We recently connected with Jillian Saxman and have shared our conversation below.

Jillian , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?

It doesn’t matter if the guest in my chair is brand new or a client of 10+ years. I treat them as if they were my mother or sister, brother. I love my family dearly and I am oceans away from them, so I care for my guests and treat them the same way I would my blood family. With love and compassion, respect and humility. I want each guest to leave feeling beautiful and cared for.

Jillian , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Ever since I was a young girl I used to watch my Aunty Kelly in her salon. I had always admired the way she cared for her clients. I saw them come into her salon, feeling worn but relieved they had “arrived” and knew that they would be cared for. I saw the barriers come down as the coffee was poured and conversation flowed. I saw how important the social aspect of salon visits were. All her clients admired and respected her, and couldn’t wait to sit in her chair. I realized it wasn’t about the hair and it never has been. Hair is the medium, that connects us together.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I was a top stylist at a commission salon for 7 years. Then covid happened, and the salon was in a mall. We shut down temporarily and I didn’t have a way to support myself and my family. In a pinch I moved myself into a studio, and trusted my clients would find me. I put myself online and SEO’d the shit out of my name and anything my former clients would associate me with. One by one, they found me and came back and continued to follow me in my journey into entrepreneurship. I lost some but the clients who wanted me and my services found me. Best business decision ever!

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I didn’t have any money. Initially I borrowed from family, Because I knew that I was making the right decision, I was able to pay them back in full by 6 months after opening.

Contact Info:

• Website: Jilliansaxman.com
• Instagram: Jillloveshair
• Facebook: Studio222byJillianRose

Image Credits
ShegrooVes photography Lisa Coleman