Life and Work with Marci Jameson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marci Jameson.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Marci. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I began my career right out of high school. I knew college wasn’t for me and it was actually my dad who suggested beauty school. He’d noticed I was always the last one to get ready because I was too busy doing everyone else’s hair. At first, I thought it was an awful idea. Beauty school?!? But he convinced me to try and I loved it. Friendly, chatty, artistic and not stuck behind a desk! These were my people! I did hair in my hometown of Sacramento for 6 years before I decided to move to NYC. I lived there for a decade and got to do so many things out of my reach in Sacramento. Movies, fashion week etc! But after that long, I was ready for California again and decided to give San Diego a try. Two years later, I’m busier than ever and loving the sunshine and slower pace!

Has it been a smooth road?
No road is completely smooth. Being in the beauty industry can be tough for women. I’ve been told repeatedly by salon owners that I should lose weight because I have a pretty face. Ewww! The pressure to look amazing and fit a certain standard can take its toll. Something I really noticed in New York was, sure, there’s pressure to look good. But the expectation is to look YOUR best, not to fit the societal standards of beauty. I love that and have taken it with me. It’s so easy to think that thin, blonde, full lips etc is the only kind of pretty. But New York showed me that beauty is in diversity.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with your business – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I do hair! All kinds of it. I personally don’t want to specialize in one thing. I know lots of stylists do and that’s totally cool but for me, I like to stay well rounded. I want clients to look at my Instagram and see themselves in a picture or two. I’m most proud that I’m open to change. I’ve been doing hair for 19 years and I know it’s so easy to refuse to change with the times, but I find joy in learning new techniques and staying current. Social media is HUGE for stylists these days and I’m not as amazing as some other people, but I try to stay active and engaged.

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
In my field, finding a mentor is everything. Let’s be honest, no one is an amazing stylist straight out of beauty school. Stay humble (forever, really) and work really, really hard. My first mentor told me I could make doctor or lawyer money but I had to act as professional as a doctor or lawyer. That really stuck. People can get a good haircut anywhere, so show up on time, look the part, be friendly and professional and go the extra mile. Hairstylists are a dime a dozen, how do you stick out?

Contact Info:

• Phone: 916-396-7378
• Email: marciandthemane@gmail.com
• Instagram: marci_and_the_mane

Image Credit:
Marci Jameson

Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.