Today we’d like to introduce you to Jarad Reed.
Jarad, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
So first and foremost I’d like to say hello!! So I can honestly say I am a third generation hairstylist, both maternal and paternal grandmothers where hairstylist, my mother was a hairstylist and as well of a host of aunts great aunts and cousins and uncles are all in the industry. Whether it be Barber’s, hairstylist, or just plain old beauty or business, so with that being said, I feel I have it natural and it comes to me as second nature.
I can remember as young as about 5 or 6 trying to utilize a curling iron, not knowing exactly what to do I curled one of my aunts ceramic expensive dolls, which I really don’t know if she was angry because I left the curling iron on and burnt the carpet, or if I curled her dolls hair and had her looking cuter than she has ever looked… needless to say the dolls hair got curled, the carpet was burnt, and I was sent to bed for the rest of the night..
I think that when my first inclination of JTouch or Jarad at the time gathered an interest for styling hair or a love for hair in general. So flash forward to 2008 I was working full time at a salon as well as going to school full time to get my career started in the beauty industry. There I picked up and learned about how many other assets there where in the industry, I learned about hair shows, fashion shows, hair battles, cutting classes, movie sets, and fashion. And can I tell you when I found out the gene was more than just doing hair!! My world got a whole lot bigger!!! I finished school in less than a year and also continued after I finished to get my instructors License.
I’ve worked as an independent contractor, I’ve been on set, I’ve attended NYFW shortly after completing school and did it for 3 consecutive seasons thereafter. I’ve worked with celebrities and mentors that I would never imagine working within Houston… until it came to me one day, you are greater than what you are doing, don’t limit yourself to just HOUSTON. It was like a still voice saying do it! I felt as if I had capsized my expectations for my city. I had to move on, so in the month of July, circa 2015, I felt as if I had an epiphany, I had to get away. For me it was either New York or California, I had been to New York but I had never been to Cali.
So why not I chose California why not try a place you have never been, I had no family except a step-aunt, no friends, but hey why not, take a leap of faith, you never know where you may land. So on or around July 18th or so, I started my packing, no one knew. I was saying my goodbyes by the next day and on the road by the 20th, I was on the road to a new beginning. The trip was bittersweet, I think I had about 400 dollars to my name which almost half of that went on gas and food. Either way, I was determined to get away and get to LA, change was amongst me and I grasped it fast.
Of course by the time I got here I thought I had a step Aint I could rely on, and as I got here and have been living here I quickly understood, that I had no one, so I as the story goes that I hear in LA some many time, you will be homeless at least once. And this was my time to shine, I ended up being homeless and living out my car for about a month until I finally got help from other resources like the government. I believe because I have a genuine spirit I attract all type of great people, Soo I end up meeting a really good friend now. And they allowed me to live on their couch for about six months.
After being turn down countless time after time, from different salons, because my California hairstyling license hadn’t come in yet, or I had no clientele, or I was in a salon that was stealing things from me, until I found a salon that really helped me, it’s called the Lounge on Wilshire, where I currently work and in October of 2018 I will have been there 3 years. I had been sleeping on my friend’s floor for 6 months until I was able to stack money and move into my own place. Which I am there now and by the Grace of the creator I have been here and I’m here to stay…
I have had an awesome career here, in the little time that I have been here I feel that I have conquered some major things, and I’m yet hungry for more… While in LA I am seeking to an Oscar, an Emmy. A Grammy for best hair in tv and film! And until then I will work my butt off to ensure I get it before leaving this earth!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Moving to LA has not been a smooth road, there definitely has been some bumps along the way, but as long as you commit yourself to the grind, to the hassle, you can’t and won’t get left behind.
Some of the struggles here is trying to establish a lasting relationship with individuals whether it be via business or friendship. I feel that people only want to speak with you or talk to you if they can benefit from you. So I’m learning how to handle and deal with people when they come with their wants and needs. Figuring out your lane and where you belong In the city.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about JTouch the Stylist – what should we know?
Well, my name is JTouch I am my own company’s and brand, I specialize in natural hair styling health Andres carpet or runway event styling. I, as a brand am known for being able to style any type or texture or color or any time of hair that may come my way effortlessly. What sets me apart is that I’m just that all around Stylist has a great personality and will keep you laughing. Also, people trust me with their vision and trust me to execute the process…
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have to give kudos to my mentor Dennis McClendennon he was the first one to open up the door to the other side of the hairstyling realm, he was my first mentor and won’t be my last, he’s taught me some of the top tricks and tips in the industry. He listened, he taught, he shared, and he may even yell but I am Soo grateful for him taking me under his wings and showing me the ropes.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 8322452763
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/jtouch
- Facebook: Www.facebook.com/JTouchthestylist
- Twitter: Simply_jtouch
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