Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Um. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

Of course I have thought about what it would be like to have a regular job–more than I would like to admit! Any time I have a difficult client, or I forget to make an order, or I’ve been at work for 10 hours standing on my feet all day, or have to miss an event because I was working a Saturday, I think about how nice it would be to work a regular job. However, when I am in my space and get to chat with my amazing guests all day long, or my client squeals with joy because they love their hair so much, or I take a trip with my husband and don’t have to worry about anything, or I get to take time off to take care of my family, I remember how much I love being a business owner. For anyone who is a business owner or is considering becoming one, know that it is not easy. It comes with fear, stress, overwhelm, frustration, hurt, and sadness. It comes with hard work, sleepless nights, and early mornings. I know these things sound cliche, but I have felt every single one of these emotions and have done all of these things to ensure that my business is successful. However, as challenging as it is, it comes with great reward. I think about why I chose this path and I am constantly reminded of the fact that I get to cook elaborate meals for my husband on my days off, tend to my garden in the mornings, play with my nephews during the week, and shop at Sam’s Club with no line. I did this so I could drop off and pick up my future kids from school, do homework with them, take them to practice, and take them to the beach during the summer. I did it for the freedom it gives me in my lifestyle. I did it for the big picture.

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?

For those of you don’t know me, my name is Jess from Jess Um Hair. I have been in the industry for 8 years now and love love love what I do. I am a hairstylist in SCV and love to give back to my community.

My main goal is to give you beautiful, low-maintenance, and easy-to-do hair. I specialize in women’s haircuts. A lot of stylists and clients don’t focus on their cut as much as they do color. However, I believe that a gorgeous cut is the foundation to a beautiful color and the hair as a whole! I think this is what sets me a part in my particular area. I love a good haircut and hope to cut exclusively one day!

I am the most proud of how I built my business. It took a lot of hard work to get where I am, but I think I finally have reached a point where I am content with how my business is run. I am always up front and honest about pricing, I consider my clients needs and wants in their hairstyle, and I execute that wish with confidence because of my continued education and dedication to my craft.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

My audience on social media is all organic! I love social media, but it can be overwhelming at times. The best thing I ever learned was that it’s not about the size of your following, its about the quality. After I started focusing my content on the type of guest that I wanted in my chair and what they would want to see, I stopped worrying about the amount of followers I have. I don’t even know what the number is off the top of my head. However, I do know that it is relatively low compared to some other stylists I know. Despite that, I get the most new clients from my social media.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I have a referral program for my guests to encourage the growth of my clientele. There is nothing better than a new guest that has been pre-approved by a current guest! I love a referred client because they come in already trusting you and loving your work. It’s not as nerve wracking and is usually an easy connection. I have received some incredible clients from social media too, but I love my referral program because it’s usually a guarantee that they’ll love it!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jessumhair.com
• Instagram: jessumhair
• Facebook: Jess Um Hair
• Yelp: Jess Um Hair

Image Credits

Jennifer Arthur Photography