Trina Gragg-Jackson
Trina Gragg-Jackson

You Too Can Have A Can-Do Attitude!

Women’s History Month is an opportunity to celebrate women who have made an impact on our history and shaped our lives for the greater good, both locally and nationally. This month The Urban News recognizes native Ashevillean Trina Gragg-Jackson for her personal achievements and her contributions to our community.

Trina is the daughter of George and Shirley Gragg, for whom honesty, integrity, and responsibility were central tenets of her upbringing. “I remember those life lessons,” she says. “When you help others, you create positive vibes and lasting bonds. It’s an excellent way to find your tribe.”

A 1983 graduate of Asheville High School, Trina earned a BA in Business Management with a minor in Computer Science at St. Augustine’s University (an HBCU in Raleigh). After college she opened Razzmatazz, a downtown boutique specializing in one-of-a-kind couture fashion.

The business was successful, but Trina found that her heart was in education and community services. She soon developed a career with Asheville City Schools, working with adjudicated youth. And, with her love for people, education, and beautiful things, Trina found a new niche in cosmetology.

After studies at the Carolina College of Hair Design and receiving her state Cosmetology license (and licensure to teach cosmetology) she transitioned from her long-standing career to working as the Director of Asheville High School of Cosmetology where she currently teaches. Today, in addition to teaching young people the creative art of cosmetology, Trina owns The Beauty Coach Consulting Firm and has also opened Asheville Pro Lash Salon and Spa with her daughter Kahlani.

Trina has participated in capital campaigns for breast cancer awareness through her Project Pink Organization, creating the Move Your Body for Cancer project and was featured in an ad campaign for Mission St. Joseph Hospital. She has also served more than 400 youth through Haircuts for Kids and created the Asheville High School Hair Show that helped over 200 socially and economically deprived, but gifted, children.

Trina recently wrote a book, From School to Work for Beauty Industry Entrepreneurs, to help cosmetology students transition from school to entrepreneurship.

She has served on many boards over the last 20 years, including the Asheville High Equity Board, Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support Board, Student Management Support Team, and A-B Technical Cosmetology Department Board of Cosmetology. She has been nominated for Teacher of the Year five times and was selected the Walmart Teacher of the Year in 2007.

Trina Gragg-Jackson’s motto is “You too… can do!” She has served as a living example in her community, giving of her time and resources to many.

“It has been a great learning experience for me and made me value my community even more,” she says.

Trina Gragg-Jackson

Trina Gragg-Jackson

Trina Gragg-Jackson

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