Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan James.
Jonathan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in a very small town in the mountains of West Virginia. When I say small I mean a population of around 275! I knew from a young age that I craved something bigger. Fast forward to my senior year of high school, I was at a loss for what to do after I graduate. My friends were either applying to college or just looking forward to a year off after school. One of my best friends casually mentioned that she was shopping in Washington, DC, and happened to see a beauty school that she described as looking like “it was full of rock stars.” This sounded interesting to me for two reasons: 1.) It provided an option that wasn’t college (I was contemplating going to school for music) that could get me out of my hometown. And 2.) I always wanted to be a rockstar. I had no experience with hair but I figured if I didn’t like it, it would at least pass the time so I could figure out what to do with my life after. Little did I know that this would be an industry I would fall in love with. I started school and was presented with a world of opportunity I had no idea existed before. I got my cosmetology license and did hair in DC for five years before moving to Los Angeles in 2013 to grow my skills, follow my dreams and fulfill all of my artistic aspirations.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely not been smooth but because of that I have gained so much valuable knowledge. Money was always something that would come and go. I had a problem staying in one place (or salon) for too long and would move to what I thought was the next big thing. This led to a variety of different learning environments but also never gave me a solid foundation for building a steady business. I was young and irrational, which a lot of artists can relate to. I think the biggest challenge though is the waves of confidence followed by insecurity. As soon as I thought I was good at something, a situation would come along to remind me to keep my ego in check and to NEVER stop learning and growing.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about NeonGods – what should we know?
My business is as an independent hairdresser. I specialize in custom haircuts, coloring services, styling and editorial work. It is hard to contain the definition to just that though. Through the years, I have also discovered that I love educating other hairdressers, entering creative hair competitions and designing leather pieces. I am currently working to combine all of these influences to create a brand for the misfits out there who don’t want to tie themselves down to only one thing.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Without a doubt it would be to keep challenging yourself. It has gotten to a point for me that comfort is uncomfortable and feels complacent. It sounds cliche but there is something that rings true to me about doing something that scares you in order to grow yourself. This was and still is one of my biggest lessons. I can’t even explain how much putting myself in positions I didn’t yet feel ready for has led me to the next level.
Pricing:
- Haircuts – $165
Contact Info:
- Email: jonathanjameshair@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/neongods/
Image Credit:
Nick Berardi, Laretta Houston
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