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

Jessica, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career

The cosmetology industry only teaches students how to be safe/sanitary and pass their state board examination. It’s not the school’s fault. Each state dictates the hours in which it takes to learn everything. There’s such a small amount of time to learn so many different things that it’s nearly impossible to help students turn into successful beauty professionals. Some states have give more time but most push students through as quickly as possible. Although school is an immersive experience, it should be longer. Maybe even have an “after your license” program where you can choose an area to focus on. Also having a better explanation of what it’s like to be a licensed beauty professional. So many people think it’s just a fun hobby when it is quite frankly A LOT of work. Less than 5% of cosmetology students make it from day 1 to 5 years into the industry. Even less go beyond that. The states need to do better at allowing proper time to learn everything. Idaho recently lessened it’s hours from 2000 to 1600. That’s roughly 3 less months to learn the same information.

Jessica, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I got into hairdressing because I’d had so many bad experiences in salons and wanted to offer a something different. After more than a decade in the salon industry I finally have my own salon. I specialize in cutting, coloring, and styling curly hair. I cater to those who don’t understand how to take care of their natural texture but want to learn and have a better everyday hair experience. Most of my target market is busy working moms looking for an oasis. My salon as a whole hires individuals who believe in having a welcoming experience for all those including the LGBTQ+ spectrum and those with mental and physical handicaps. Although we strive to create a relaxing and welcoming environment for all, we are a wacky/silly/fun group and do our best to not take ourselves too seriously. The salon is regularly filled with as much laughter and heartwarming conversations as blissful silence.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I’ve overcome a lot of obstacles in my career. In 2008 I moved states and had a heck-of-a-time getting my Idaho license. The economic downturn at the time was disheartening to say the least. In 2013 I finally became an independent stylist and began working on my own personal brand. In 2016 I became an educator and juggled that with being a small business owner for nearly 4 years. Although Covid put an end to my teaching I was able to use that down time to find create ways to help my business survive. Through encouraging my guests to stay connected to me it helped all of us through one of the most challenging years of my life. I owe a lot of my resilience to my amazing clientele.

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

I take an online business and marketing course designed for beauty pros. It’s called Thriver’s Society and it has helped propel my business farther than I ever could’ve imagined. This has taught me the importance of a full online presence complete with website, google, yelp, Facebook, and instagram. They also teach methods to nurture your guests in-between visits, plus how to identify and attract your ideal target market. Before that I would read most any business book I could get my hands on and did as much research online as I possibly could manage while working full-time.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.salonninetythree,com and www.jeckalovesbeauty.com
• Instagram: @salonninetythree and @jeckalovesbeauty
• Facebook: @slaonninetythree and @jecaklovesbeauty
• Linkedin: Jessica Wight
• Yelp: Salon Ninety Three and Jecka Loves Beauty
• Other: I can also be found on Next Door Salon Ninety Three is the salon’s page. I’m on there personally as Jessica Wight.

Image Credits
Road Less Traveled Photography, owner Debbie Wonch.