We were lucky to catch up with Jessy Graham recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jessy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

Midway through my career about 8 years ago I worked as a traveling educator at hair salons and trade shows. This experience was an investment of time for me as I actually lost profits from me being away from my own salon to teach at these shows. While I was paid educating from the company that hired me, when I compared what I could bring in financially seeing clients in my shop vs being gone for the weekend teaching it was a monetary hit against my business. However, I am using this as my example because the value that this experience brought me could not be quantified by a number. The gain of friendships with other talented artists, salon owners, and industry leaders throughout the country has been extremely beneficial throughout the years. Also, the training I gained to be able to also train others helped me understand hair science and collaboration with others. Overall this investment of time and turning away temporary profit from my salon was one of the best investments I have made in my career as the value from that experience is still paying off to this day.

Jessy, 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 learned in the early part of my career h0w important the consultation process is for the success of the service provided. My favorite thing to do with my clients is to learn about their day to day lifestyle, personality, to be able to provide realistic and attainable hair goals. While I’m learning about your lifestyle I am assessing your cranial shape, growth patterns throughout your hair, texture/density variations, facial structure, skin tone, eye color, natural hair color and looking at your side profile to then recommend a style for your hair. Looking at these details for each client is what is required for me to create the custom looks I am known for. My regular clients that I have already done this process with also periodically get new recommendations from me based on fashion trends, their life changes and sometimes its simply to just try something new. I love that this consultation process fosters a trusting relationship between us. Of course, in order to be able to recommend custom looks for my clients that is evolving I make sure I am continually learning the newest industry products and techniques. I am very proud of the trust and loyalty my guests have provided for me throughout the 18 years of being in this wonderful business.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I LOVE IT when I see my clients exuding confidence even between their hair appointments with me. It lets me know that the hair advice, and mini lessons I showed them during their appointment is being utilized to help them feel confident even when they are fixing it themselves at home. I have done my job well, when my clients can re-create the look I gave them. I will admit that I social media stalk my clients posts and stories with pride watching how good their hair looks.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

In the first part of my career I thought I had to be competitive against other hairdressers to be successful. I was fresh out of hair school and thirsty to make it. I am naturally competitive so I just wanted to be the best which isn’t inherently bad but I learned through the years that there are enough clients for everyone and that it is better to attract the right clients for me. I am still very competitive but its with myself. What new things can I learn about techniques, products, or better business practices? And I have found that I grow when those around me grow. Having great relationships and respect for other hairdressers is paramount in my career now. When gardening, if the soil is good- all the plants in the garden will thrive. I put effort into feeding nutrients into my life and others around me so we can all grow together.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Jessyssalon.com
• Instagram: @ikd_andme_hairistry
• Facebook: JessysSalon
• Twitter: JessysSalon
• Yelp: Jessys Salon
• Other: TikTok: IKD_andme_hairistry