We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Torres a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?
When I finally decided to pursue hair full time, I began by creating an Instagram page I was able to create the aesthetic for the ideal clientele I wanted to attract. I started marketing “complimentary styles” for practice and to create a portfolio to showcase my work and I finally received a message from someone who wanted to hire me for a bridal style and the rest was history.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I have enjoyed everything beauty since I can remember specifically all things hair. My mother and grandmother come from a long line of Dominican hairstylist who have practiced cosmetology in Dominican Republic on natural hair over years. Back on the island my grandmother’s sister Julia has owned a Dominican salon her entire life and has cultivated all organic hair care products named “Acrux” for her client’s to enjoy through the years. This influence really started my love for beauty and hair along with the business side of it. My grandmother Dulce was my first client ever allowing me to practice roller sets on her since I was 10. I grew up with the dream of owning my own salon and becoming a beauty professional in South Florida. After getting my license in cosmetology, I developed my niche of learning what I like through different salon experiences. I now specialize in styling, hair extensions and bridal hair, and I love every moment of it. Glory to God for giving me this talent to make woman feel beautiful, my family has been so supportive of my decision to pursue hair full time. My brand is dedicated to limitless beauty and I have finally opened my studio space called “SOFLO GLAM LOFT” located in Doral, FL. I am excited to reach this level of success after 7 years of doing freelance hair. My aunt has been a huge influence for me to always follow my dreams and never give up. I am grateful to my parents for allowing me the grace and space to find my purpose. I am also excited for next few years of my career and looking forward to sharing my style, techniques passion for the beauty industry.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn in the industry, is to not take anything personal, client’s will stay with you, and some will go, do not think it was anything you did wrong. Continue to do cater to your clients and the ones meant for you will continue to support.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I had to get out oy my head and just post! Everything is content, from how you bought a product to how you apply it, to where it came from. Focus on what you are good at and hit record and share with your audience, there re so many people waiting to learn. Make your videos educational and positive, you will always catch someone’s eye this way and gain a following.
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