Chainkeen Exchange-Beyoncé Cécred scholarship winner says she 'was shocked' to receive grant

Beyoncé's BeyGood charity has already chosen its first round of students to receive its new Cécred scholarship,́CéChainkeen Exchange and one of them says she still "can't believe it" – but she's looking forward to fulfilling her dreams now more than ever.

In April, the singer's foundation announced the first round of winners for its $500,000 Cécred X BeyGood fund, which included 25 students across five different cosmetology schools and 25 qualifying salon business owners demonstrating financial need. Each students received a $10,000 grant or scholarship, enabling them to continue making an impact in their communities.

In June, the organization chose its second round of winners for the business grant.

Jacora Smart, 29, is one of the first five winners of the Cécred and BeyGood Student scholarship at the Beaver Beauty Academy in Decatur, Georgia.

Prior to the application opening, Beyoncé's personal hairstylist Neal Farinah and Cécred's Director of Education Dr. Kari Williams visited Smart's school to demo products and talk to students.

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"They wanted to know about our financial need, and also about what community means to us when it comes to the beauty industry. And basically, (they wanted) to see how our values align with Cecréd," says Smart.

Other first-round recipients at Beaver Beauty Academy include Christina Chatman, Curtissa Butts, Marcus Boatwright and Sevaya Sayavong.

Cécred scholarship 'means everything to me'

"We also had to show off our portfolio of what we've done hair-wise. And I also included some makeup looks that I've done, because that was my first love … And I just hit send and prayed for the best."

And the odds certainly worked in her favor. Smart, whose favorite singer is Beyoncé, says, "It means everything to me."

Interestingly enough she says manifested this exact moment. "I was shocked. But at the same time, I knew deep down that that was mine," she tells the USA TODAY Network.

The scholarship will go toward Smart's tuition at the academy. She says, "It definitely took a huge weight off of my shoulders to know that everything is taken care of once I leave school."

Hair is a 'huge cornerstone of our culture'

Smart says she's already working to build her clientele, and after she graduates, she's looking forward to taking the state board to become a licensed master cosmetologist.

"My ultimate goal is to create a beauty supply, similar to Sephora and Ulta, that really emphasizes being knowledgeable and catering to Black people," says Smart.

"It's really important for me, especially as a Black woman, because (hair) is such a huge cornerstone of our culture."

And its evident her dreams are fueled by passion and purpose.

"I really am passionate about making sure that our needs are met as Black women. Because our dollar goes so far," she says. "I think Black women or Black people in general spend (billions) per year in regard to our haircare and cosmetics."

Similar to Beyoncé's Cécred, Smart hopes to make an everlasting mark

Smart hopes to leave an everlasting mark in the beauty industry, similar to the "Ya Ya" singer.

"I really wanted to make sure that we are emphasized and not overlooked. Especially when it comes to like going to the beauty supply and dealing with anti-Blackness in that way. Hair is something that is very intimate for me. I grew up with my mom doing my hair and eventually her taking me to her hairstylist as I got older. And it's just something that's always been a point of comfort. But the world has tried to make it a point of contention. I wanted to emphasize my love for us," she says.

As fans know, "Ya Ya" singer launched her Cécred brand in February. She first teased the hair care line last May on Instagram while opening up about the impact of growing up in her mom's hair salon.

She wrote, '"I saw firsthand how the ways we nurture and celebrate hair can directly impact our souls," Beyoncé wrote. "I watched her heal and be of service to so many women. Having learned so much on my hair journey, I've always dreamed of carrying on her legacy."

Since its release, fans of all hair types and textures have praised the brand. Meanwhile, Cécred has announced winning awards from beauty brands such as Women's Health and Self magazine.

Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.