Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazmin Saavedra
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?
Since I was a little girl, I always loved everything pertaining to beauty, glamour and fashion. At a young age I knew I wanted to make others feel and look their best. A big part of my influence came from my Dad whom dedicated many years or his life to barbering. After graduating high school, I pursued a career in child development and it wasn’t long before I realized my heart wasnt fully into it. It was at the end of my winter photography course that I stopped in to the El Camino College Cosmetology department, Mr Jacoby, one of the lead instructors there greeted me. He humored me and we talked about the process of enrollment. After about 30 minutes he reluctantly told me there was a two year wait list for the program. My heart was shattered of course, but there was hope for me. Coincidently, I was carrying my final project from my photography class. It was a serious ofphotos I had taken with my 35mm camera. The models had been prepped with hair and make up by me. This impressed Mr Jacoby. He saw the passion I held for the beauty industry and then and there he put me on the roster for the spring semester. At the time, I was working 3 part time jobs and attending school full time, and 1600 hours couldn’t come sooner, but I got it done. The road wasn’t easy but 18 years later, I’m blessed to say I love what I do. You can find me helping men and women look their best at Salon Republic in Torrance or at The Polished Mane Salon in Long Beach.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Before working as a full time stylist, I was an apprentice for two years. During that time I shadowed some very talented stylists and asked them as many questions as I could. I also made sure to attend as many classes or hair shows as possible. All while juggling several jobs at a time because I was on my own financially and working since I was 15 years old. It wasn’t easy but I was determined.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I offer man services for men and women.. the majority of my clientele are women. My services include haircuts, balayage, baby lights, color melts, Brazilian blowouts, and hand tied extensions. I specialize in, lived in hair, color and color corrections. Some of my most proud achievements throughout the last 18 years of my career are being a color technical advisor./educator for Schwarzkopf Professional, and becoming a small business owner. When someone asks me what sets me apart from others, the first thing that comes to mind is “the safe space” I provide for my guests. They know that they can come to my studio and be fully and authentically themselves with no reservations. No judgments. Most of my guests tell me that I am their therapist, so now it’s an ongoing joke between us- how I am an unofficial therapist that also makes them beautiful at the end of our session. Most of them also boast about the invigorating scalp and neck massage they all get at the shampoo bowl too.
Pricing:
- Women’s haircut $98
- Men’s haircut $50
- Extensions- consultation required
- Wash and blow dry $60
- Color $95+
Contact Info:
