We recently connected with Jenna Lu and have shared our conversation below.

Jenna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

I started my career behind the chair when I was 18 years old in 2015. I’ve had a lot of clients not believe in my skills because I was so young. They would judge me right away as soon as I’d shake their hand. Once they’ve been seated in my chair, one of the first things they’d ask me is “how long have you been doing this?” In the beginning I’d be truthful and say “a few months” and they’d be instantly turned off. Once this happens, it sets the whole mood for the duration of the appointment. Trust us a big factor when getting your hair done. They’d think “she’s going to mess up for sure.” If you’re looking for something wrong, you’re going to find it.

One time a client had called the salon to book a haircut appointment, and I happened to be the only one open for her availability. The client asked the receptionist how long I’ve been doing hair, and at this point I’m a year in. She proceeds to ask “so does that mean she’s just a level one?” At the salon I was at, we didn’t go by the level system like others. The receptionist continued to tell me that she was nervous to get her hair cut by me simply because I was “just a level one.”

By this point, assumptions about my skills didn’t bother me anymore. I didn’t let that feeling control my mindset and mood. Instead, I took that energy to prove them wrong. To prove that my young age didn’t equate to my skills. That client came in, sat in my chair and at the end she said “I’m very impressed, it’s exactly how I wanted it.” The next time she called, she requested me and made two appointments. One for herself, and one for her husband.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My name is Jenna Lu and I’m a hairstylist and artist from Michigan. I specialize in color corrections, vivids and precision haircuts. I also offer other services such as balayage, dimensional color, men’s cuts and updo styles.

I live a Vegan lifestyle and in my free time I love to work out, do hot yoga, take naps, cook and paint. My media of choice for paintings are acrylic and watercolor. My art style is realism and impressionism. I have a partnership with Capital Hippie in Lansing where you can view and purchase a couple of my pieces!

I’m the first generation of my Vietnamese family to be born in the states. Lansing, Michigan is where I grew up. I went to Protégé Academy for my training, I’ve also trained in New York and Milan where I’ve been certified for transitional cut and color. I’ve been behind the chair since 2015 and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

What sets me a part from other hairstylists is that I really educate my clients as if I was an instructor. I genuinely want people to understand the scientific and chemical side of hair. It’s not just about slapping on color and calling it a day. With every single client I have, I give them the “what, when, why and how” of everything I do. I do that to gain their trust, and to give them reassurance. Most importantly, they learn something new and I feel like it makes them appreciate our work a little bit more.

Communication is key, but also boundaries are also very important. I want my clients to know that no matter how much I love my career, hair is not my entire life. Balance is important. Your mental health and your physical health will always come first in my book. I’m a strong advocate for that, and will continue to try to erase that “work until you die” mindset.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Social media is such an important tool, but it’s also a double edged sword. People on the internet are ruthless. It’s easy for people to hide behind a screen and say mean things. “Cancel Culture” is such a prominent thing in this generation. In the beginning, for years I’ve played it safe. I played it the way I thought I had to play. I was posting on the regular, coming up with captions, the same hashtags, and keeping it simple.

That was the issue. My posts were like everyone else’s. All of my content was being drowned out because it wasn’t unique. I thought to myself, what’s different, what’s unique? Then I realized… it’s me.

Every single person on this planet is unique, there is no other person just like you. Similar, but not exact. That’s when I decided to rebrand myself. I started showing more of my authentic self, my life outside of hair. I got vulnerable and took a risk. The risk of showing clients what my struggles are, my weaknesses, and who I really am. I started posting more videos, being more interactive by asking questions, being relatable and responsive.

That’s when my content surged up on social media. For the first few years I forced myself to be in a perfect box. To keep everything neat and tidy for presentation. When on the inside, that wasn’t me. Being unapologetically myself was the best thing for my social media following.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

All my life I’ve been told by family that I had to be a doctor or nurse. When I was young I didn’t understand why they were forcing that on me. Now that I got older, it’s about the financial security and status. For them to be able to say, “my daughter is a doctor.” Instant gratification, instant recognition and these people my family would tell this to… don’t even know me. “My daughter does hair.” Doesn’t have the same ring to it does it? Now that I’ve established and made a name for myself, I proved to my family that I can live comfortably doing what I love. Now my mom is telling my younger sister “you should do hair like Jenna.” I got to where I am today because of my determination, discipline and resiliency. I’m always trying to better myself, and to move on to the next thing. No matter how many people didn’t take me seriously.

When I started beauty school, a lot of people would ask “Is this your hobby?” When I started actually working behind the chair, they’d ask “but what’s your real job?” Working in the hair industry, people don’t take you seriously. There are people out there that don’t believe this is a real job or that we’re not that important. When the pandemic hit and everyone was on lockdown, what was the first thing people wanted? Their hair done. Seems like we’re pretty important to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lovehairstyles.com/stunning-ideas-summer-hairstyles/
• Instagram: @youarebecoming_jennalu
• Facebook: Jenna Lu/youarebecoming – Hairstylist
• Other: Other interviews: VOYAGE MAGAZINE https://voyagemichigan.com/interview/conversations-with-jenna-lu/

Image Credits
Liv Schafer Photography