We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jenna Helling a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jenna, appreciate you joining us today. Can you share a story that illustrates an important or relevant lesson you learned in school
While I was attending cosmetology school at Aveda Fredrics Institute in Indianapolis, I learned a lesson that I still follow to this day. That is, you only get out, what you put in. As in, if you put a little work in, you’ll only get a little experience out of school, or whatever you’re doing. I made sure that I was getting the absolute most out of school, and training to help me succeed. I was attending school around 40 hours a week, then on my off hours from school, I was doing training while being a receptionist at a men’s hair salon. I still follow this, to this day. I truly think that the more effort I put into my work, the more success I will get out of my business.
Jenna, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am the owner and operator of Clipper Over Comb MN. I run a salon suite out of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, exclusively for men. I have dedicated my entire cosmetology career to men’s hair. I love what I do, and I am so passionate about it. My days get infinitely better when I get to go into work and have great conversations with my clients, and get to cut their hair. I think that running a men’s salon, as a cosmetologist, sets me apart a little bit. I specialize in men’s hair and I love to be able to offer a quiet, relaxing, salon environment for my clients.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I went to school in Indianapolis, so upon graduating I was licensed as a cosmetologist in the state of Indiana. However each state requires you to be licensed in their state to practice cosmetology. Upon moving back to Minnesota I knew I needed to get my license transferred over. However, this was a long and grueling process, which almost made me quit the industry altogether. Initially I had to complete an extra 50 hours of cosmetology school and pass both written and practical tests for the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology. I completed the hours and passed both tests with no problems. Although I did not anticipate the 6 months of back-and-forth paperwork to and from the board of cosmetology. I had my application sent back to me I believe 3 or 4 times, each time I sent my application in, it was at least a month or two before I was able to get it reviewed, processed and sent back to me. I was so crushed and broken with each unsuccessful application, due to unclear instructions of what paperwork needed to be submitted, but I knew men’s hair was the only thing I wanted to do. I continued to resubmit the applications until I had a cosmetology license in my hand. I learned a lot of patience, although I do believe that the months of hands-on training that I received while I was waiting to be licensed really did help mold me into the stylist that I am today.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Referrals from clients are absolutely the best source of new business for me. I get so overjoyed to get a new friend, family member, or co-worker of one of my clients in my chair. Whether it be one of my clients telling their friends about their experience with me, or a friend complimenting my client’s haircut, and asking where they go. I really do love my time with each and every one of my clients. Referrals and positive reviews mean the world to me, and really help to build my client base.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jennahelling.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: @clipperovercombmn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clipperovercombmn