Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jarrod J Fisher. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jarrod J, appreciate you joining us today. Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s a just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)? Looking back at internships and apprenticeships can be interesting, because there is so much variety in people’s experiences – and often those experiences inform our own leadership style.
I think going to cosmetology school is an important step, a faster way to get one’s license vs. an apprenticeship and I recommend going to a junior college rather than a private school. You’ll receive the same state mandated curriculum to pass your state board for much less money and one is no more ready to start their career without the advanced training one receives as an assistant in a salon. The truth is no one is going to give away their trade secrets for someone who isn’t going to produce for them, so save your money, earn a few college credits and then receive your true education from someone that is producing the type of work you want to produce. When you find the salon that is willing to invest in you, don’t rush the process and know that it’s an investment in your future.
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 started my career in 1997 and I have been a working hair colorist, color educator, Creative Director and now salon owner over the past 27 years. After completing cosmetology school at the College of San Mateo, I pursued an advanced education as an assistant at Yosh for Hair in San Francisco. With my education and a couple years experience, I moved back to my hometown of Los Angeles and began my journey from colorist to salon owner. What sets me apart from the current trend of social media based stylists is my education, learning how to learn from those who came before me so I can create for my clients rather than chase someone else’s vision. This is what allows me to always put the client first by being able to adapt to evolving styles, helping clients to feel their best through bespoke techniques rather than being a servant to the pitfalls of trends.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy in growing my clientele has been an honest and professional approach to my work. When working with a client I always put them first, I don’t cut corners or follow trends, I work efficiently and I’m transparent about timing and pricing. Learning to constantly evolve my skillset and interpret evolving trends ensures I’m doing my best work on every client at every service. When that is the mission then I can rely on my clients’ word of mouth to send more business to my chair than any other form of marketing and it keeps my cost of client acquisition at zero. I believe that the best way to keep one’s business flourishing is to focus on your existing clients, hit it out of the park with them every time and they will take care of your business as happy clients.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Capital is probably what keeps most business’ from getting started and it can come it different forms. My advice is to only start a business if you are truly passionate about being a business owner, not just about the service you provide and not because you don’t want to work for someone else. This is also where education comes into play again and the mentor relationship because I was able to lean on my mentor through almost every step of my career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jarrodjsalon.glossgenius.com/about
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jarrodjsalon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jarrodjsalon
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jarrod-j-salon-ladera-ranch-6