Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Victoria Jones. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Victoria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?

While I was in high school, I took cosmetology classes at a local technology center for elective credits. One day we had a field trip to a community college in our area. When we went, there was an educator from a professional product company teaching a class. I was so intrigued by what she was doing, that when everyone else was eating lunch I was still at the stage watching her work. She looked at me and said, “you really love hair don’t you?” I told her I absolutely did! She replied to me and said, “when you graduate from high school, I’m going to hire you.” I gave her phone number. 5 months later she called and hired me.

I remember during my interview, she asked me what my goals were. I told her that I was going to get my license and open my own salon. And I did just that!

I am happy I worked for her. She gave me the opportunity to learn how to completely run a salon and also put my bachelor’s in business management to use. Everything I put into practice there, I use today.

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

I always knew I wanted to be a hairstylist. Easily since I was 3. Playing with my Barbie’s hair is one of my earliest core memories.

When I got to high school, I took cosmetology classes with our local technology center. My senior year, we had a field trip to a local community college where a stylist was teaching a class. While everyone was eating, I was watching. She told me she could see my passion and she wanted to hire me when I graduated high school. I was elated.

Upon graduating, my parents didn’t see my vision for going to cosmetology school while obtaining my bachelor’s in business management. I decided to work for what I wanted, and I called the stylist. She had already filled the position.

About five months later, she called me back and hired me on the spot. I worked for her for 6 years. I learned so much, and I feel like I taught her a lot as well.

When I left her, I opened my own salon and full body wax bar, Divine Inspirations. I must say, being a business owner takes a lot of disciple and sometimes that looks like no days off. I have set hours and I would stay at my salon whether I had clients or not. That way I never had to get ready because I was always ready.

I am most proud of my work ethic, my perseverance and my passion. In an industry that is fully saturated, passion makes the difference. I tell all of my clients that I do what I do, because I love it, not because it’s lucrative. Every client that has a session with me will always leave having gained education about their hair, as well as many feel good moments to be confident in themselves and their lives.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Passion. Passion is what separates the greats. So many people can be good in this industry but that doesn’t keep people coming back. Guests can feel when you care not just about what you do, but also about them.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Word of mouth is always one of the best tools. When my guests finish their services, a lot of times I just give them 10 business cards and referral cards. I know they are about to go somewhere so when someone asks who does your hair!? They can give them a referral card with their name on it and I would give both of them a free service.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.divineinspirationshairsalon.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/divineinspirationshairsalon
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Divineinspirationshairsalon

Image Credits
Kenneth Jones