Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerilynn Stephens.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Seattle 94′, I was 24 years old, No idea what to do with my life. I decided to go to Cosmetology School. Once I was in school, I finally felt a sense of purpose. I love making people feel and look good. I got the opportunity to visit a film while in school and that’s where I found my dream! I knew from that moment on that I wanted to be a Hollywood Hairstylist. It has evolved and changed into so much more over the years. I’m the Head Hairstylist for The Voice, Shark Tank, Songland & Lip Sync Battle along with various Award Shows.
My career started out in Seattle working as an apprentice under an amazing stylist, Beverly Moreland of Robert Leonard Salon. I knew I needed to get my portfolio together so I could have something to bring to Los Angeles. I began renting a chair to give me flexibility to do freelance jobs or more like free jobs to get the experience I needed. I said “Yes” to everything that came my way. I went to Vancouver Film School for Makeup. I drove 3 hours once a week to get this experience. I then freelanced for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics working the events in the malls. I loved doing that. I got to work on all textures and colors of skin. It really jumped start my experience in makeup. Being a “double hitter” in the freelance world made me more valuable and desirable. People like to hire one person to do both hair and makeup. Now, It was time for me to take the big leap and move to Los Angeles. A girl, her dog, cat and a dream. Hollywood here I come. I immediately got a job at Bobbie Brown in Century City Bloomingdales. Then After my Cosmetology License transferred I was so fortunate enough to get a job working at Rudy’s barbershop on Sunset in the Standard Hotel. This is a great place to work because they have a built in clientele and I was able to make money right away as a hairstylist.
Then one day I got my big break! I met a woman that hired for Getty Images. She wanted to see my portfolio and I had one! She hired me for a job that I met three amazing artists that forever changed my career. Two makeup artist and one hairstylist. There are always events that can change your life forever. The first was beauty school and then it was meeting all these women on this one job. From there they took me on films, print jobs and Reality TV. My love of Reality TV started there. Each job leads to another. Then I was referred to Shark Tank in season 2 & The Voice Season One, by the Dept Head Makeup, Darcy Gilmore. By Season 3 I became the “Key” Hairstylist which is 2nd in charge. Season 9 I became Dept Head Hairstylist of The Voice. Hard work pays off truly. Once I became Dept Head on these shows I soon got VMA’s, iheart radio, Radio Disney, Lip Sync Battle and my newest show Songland. The Award shows will vary depending on who the producers are. In our business, we are usually hired by producers or other artists.
I’m very proud to say that I’m a Guild Award-Winning Hairstylist and 7 x Emmy Nominated Hairstylist.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been easy. I was in a really dark place after I moved to LA. The first year was really tough. I didn’t feel good enough, pretty enough, skinny enough or rich enough to be here. There were so many times I would think that my dreams would never happen. I truly had to dig deep within myself and just believe it would happen. I started to feel “as if” I was a Hollywood Hair and Makeup Artist. I AM good enough!. Then I met some women that became my tribe, my Soul Sisters. If you don’t have a tribe that has your back and lifts you up. Then get one! They saved my life.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Last year I was thinking about where I have come and what I have accomplished. I am living my dreams! I have a loving, supportive husband and a wonderful, funny son. I wanted to start giving back what I have been given. I didn’t know exactly what that looked like one year ago.
In Dec, my friend and I put on a Holiday Haircut for all the evacuees for the Campfire Victims in Chico, CA. It was the only thing I could think of to help them. My stepdaughter and her family lost their home along with so many people. My heart was broken and I needed to do something. We ended up having nine professional stylists and 14 cosmetology students. If you want to google “NBC News evacuee haircuts Jerilynn Stephens.” You can see the incredible piece on it. After that, I want to do more events like this.
Over the year, I began speaking to students and professional stylists. Along with some kids from Augora High School. I share with them they can be and do whatever they want. I share my journey of the good and the dark along with the never give up! I have a practice of my 5 “F” Words. I teach them how to manifest the life of their dreams and they deserve it. I’m currently writing a book called “The 5 “F” Words to manifesting your Life.” It’s launching Nov 5th, on my 50th birthday and I’m five years sober. I think the #5 is my number.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
That’s an easy answer, I would have invested in Starbucks! I was right there and so close to all of that happening. As far as all my mistakes, ups and downs. All made me who I am today. No regrets.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jerilynnstephens.com
- Email: jerilynn4hair@gmail.com
- Instagram: jerilynnstephens
- Facebook: Hollywood Hair and Makeup
- Twitter: jerilynn4hair
Image Credit:
Danny Stephens
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