We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jasmine Blackbear a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jasmine, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I would definitely say I was the black sheep of the family growing up. I grew up being into alternative fashion and music which my family didn’t necessarily get. I also had the idea of not attending college once I graduated high school, my parents were super against it. They would tell me things like “that’s not a real job”,” you’ll struggle with that career”, etc. I however believe in having faith in yourself, I think you can be successful in any career path you decide on as long you believe that.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am an indigenous hairstylist from Oak Cliff. Growing up I went through a emo phase which made me want to be super experimental with my look especially my hair! I would always do my own and even my friends from time to time, when I got a little older I started do some modeling, specifically for hair shows and classes. The hairstylist that would be working with always seemed like they were having the best time while doing their job so I figured what not try it out whenever I got older. I started cosmetology school a week after I graduated high school and since I’ve had 0 breaks I just catapulted into my career. I specialize in alternative looks, vivids, and color corrections! I love doing the more intricate looks especially to help my alternative clients express themselves !

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

In this day and age social media has been the biggest resource for me. From booking/finding clientele, to even getting my own personal hair inspiration from there! Social media is our new way of sharing our portfolio, clients find me through apps such as Instagram and tik tok. I can show my personal salon life through these apps and show my work!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

In my type of service industry, I get to help other creatives express themselves through their hair. Hair holds memory and expression, I often have clients who felt like their last stylist was unable to create the image they were going for, so I feel really proud to be able to give them that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://instagram.com/stylesbyblackbear?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Instagram: Stylesbyblackbear
• Tiktok: @batbruja