Meet Trailblazer Janette Cruz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janette Cruz.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been doing hair now for the past 14 and a half years. 11 of which I was self-employed and had no clue what I was doing. I had zero business savvy and my drive was geared towards a relationship that wasn’t helping me be my best self.

In my 10th year of being a hairstylist, I broke my elbow in a skateboarding accident. My delusions of being unbreakable and fearless were shattered. At the time, I had no health insurance, and I wasn’t close to my family. I had nothing or no one to turn to other than my career (and with a broken elbow, that wasn’t looking so promising) and my relationship that was holding on by a thread. After my very lucky two weeks of being away from work due to my injury, I was looking for a salon that better suited my needs. That’s when I came across Gila Rūt Aveda Salon in Hillcrest. There was a huge sign saying they were hiring and everything they offered seemed too good to be true. A chance to participate in New York Fashion Week (which I dreamed of doing since I started beauty school), health benefits, and in-salon education… I hesitated, I didn’t think I was good enough and I doubted myself.

Eventually, I came to my senses and figured I had nothing else to lose so I went for it. I was so happy when I got the job, but shortly after my excitement started fading away when I realized that my ten plus years of experience was still going to land me an assistant position to start (doing laundry, sweeping, folding foils). That was the point I decided my determination was going to get me somewhere!

I hit all the benchmarks I needed in order to move forward and used the structure I never had in a salon before to my advantage.

In the last three years and four months that I’ve been with Gila Rūt, I am the Formal Styling Educator for the company, Lead hairstylist for Fashion Week San Diego, I’ve participated in NYFW, and my work was recently published in Shuba Magazine.

Moral of the story? Believing in myself gave me more power than I ever could have imagined.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The path I have chosen is not an easy one. I am nowhere near finished, but knowing I can move forward with a smile on my face embracing the struggle is a priceless feeling for me. The best advice I can give? Get out of your own way! Stop complaining and making excuses and just do the thing! It won’t be pretty at first, but it’s yours. Own it, and when you look back at your imperfections you will laugh and learn how to make it better.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am an Art Director at Gila Rūt. We are a specialized salon, color is my department, but blonding is my specialty. As lead hair for FWSD, I’m known for incorporating braids in almost everything, I just love them so much. I thrive when I am on location somewhere doing hair, it’s inspiring to take in elements of a different location other than behind the chair. Something that sets me apart is that I am not just a passionate hairstylist, I am a passionate person. I care about the environment and have been fortunate enough to find a brand in Aveda that aligns with what I believe in.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Luckily, I work with my mentors but there is something I always found valuable in my industry though, and that is the power to network with people that sit in your chair. I have also found that going to events whether it’s art or music based, simply enjoying the human experience of talking to strangers and sharing similar interests. San Diego has so much to offer in that respect. Remember, the beauty of collaboration is a fundamental networking tool.

Pricing:

• On location Styling from $60-$300
• Highlights from $100-$200
• Balayage & Babylights from $180-$300

Contact Info:

• Website: gilarut.com
• Phone: (760) 521-8349
• Email: janette@gilarut.com
• Instagram: @jcruzhair

Image Credit:
656 photography

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.