Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Cooper. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
In cosmetology school, you pretty much just learn the basics when it comes to styling hair, right?! Finger waves, rollers, how to maneuver with a curling iron, blow dryer and brush! I’m so thankful for that training, because without the basics, you certainly cannot be successful!
Then, you graduate and have to put those learnings to practice! I worked for Ulta salon for 5 years after finishing beauty school. There, I was able to find what services I really enjoyed the most, and formal hairstyling was my absolute favorite! Anytime a walk-in client would come to the salon for prom, or a bridal shower, baby shower, date-night, any and all special events… I would offer to take that client before any of the other stylists! It got to the point where I was the go-to stylist at that salon for all formal styles! Envisioning a clients desired style and bringing it to life has always been a therapeutic way for me to express my artistic abilities! This gave me several years of “practice”, and it’s really all I had the desire to do. Being in full-service salon, I had to do other services, like cutting, coloring, treatments and retail sales. Those services were the only obstacles standing in my way, and I soon decided to open my own bridal hairstyling business, doing formal styling as my primary specialty!
From a young age, I’d always love to play dress up, to do dance lessons and dance recitals wearing big and sparkling costumes! I’ve always loved to sing and dance and be on stage, do talent shows and sing with choirs (still do to this day). I would pretend I was a hair dresser as a kid, using rulers as my styling tools to make my friends look their best. What I love the most about all of this is that there are no mistakes, there’s only creative work! I’m grateful for the time I had as a child being in these environments, and thankful to my parents for keeping me busy doing what I loved.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I went to school to become a licensed cosmetologist, after 3 years of being a police officer (and realizing that although it will always be a honor, being a cop simply was not for me)! I remembered those life passions and followed my heart to become a licensed beauty professional. Upon graduating, I worked in a salon for 5 years before opening my own bridal hairstyling business in 2012. Now, with almost two decades of experience under my belt, I love to help brides find the perfect wedding day hairstyle , which compliments their natural beauty and encourages them to move happily into this next chapter of their lives! I offer a bridal preview (trial) appointment before the wedding day where my clients can try up to 3 different looks/styles to determine which is a best fit. I use all professional products, tools and supplies, as I’m very particular about hair lasting all night long (and smelling good) through deep celebrations of love! Overtime, I’ve learned that I am a visual creator… meaning, if a bride shows me an inspirational photo, I will do all that I can to get it as close to the photo and desired style as possible. That’s where the artistic mode kicks into gear, as each person’s head of hair is different and unique in its own way(s)! My specialties are updo styles, soft glam, and modern wedding hairstyles. I will install clip-in extensions if needed and consider the brides accessories (if applicable), to match well with each style. “Giglio” is my maiden name, and is why I decided to keep it as my business name as it holds very special meaning in my life. Giglio Hair Designs serves Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas (NC & SC) and will travel as needed!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I’d have to say the most rewarding aspect of what I do is the lasting friendships that are developed between me and my clients! My goal is to create a look that they will cherish and remember forever. When they look back on their wedding photos, they will be pleased by remembering a happy, stress-free time of getting ready on their wedding day, and how I did my best to contribute to that!
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Give love to get love! Over the years I’ve met lots and lots of wonderful wedding vendors (being involved in the industry, and collaborating on events). I love connecting with and supporting others and their businesses, and hope for the same in return! I really enjoy seeing all of the different wedding venues that I travel to, and like to connect with my brides, follow their journey into the married life! Asking for referrals and being engaged with connections is another great way to build and deepen existing relationships. I do my best to upload my work as it’s done, and include each and every vendor who is part of the final outcome. I also do my best to keep up with social media trends, staying relevant and hopefully put out helpful information for my future brides needing a wedding hairstylist!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gigliohairdesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gigliohairdesigns?igsh=MWt6bjltZHptajRsbw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18mkFBhP9Y/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-cooper-7307a158?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: https://x.com/ghairdesigns?s=21&t=u9J9Y859KKAIDoB5It85qw
Image Credits
Southard Creative Co Angela Acosta Photo Timeless Carolinas Sheree TaylorPhotography Wagner Photography and Film Megan Pitts Photography Olive and Grace Photography Durwood Weddings Luminous Photos Allure Wedding Photography Blooming Dreams Photo Tara Marie Photography