By Hannah Spence
Some women wear wigs to try out different styles, while others opt to use them because they’ve lost their natural hair. Either way, The Upskale Collection provides its customers with wigs that help them feel confident.
The business began at Rutgers University, where founder and CEO Jennyca Jerome, now age 30, started styling other people’s hair as a college student. When peers constantly asked who did her hair, Jerome revealed she did it herself, prompting requests for custom services such as coloring bundles and installing sew-ins.
“So, then I realized, oh, I can do something with this,” said Jerome. She eventually began creating wigs, which she sells and ships to clients in different states. She soon evolved to posting Instagram videos to share advice on curly hair care and styling maintenance.”
When a customer asks for a custom-made wig, Jerome said the first step is a consultation where she takes time to ask questions such as how often they exercise and what length they would like. Jerome makes recommendations based on the information the client gives her. Then, she will walk them through taking their head measurements. If clients have difficulties measuring themselves, Jerome will set up an in-person appointment to assist them. In the rare instance that a wig doesn’t fit, Jerome will produce a replacement.
Jerome’s business also includes Upskale Laundry, which provides lace replacement, custom coloring, and wash-and-press services. Customers who buy a custom wig receive two complimentary wash-and-press sessions.
In 2023, Jerome moved to Florida and soon afterwards officially incorporated her company. She received an MBA from Florida International University, where she said she learned analytical and financial skills that she began implementing at The Upskale Collection.
Jerome said her parents provided her with the funds needed to start and run her business. “My advice to someone who wants to start their own business is to start by doing lots of market research and reach out to other business owners to get as much advice as possible,” said Jerome. “I would also tell them to leverage social media for marketing and keep going no matter what challenges they face.”
Jerome is active in her community, serving as co-chair of the Strengthen Our Sisterhood Committee and volunteering for her sorority chapter and church. Through her local connections, she has had women approach her to disclose that they have medical conditions that have caused hair loss and to ask for her help. Jerome has alopecia, so she understands their struggles.
Jerome said that plans for her business include opening a 501 (c) (3). She said she would love to partner with nonprofits like Make-A-Wish Foundation and American Cancer Society to serve more people with ailments, and because she understands that “not everyone can afford a wig that’s upwards of a few hundred dollars. I know a lot of times beauty is seen as superficial, but I truly believe that health and beauty go together. So doing whatever I can to help women feel beautiful no matter what they are going through, that is my goal.”
