Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenelle Hutcherson
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My grandmother was a hairstylist. I was inspired at a very young age by her. Everyone got haircuts! My Care Bears, the dog, my dad sleeping on the couch, I gave myself micro bangs… Everytime I had my hands on some safety scissors someone was getting a new look! Haha.
The love of shears only grew as I got older and of course beauty school was the plan. I grew up in Bakersfield, CA where I graduated beauty college.
I worked as an assistant to, a then, local celebrity stylist for almost 4 years. I honed in on my craft and skills, saved money and finally made my move straight to Long Beach where I have lived and built my business as a local stylist.
I have had the opportunity over the course of my career to work the Academy Awards, traveling Broadway shows like Hairspray and Sweeney Todd, work as an international independent educator for Lanza Haircare, stylist to FORBES/RBS Santa Michael, work industry men’s grooming/bridal shows and national hair shows.
Teaching and building confidence in other stylists trying to build their skills is one of my favorite things.
Overall, I just love how we stylists get to give the gift of good hair to make someone feel empowered and more themselves.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Every step of the way has challenged me, from skills/classes to running a business, to working with people, understanding mental health, getting my license and state board testing, even just finishing high school was a challenge because I hated it there, I knew what I wanted to do. There was a time where I really thought I wouldn’t succeed and I almost didn’t finish beauty school. I had a teacher tell me I was never going to make it. So naturally that crushed me, I almost gave up. Obviously I know that teacher was wrong, and I have far exceeded my own expectations of what success as a career stylist looks like.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize as a color specialist and men’s grooming expert. I can do many other things but those seem to be the majority of my clients.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My mentor stylist in Bakersfield of whom I assisted for almost 4 years, my hairstylist grandmother and all of my clients, they continue to inspire me to keep evolving as a person and in my career. I’ve built a culture in my clients, that which is a lot like a cabinet, they are all intelligent people that specialize in what they do, and therefore our conversations always lead us forward. It’s not just haircuts and bleach.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.loftydreamsalon.com
- Instagram: LoftyDreamSalon
Image Credits:
Jenelle Hutcherson
