Jessica Iovino shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jessica , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’ve been studying deeper into music, as I’ve been a singer my whole life but recently had the urge to learn more about theory and classical music.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My Name is J.Rae and I’ve been doing hair for 13 years, I’m also a singer, songwriter. I had an amateur music career through my 20s while slaying hair in the chair during the days. I became a mother in 2022 and that’s my most important job now, but I will say I love that my daughter is growing up a “salon baby”. (Mama stylist get it)
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I would cringely enough have to say, my husband. He has always seen the best part of me, and I don’t mean literally. At one point when I was performing shows (as a singer) I would jokingly call him my “Stage mom”. He always wants me to be the best version of myself [not for him] but because he knows I how multitalented I am and how I can often forget all the energy I’ve put into the past to make my future great and when I forget all that- he guides me back to my center. Even at times I didn’t feel good enough for anything. He will always lead me back to remembering what I can be if I try.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Working in the service industry, we deal with many personalities, all day everyday. There were many days when I first started that felt pointless, and I wanted to give up, maybe because a color correction that took all my energy in a 10 hour session didn’t go as planned, or because -despite me doing a great job on a client, and taking time and energy they weren’t happy with their end results and blamed me for their unhappiness, or not living up to someone I assisted in my earlier career’s expectations on a project. As an artist – hairstyling and color can also make us vulnerable because we’re mixing opinions and science.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I would say the public version of me is somewhat an illusion, as I would say it is for most. I am not always in glam, I’m not always in a big cheesy smile! I’m a real person with real life problems. I do however love that my photo always leaves people a little intimidated… and then when they meet me they’re like OMG I LOVE YOU! And they realize I’m just a quirky, singing, ex emo cheerleader, classical music and classic rock loving valley girl who just wants a chill client in my chair. I look for longevity in relationships with my clients , they trust I will never lead them in the wrong direction just for a payout.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Keeping up with the joneses. I would stop sweating the small stuff, make every second with my friends and family count. I would stop procrastinating
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @hairbyjrae @j.rae @raemoremusic
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/hairbyjrae
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/jessicaraela
Image Credits
Gil Riego Jr.
Barmey Ung
