It is hard to imagine growing up in a community that is poverty-stricken and war-ridden. Seeing images of a country where life seemed simpler and opportunities seem abundant provides the assurance that there is more beyond what is currently seen. America has always been deemed the “Land of Opportunity. Despite our many challenges, current political climate, and ongoing pandemic, there is still hope that the rhetoric “land of the free” is still valid.
Peta-Gaye McCalla is a professional hairstylist, and hair educator turned author. Her faith, determination, and drive pushed her to achieve 25 years in the beauty industry. Her success story as a female entrepreneur of color has led her to share with the hopes of inspiring others beyond what they see. She has never lost her child-like faith yet strengthened it. Her book Journey: My Life Behind the Chair testifies how she climbed over every hill and through every valley to imagine her own American dream.
As a young child, the Jamaican-born immigrant saw a life in America better than the circumstances in which she was born. She and her family were financially strategic as they planned for her to voyage to America the day before her 13th birthday. (Airlines charge adult fares to those aged 13 years and up.) Comparing life in Jamaica to life in the States, McCalla recalls, “Being the States wasn’t much different in terms of love in the household and poverty conditions in the first few years. But it filled with opportunities and a sense of safety.”
As expected, McCalla was met with a bit of culture shock upon her arrival. Her childhood daydreams of mansion-filled communities and streets lined with limos were shaken to reality. As she details in her book, “There were no streets paved with gold or Irish Spring air.” She did not allow the facts. She witnessed to become the reality of her journey.
Becoming a beautician was, as she describes, “a cheap, nine-month investment.” But as she allowed God to order her steps and direct her path, she found much success. Her teachable spirit evolved to her teaching others. Now moving beyond the stylist chair to the author’s seat, McCalla hopes to encourage others to keep the faith on their own paths of destiny.
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