Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Stuart.
Hi Jessica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I joined the US Navy at 19, drawn in by the fantastic sea stories of my grandfather. I was a Cryptologic Technician Collections (CTR2), meaning I spent a lot of watches in very cold spaces (50 degrees). When I transitioned out, I began working with some of San Diego’s finest Navy organizations as a government contractor (TTGP/NAVWAR/NIWC PAC). I was on track to spend my whole career dedicated to the Navy, but all those years in the Military environment left me craving a change that allowed me to be more creative, to celebrate individuality, and to help others feel great about themselves. I used my GI Bill to attend cosmetology school at Paul Mitchell the School San Diego, and that choice changed my path.
I found immense joy in helping my clients embrace their individuality and feel confident in their own skin. Being able to bring smiles to their faces and witness their transformation firsthand became the fuel that propelled me forward. Everyone that I work with feels a little like healing my inner child; all the years of restriction on self-expression are totally lifted, and it feels complete by passing that feeling to others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Ha has anyone ever had a “smooth road” picking an unconventional path? The journey of my transition into the world of hairstyling was far from easy. I started in night school in cosmetology while working full-time. Once I completed school, I was confronted with the challenges of a global pandemic within a month of obtaining my license. Navigating the complexities of starting my hairstyling career while simultaneously learning how to protect myself and my clients from the impact of COVID-19 added an extra layer of difficulty to the process.
To make my transition more manageable, I made the deliberate choice to become an independent hairstylist. This allowed me the flexibility to set my own hours and maintain a balance between working as a contractor and dedicating all of my time to establishing myself as a hairstylist. While the road has had its share of bumps and hurdles, I have been fortunate the have a strong support system that has made it all the more navigable.
With the support of my husband, the mentorship of remarkable individuals, and the loyalty of my incredible clients, I have been able to navigate this path with confidence and determination. I am forever grateful for the network of support that has embraced me during this transition, and I look forward to continuing to grow and thrive in the world of hairstyling.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have found three particular areas that bring me immense joy: working with hair related charities like Wigs for Kids, caring for curls, and creating vivid colors.
I love helping connect folks to good charitable resources. I help make sure that kids utilizing the wig donation programs, like *Wigs For Kids, are properly fitted and styled in their wigs. I also love facilitating haircuts for donors. Transforming their long hair into stylish shorter cuts for a cause is the best fun I can think of. Dozens of San Diegans have donated hair to Wigs for Kids with me and that is such an honor. *Wigs for Kids is an organization that provides completely free wigs for children struggling with conditions that cause hair loss (anything from Alopecia to cancer).
When it comes to curls, I am fascinated by the inherent beauty and diversity of natural textures. My ultimate goal is to simplify caring for curls because every curly client I have has needed to minor in chemistry and experiment with a closet full of products to figure out what works for them. I strive to be supportive and craft looks that work with their lifestyle.
I focus my color skills on vivid colors. Vivid colors unlock the artist in me and I feel like I’m putting my client’s vibrant personalities on full display. Beyond the artistry, I find deep fascination in the scientific aspect of hair. Understanding how color works, predicting outcomes, and comprehending the lifecycle of a color journey is a thrilling pursuit for me.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or credit?
Foremost, I owe a debt of gratitude to my husband, Matt Stuart, whose unwavering support has been an anchor throughout this journey. His encouragement and belief in my abilities have given me the strength to push through even the most challenging moments. He’s also been incredibly gracious with my time, as I’ve worked constantly since starting cosmetology school.
Additionally, I have been incredibly fortunate to have the guidance and mentorship of some remarkable individuals. Anthony and Gloria Edge, who owned my first salon and run Edge Academy, a world class hair cutting education center, they played a pivotal role in shaping my early career. Their wisdom, experience, and mentorship provided me with a solid foundation upon which to build.
Currently, I have the privilege of learning from Cat Thompson, the owner of VSN Salon and a Davines Educator. Her expertise and guidance have been invaluable in helping me refine my skills and expand my knowledge in the field.
Last but certainly not least, I cannot overlook the unwavering support and loyalty of my clients in San Diego. They have been an incredible source of inspiration and motivation throughout this journey. Their trust in me as their hairstylist, coupled with their encouragement and willingness to embrace my transition, has been truly humbling. I am continuously amazed by the kindness and support that surrounds me within this community.
Pricing:
- Hourly $80 all services in salon
- On-site event services priced via consultation
- 50% discount for Wigs for Kids qualifying cuts
Contact Info:
- Website: jstuhair.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jstuhair/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessStuHair
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-stuart-109442268/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/j-stu-hair-san-diego-2
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@jstuhair
Image Credits
Samantha States
Jazlyn Gikes
Fazia Rommel
Ellie Nichols
Tina Poudrier
Jamilah Allen
Christina Rogers
Christopher Wang
