“Nobody is talking about entrepreneurship and starting their own business. It is just about going to college.”

Jaiysha Cain, 19, is a beautician from Milwaukee. She received her high school diploma from Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy. After graduating, she realized college was not the right choice for her and decided to start a career as an entrepreneur. Becoming successful in the beauty field, she opened her own shop.

Akira Quinn: How did you get into the field of becoming a beautician?

Jaiysha Cain: I had a fantasy for braiding hair. I liked the art that came with braiding.

Akira Quinn: why did you decide not to attend a four- year college? Especially coming from a school where the Former Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools was the founder.  

Jaiysha Cain: I am still interested in going. I just have to pick the right timing for me. But not going as soon as I left was challenging because I knew that the school, I came from was college-bound. They were pushing you to go to college. However, you just need a plan to come from a college-bound school.

Akira Quinn: So, what were your steps in achieving your plan?

Jaiysha Cain: My main steps were to save and build my clientele so I can be prepared when the time comes when I do go off to college. I can have everything set. I did have a plan, which was saving and building clientele.

Akira Quinn: Did you know the amount of income you were going to make? Did you know you were going to be financially stable?

Jaiysha Cain: Yeah, I figured just ranking up how many clients I could take a week and per day. You really must calculate what you are going to spend and what you are going to save. It was a challenge, but you must have confidence in yourself.

Akira Quinn: How did you handle negative views on not attending college?

Jaiysha Cain: it made an impact on me because I am thinking that I cannot do it, I should just get a regular job. But when you put your mind to it and dedication is really the key, you can do it without doing what others say like getting a regular job.

Akira Quinn: How much is your income?

Jaiysha Cain: I would say around $8,000 or $9,000 a year.

Akira Quinn: In the coming years, The Wisconsin Policy Forum is saying that you would not need a college degree to get a higher paying job. So, what are your thoughts on students attending a four-year college now to get that desired higher paying income?

Jaiysha Cain: If that is what you want to do, do it. It is always good to have a bachelor’s degree behind you. It is a reward for yourself, and you will have something to fall back on.

Akira Quinn: Do you think it’s necessary for students to attend a four-year college?

Jaiysha Cain: It’s not necessary to go to college. All you have to do is get a good plan without college. People say it is always good to have a degree but going to college I do not think it would be for everyone. 

Akira Quinn: Do you think college is brought up too much in society?

Jaiysha Cain: I feel like they are heavy on college like in high school and after high school its go to college. But nobody is talking about entrepreneurship and starting their own business. No one is speaking about investing in yourself, it is just about going to college. 

Akira Quinn: Are you happy with the decisions you made to become a beautician?

Jaiysha Cain: Yes, I am, but in the future, I do plan to go to college for like two years and get my business license. However, I am comfortable and happy with the decisions I made.