Meet James Gilbert of Brandnewjames in Pasadena

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Gilbert.

James, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born and raised in East Palo Alto, CA. I come from a family of hairdressers and always embraced the ambition they had to do something big and help people. Watching my mom do hair out our small house, we called a shack, influenced me to have that same hardworking work ethic. My village growing up was full of woman. My dad wasn’t around, and my oldest and only brother was always in and out of prison. I’ve always used certain experiences of mine to make me a stronger being. Growing up, I never knew what or who I wanted to be. When I got a little older, I was in the streets doing things that got me in trouble. I was doing everything I said I never wanted to do. I ended up going to jail, using drugs and partying like crazy.

At age 25, I was shot in the back of my head/neck, and that was my wake up call. The bullet missed my spine by a centimeter. I was paralyzed on my left side for about eight days. I went to many physical and mental therapy classes. I went through a whole year of recovery during the first couple of months and was told I wouldn’t be able to work again. The odds were against me, and when I was able to lift things again, that’s when I started a new physical journey. I began to go to the gym and distanced my self from anything negative. I fell in love with running and lost 50 pounds. I started getting visuals of what I saw for my self in the future.

I saw myself living in LA and doing celebrity hair. I went back to cosmetology school to get my license and started working at the salon with my mom and sister in Sacramento, CA. I started off as a barber. A year after my tragic night, I moved to Los Angeles. I was recruited to assist under Neeko Abriol, who’s an LA native. He is a well-known celebrity hairdresser and taught me so much. I am currently working behind the chair, working on set, and teaching all over the world. I am just getting started and my future for my life, career and family looks amazing.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I have to say it has been a smooth road for me. When I moved here, I came with $1200 dollars. I slept on the floor of my agent’s apartment for three months. I moved into a hostel in South LA and later rented a room in a house in Pasadena. I now have my own apartment in Pasadena and have been there for four years now with my wife and newborn son. I’m a people person, and its really easy for me to work with people. Some struggles I have had were my own self and getting into things that were distracting to my dreams like drugs and partying way too much.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Brandnewjames – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I’m a celebrity hairstylist, and work with all kinds of people. My clientele includes doctors, artist, models, and more. I work in a salon, on a set for different magazines like Vogue and Elle, as well as video shoots and more. My brand is totally about embracing someones natural beauty. I’m not really into doing too much to alter ones look, unless its editorial. I’m also known for teaching all over the world. I’m known for my blondes, the way I dress, and my morning runs that I do on social media. I want people who watch me to be inspired to love their natural beauty. What sets me apart from others is me. I’m willing to fly across the world to give back, and use everything I’ve been taught and teach it to others for free. I’m not into the money, but I charge my worth, and I’m not cheap.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I really want my own salons. I would like to own one in NYC, LA, and San Francisco. I want them to be based on who I am, and what I’m about. I want great energy, a huge aquarium, and lots of plants to also represent my love for nature. My plans are to build my brand and continue to inspire and teach.

Pricing:

• Female Haircuts are $135. Male Cuts are $75
• Highlights start at $225. Bleach and Tones start at $250
• Balayage $250 and up
• Day rate for photo shoots $750 and up depending on the job description.

Contact Info:

• Address: Union Salon
  174 S Delacey Ave Pasadena CA 91105
• Website: www.unionsalon.com
• Phone: 626-793-7745
• Email: brandnewjames1@gmail.com
• Instagram: brandnewjames
• Facebook: james earl gilbert jr

Getting in touch: VoyageLA 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.