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

Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

As a salon owner and working behind the chair as a stylist full-time, and a mother of two, life can quickly become overwhelming or unmanageable. I have no shame in admitting that I have had to re-do many things in my life in order to be a better version of myself for my family. I have realized that some days the best you can do is make your bed, but always count your blessings.

Success can be defined as many things; It can be as simple as being debt-free, or making X amount of dollars a year. For me, success isn’t defined financially, but more of a state of mind. It’s not having anxiety about putting bills on autopay, or not having to budget every penny earned. Trust me, I have been there. Success in many ways is the freedom to live a low-stress lifestyle. I say low-stress, because let’s face it, there is always something to be stressed about these days. You don’t have to have millions in your bank account to be defined as successful. You don’t have to own a business, house, or fancy car. Success is being able to set short-term and long-term goals and put a plan in place to achieve these goals. It is the sheer will to BETTER yourself and impact those around you.

I have owned Rustic Roots Hair Studio for 4 years. I had never owned ANYTHING previous. But I knew that through hard work and dedication, I could be a successful business owner. “Failure” has never been in my vocabulary. Your state of mind is everything, in any life aspect. Being mindful of your words and thoughts. Manifesting and speaking words of affirmation are as important as setting forth a plan. In 4 years, I have managed to grow my salon team, buy a new car, buy a house, and provided for my family in a way I never was able to before. I took a leap of faith, and if you are reading this and feel something calling to you, jump. Believe in yourself. Put in the time. Make a plan.. Everything else will fall into place!

Jessica , 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 Jessica Trushel. I own Rustic Roots Hair Studio in Anderson Township: Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a booth rental salon, which means I have other amazing independent contractors that run their business out of my salon. It has been quite the journey to get to this point in my life, but I stand proud of the business woman I have become. Walking into my salon “home” has a magnetic and magical feel, because I built this from a dream. Everything you see in the salon was created with the help of family, friends, clients, and local artists. Building the salon was truly an incredible experience. It was built and designed by people that wanted to watch me succeed in my dreams. I am forever grateful for all the helping hands.

I have amazing people that work alongside me as my salon family. Ali Kaiser is a hairstylist and dear friend that believed in my vision and has stuck by my side since the day I opened. Kelly Fenske, a long time friend, has joined the Roots fam, as well as Heather Go-Lightly. I plan to expand my salon team in the upcoming year. Big plans ahead!!

The Rustic Roots brand not only offers impeccable service, but an experience worth telling your friends about. We provide an environment where beauty is felt, client are heard, and long-lasting friendships are made. We build enduring and rewarding relationships with clients and community by offering products and services that bring more balance and sustainability to your lifestyle.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

First and foremost, when you graduate from hair school and become licensed, the best piece of advice I can give is to get an apprenticeship at a well-known salon that will provide additional education and endless resources. Hair school only teaches the bare minimum of how to perform services and this career is ever-changing. Secondly, outside of apprenticing, specialize in a service you LOVE. Take in every chance of education to become an expert in your passion. Whether that be lived-in blondes, weddings, or extensions, etc. Focus on one thing at a time and keep building on that.

Secondly, please PLEASE look over any contracts offered to you by a salon. Non-competes can be limiting to you building your business and clientele to reach true potential. EVERY CONTRACT IS NEGOTIABLE: if they want you and your talent, you can ask to include or exclude parts of your contract before signing. Always take it home and think on it. You can even forward it to a business lawyer for a small fee to understand the terms.

Lastly, I encourage everyone to hire a life-coach or salon-coach before making any huge decisions, like opening a salon. I have been in business for 4 years and just recently found out that there are programs and people that will teach you everything you need to know about business. I went to beauty school, not business school, so there were plenty of things I learned along the way and most were tough lessons and self-taught. I hired RachelPaigexo to coach me in making my life easier and more manageable as a salon owner and active stylist. I have learned so much and recommend this to any/every stylist.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to create a salon space that encourages individual stylists to grow to their fullest potential. I want a salon environment that clients come to unwind, feel safe, make connections, and leave feeling as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside.

My driving force, as cliche as it may be, is my children. They may see me working late nights and most weekends, but they see that I work hard. They will grow to know that anything is possible as long as they work for it. Dreams can come true. Goals are important. The driving quest for success and achievement is a mindset that combines discipline, strength, confidence and ambition. A powerful mind can achieve anything.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vagaro.com/rrootshair
• Instagram: Its_jesst_hair
• Facebook: Rustic Roots Hair Studio

Image Credits
Photographer: Keena Good Photography