We were lucky to catch up with Jessica Page recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

How I Came Up with the Idea for Mane Collective

In 2019, a fire forced my team and me to work from multiple locations, and while it was an incredibly difficult time, it gave me unexpected clarity about the direction I wanted to take my career and my salon. In the process, I also lost part of my team, which made me reflect on what I truly valued in this industry—connection, community, and education.

I realized how much I loved bringing people together, not just for work but for moments of learning, growth, and inspiration. As hairstylists, we pour so much into our clients behind the chair, but we rarely take the time to invest in ourselves. That’s why I built Mane Collective—a space for hairstylists to come together through education, networking events, and a strong community.

Our events are designed to be more than just education—they’re about connection, inspiration, and branding. We create experiences that are not only beautiful and aesthetic but also strategic, helping hairstylists market themselves, grow their businesses, and build their own personal brands.

And now, I’m excited to be launching something new this summer—expanding even further into community and education. It’s something fresh, designed to bring hairstylists together in an even bigger way, and I can’t wait to share more soon.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

About Me, My Work & My Brand

I’ve always loved doing hair and connecting with people. Growing up, I even considered becoming a therapist because I was drawn to helping others. But it wasn’t until I went through a life-changing experience—divorced at 25—that I truly committed to my career. I knew I needed to build something for myself, something that gave me independence, stability, and purpose.

That’s when I took my career seriously and immersed myself in education. At the time, independent education wasn’t as accessible as it is today, but through social media, hands-on training, and a deep commitment to growth, I elevated my skills and realized my full potential. That journey is why I’m so passionate about education today—I’ve experienced firsthand how knowledge and opportunity can completely transform a stylist’s career.

I’m incredibly proud of Blondie’s, the salon I founded over 10 years ago. It has become more than just a workplace; it’s a space filled with talent, creativity, and community. Watching my team grow, thrive, and push their careers forward has been one of my greatest accomplishments.

Through Blondie’s, I discovered my deeper love for building connections and fostering collaboration, which led me to create Mane Collective—a platform designed to empower hairstylists through education, networking, and career growth. Mane Collective is more than just education; it’s about giving stylists the tools, knowledge, and confidence to build their own brand and expand beyond the chair.

As the industry continues to evolve, so do I. I’m excited to keep growing, innovating, and helping hairstylists step into their full potential. Something new and exciting is launching soon within Mane Collective, and I can’t wait to share more this summer!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What helped me build my reputation in the industry?

I believe that connection over competition is what truly sets the best in this industry apart. There’s a long-standing stigma that hairstylists—especially women—don’t work well together, but I refuse to believe that has to be the case. Through Mane Collective and the events we create, I’m proving that collaboration, education, and genuine support are what elevate our industry—not rivalry.

I’ve built my reputation on fostering community, not competition. People tell me all the time that my salon, Blondie’s, has a welcoming, friendly vibe where everyone feels like part of the team. That’s intentional. I want hairstylists to know they’re not alone, that there’s space for all of us to grow, and that we rise higher when we support each other.

The industry is shifting, and I’m proud to be part of that change—building spaces where hairstylists feel empowered, connected, and valued.

Any advice for managing a team?

Advice for Managing a Team & Maintaining High Morale

I’ve definitely learned from past experiences that communication is everything when it comes to leading a team. I truly believe it’s more important to help someone fly than clip their wings—meaning I focus on supporting my team in a way that empowers them to succeed on their own.

Rather than micromanaging, I aim to create an environment where my team feels valued, trusted, and encouraged to grow. When people know they have support but also the freedom to thrive, they show up more motivated, more creative, and more invested.

At Blondie’s and Mane Collective, I lead with connection, transparency, and a culture of collaboration. When you invest in people, they invest back—and that’s how you build a team with high morale and lasting success.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jessicapagehair