Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Hurst.
Hi Jordan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The beauty industry started to spark my interest in high school where I experimented with coloring my own hair and also doing makeup applications on the theatre actors for plays (out of a small caboodles makeup kit) and hairstyling/color/makeup for friends at my school. I knew my junior year I wanted to go cosmetology school upon graduating high school. So in early 2009, I started my journey at the AVEDA Institute in St. Petersburg, Fl. Where I attended the Cosmetology program, graduated and finished the master’s portion of the school allowing me 400 additional hours above what was needed in my state to obtain a license. (1200 needed I graduated with 1600+). In school, I quickly discovered my passion was behind Photoshoots and doing both makeup and hair, as that was our final project and out of everything I learned and applied there, I felt myself drawn to that area of the industry.
After graduating, I immediately moved to Miami, FL. To start working where I knew I could take what I learned and start applying that to fashion shoots and working behind the chair. Throughout my 5-6 year journey in Miami and Miami Beach, I worked at several high-end salons and styled hair for Miami Swim week while simultaneously working on photoshoots to try to build my portfolio. During that time frame, although I honed in on my AVEDA skillset for cutting and color, I also trained in the Vidal Sassoon techniques and taught for Paul Mitchell the School in Miami as I wanted to expand on my skillset with different color + cut styles. In 2015, I left Miami, the number one reason being I wanted more. More access to different jobs and more diverse jobs in the industry which led me to Los Angeles. I moved here in 2016, gave up working behind the chair to pursue my passion which is freelancing for film, video/print work.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It certainly has not been a smooth road. Starting in the industry at 19, I was really young and had to learn about professionalism and what comes along with working in this business. Which is gaining and maintaining clients and new connections, and of course the challenges that come with the salon environment and navigating relationships with colleges within that space. I was also always presented with having to choose a “speciality” in the salon world and that never resonated with me as well as I am creatively drawn to many areas of my line of work. It’s a very competitive field and I realized I don’t always thrive in the “fish bowl” environment or working for others. I excel and feel most confident working for myself!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a hairstylist / licensed cosmetologist, makeup artist/men’s groomer. I would say my speciality lies in the world of making my clients feel their best when having to be on camera all while maintaining a natural feel to the makeup and hair. Coming from the salon world, I feel I have excellent communication when it comes to my work and I strive to create that “no makeup makeup” really focusing on skin and “effortless texture” hair my speciality as well as styling and working quickly. I’m a creative through and through + feel like I can execute any clients vision no matter how “Avant Garde” that may be, but when I’m dealing with personal clients, I’m happy to say listening is probably my greatest skill and that most likely sets me apart from a lot of others. I’ve had clients tell me they comfortable working with me and confident when they see the final results of my services and that brings me the greatest joy!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve definitely had a wide range of supporters throughout my journey, both in the salon/freelance space. Especially one of my educators in school who pulled me aside at the end and told me to keep going and follow the photoshoot passion because she said she saw me come alive during those projects and that really stuck with me because I do still feel like that to this day. Being on set and living my dream makes me so incredibly proud and happy! My family also being my biggest support system, I moved across the country to pursue my passions and they did nothing but encourage and support me and also gave me tough love when I needed it the most. Without the emotional support of my family, I wouldn’t have made the jump out here!
Contact Info:
- Email: jordanalexhair@gmail.com
- Website: Jordanalex.com
- Instagram: _jordanalex
- Other: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm8141353/
