Today we’d like to introduce you to Justine Bianca.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Justine. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was always obsessed with everything that had to do with the fashion and beauty industry. Moving from Jamaica to Hawaii, and with globe-trotting parents, my eyes were opened to different trends and influences worldwide at a young age. At 17 I moved from Hawaii to San Diego to attend FIDM, soon after that I got my esthetics license, followed by becoming a MUD certified make-up artist and cosmetologist. I wanted to dip my hands into every part of the beauty industry. During hair school, I fell in love with hair color and extensions. The way you could transform your clients and enhance the beauty you could already see in them, gave me an amazing high. Being able to boost their confidence with the simple stroke of a brush, I knew I had found my calling. After beauty school I worked with a fashion blogger doing hair and makeup for her blog Yurkstyle. 2 years later I became an assistant and then a colorist at Gila Rut in Torrey Hills. I left a year later to venture out on my own with Styled by Justine Bianca. I started my business in La Jolla, but have since moved into Pacific Beach, specializing in extensions, color (blonding specifically), and hair smoothing treatments.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have definitely been struggles with venturing out on my own. Leaving the comfort of a well-known salon with a huge following was extremely scary. Building a clientele and steering the people your way is not always easy, especially with so many big, household name salons everywhere you turn. I went from just being the artist, to also being, the reception, the marketing, the buyer, the management. I wear a lot of different hats and that at times, especially in the beginning, can be very overwhelming.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Styled by Justine Bianca – what should we know?
I am a hair stylist, specializing in color, extensions, and hair smoothing treatments. I pride myself in my passion for my clients. Everyone who sits in my chair will enjoy an experience tailored to their needs. I do not consider myself a “cookie cutter” stylist. I keep my passion alive, and my knowledge growing by taking continued education classes as much as possible throughout the year. In an industry that is ever changing it is imperative to stay on top of new trends, techniques, and products.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Katey Yurko was an amazing partner who always believed in me, and was always making sure I could showcase my work in her blogs and photo shoots. Elida Dozal was my mentor at Gila Rut. Her patience and thorough teaching made me the colorist I am today. Her sincere care and gratitude for her clients was inspiring and her constant hunger for knowledge was motivating.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4645 Cass St.
suite 203-1
San Diego, Ca 92109 - Website: styledbyjustinebianca.com
- Phone: 619-540-1941
- Email: styledbyjustinebianca@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/styledbyjustinebianca
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