved into a creative path that spans across nails, lash extensions, nursing care, and even offering spiritual guidance when it’s needed most. I’ve always believed beauty is more than what we see on the outside—it’s also about healing, confidence, and the energy we carry within.

My brand carries a very personal story. It was born through both love and heartbreak. After the passing of my mother, I found myself in a place where I had to push harder than ever. This was something we had planned to celebrate together, and while life changed that path, her memory fuels me every single day. Everything I do is not only for myself but in honor of her. She gave me the strength to transform my pain into passion, my grief into growth, and my talents into a legacy of creativity and care.

What makes my brand unique is that it’s more than a business—it’s an experience rooted in resilience, authenticity, and love. When clients sit in my chair, I don’t just see them as a hairstyle or a set of lashes; I see them as souls deserving of confidence, kindness, and transformation. From hair extensions to lash extensions—and with more services constantly being added—I strive to create a space where people can look in the mirror and feel like the very best version of themselves.

Alongside beauty, my background in nursing has shaped how I approach my work. Nursing taught me compassion, patience, and the importance of caring for people as a whole. That same mindset flows into my brand: it’s not just about looking good, but about feeling nurtured, supported, and restored.

And the journey doesn’t stop here. I have exciting new projects on the horizon that will allow me to expand and share even more of my artistry. I’m also exploring tattoo artistry more seriously, taking time to perfect that craft and open new avenues for self-expression and empowerment.

At the heart of everything I do is the belief that beauty and healing go hand in hand. My story, my brand, and my work are all about blending creativity, spirituality, and care to leave a lasting impact—one client, one connection, and one transformation at a time.

✨ Motto: “Healing through beauty, honoring through service, and creating with love.”

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Bonds between people are fragile, yet deeply powerful. They often break when communication fades, when honesty is replaced with silence or lies, and when trust is betrayed. Unresolved conflicts and neglect create distance, while growing in different directions without understanding can quietly unravel even the strongest ties.

Yet what is broken can also be restored. Bonds are mended through open and honest communication, where voices are heard without judgment. Trust can be rebuilt with consistent actions, transparency, and a willingness to show up day after day. Forgiveness softens the weight of resentment, while shared experiences breathe life back into connection. Empathy and compassion open the heart to understanding, and a mutual commitment to growth reminds us that love is not just a feeling, but a choice.

In the end, bonds break when connection, trust, and care are lost—but they are restored when honesty, compassion, and a willingness to truly see each other return.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The defining wound of my life has been losing a big part of me—the person I thought I would be conquering the world with. Learning how to live without them, how to carry on when every dream was once imagined together, has been one of the hardest lessons I’ve ever faced. That loss left a hole in me, a reminder that life can change in an instant and that love doesn’t always get the chance to grow the way we hope it will.

But healing came through learning to keep their memory alive in everything I do. I realized I could either stay stuck in grief or transform that pain into purpose. I chose to honor them by pushing myself harder, by becoming the version of me they always believed I could be. Through my work, my creativity, my spirituality, and my care for others, I carry their spirit forward.

Healing hasn’t meant forgetting—it’s meant finding ways to weave the loss into my story without letting it define me completely. It’s meant realizing that even though they’re no longer here physically, the love and inspiration they left behind will always live within me.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is a part of the real me, but not the whole picture. What people see is the strength, creativity, and kindness I choose to share, but behind that is also the struggle, the growth, and the quiet battles that shaped me. I don’t believe the public version is fake—it’s real, but it’s curated. It’s the side of me that inspires, uplifts, and connects.

The truest version of me lives in the moments people don’t always see—in my faith, in my vulnerability, in the way I carry both wounds and healing at the same time. I think we all show fragments of ourselves depending on the space we’re in, but at the core, I strive to make sure the light people see in me is genuine.

So yes, the public version is me—but the deeper, layered, unfiltered me is just as real, even if only a few truly get to know her.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, I do it every day. I’ve learned that it’s not all about the praise or the support—it’s about the passion behind the talent, the heart behind the work, and the strength it takes to keep showing up. Recognition is nice, but it isn’t what fuels me. What drives me is knowing that my craft, my effort, and my energy can touch someone’s life, even if it goes unspoken.

Giving your best, even in silence, builds character. It reminds you that your gifts are not defined by applause, but by the integrity and love you put into them. For me, it’s about honoring my purpose, honoring the people who inspire me, and honoring myself by never holding back. At the end of the day, I’d rather know I gave my all than wait for someone else to validate it. That, to me, is real success.

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