Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessie Perazzo.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It may have been when I was six years old, chopping off some bangs for one of the neighborhood kids while hiding behind a bush on Windjammer Drive. Maybe it was in the 5th grade when I colored my hair with Kool-aid. Could have been a few years after that when I started pouring sun-in on my head and baking in the Moreno Valley heat… Or maybe my interest in hair came in high school when I’d spend hours locked in the bathroom cutting and coloring my hair until my arms fell asleep. Eleven years into my profession and that interest has me living out a dream.
I used to highlight my struggles and constantly ask “why me?”. It wasn’t until we lost my dad and my older brother in the Spring of 2013 that my perspective was beginning to shift. Why not me? At any moment, life as we know it could switch up completely or be gone without warning. I was ready to jump and show my daughter that it wasn’t the struggles and trauma that made us, but the way we chose to deal with them. Our ability to find ways to rebuild, our strength, and our resilience was what was going to get us through and skyrocket us to our highest selves.
I moved us to the Southbay and started working for a small salon who’s street address was 313 11th Place. Not realizing at the time that these numbers were a beautiful sign from the Universe, I moved though every struggle and every bad day until they started to become lessons learned, growth developed, or a principle formed. Change your perspective and you’ll truly change your life.
Fast forward through five years of both wins and lessons, eleven years into my career, and I’ve found myself standing in the middle of a lifelong dream. Where? 313 11th Place. We lost my dad March 2013 (3/13) and because that was the pivotal moment of me kicking my ass into gear, it only made sense to recognize this sign from the stars and name my first business Three Thirteen Salon.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. When you start to look at the struggles as little gifts of knowledge and growth, there are no more bad days.
Having the salon deal completely fall through the first time around could have been seen as a struggle, but I learned major lessons of trust, betrayal, business and friendship in that moment. Being a single mom and running a business could be seen as a struggle, but I see that I am teaching my daughter that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible on your own. Spending 8 months alone in the salon, unable to find a solid team could be seen as a major struggle, but that time taught me how to truly hustle; being broke will humble you and remind you of what and who is most important.
All of the heartbreaks, friendships lost, betrayals, failed ideas, and bad days in between were all coaching sessions, moments of growth, eye-openers, and lessons learned. Change your perspective and you will truly change your life.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Three Thirteen Salon is a small, boutique-style loft tucked away behind the busy main streets of Downtown Manhattan Beach. The beautiful wooden ceilings with multiple skylights in the space encouraged me to bring in the beach we are surrounded by. Picture a fun surf-shack hang out in the 70s… Surf boards, wicker chairs, and lots of sun-kissed & salty hair flowing.
We are a full-service salon; haircuts, hair color (anything from classic highlights, to lived-in color, to wild rainbow hair), Extensions, straightening treatments, perms, wedding styling, we truly do it all. We also have a couple of the best make-up artists in the South Bay. You can come in and enjoy the space solo, reserve the entire space for a group beauty party, or we can travel to you.
Music is another big influencer in my space, with record players, the occasional socials we host with live music, and lyrical-murals blasted on the walls by some badass artists in the South Bay. Our bathroom by Oak Cliff Lettering is a major selfie-spot after getting your hair done, as well as our staircase by the Hermosa Beast himself, Chico, reminding clients to “Take It Easy.”
What were you like growing up?
I’m a Leo and I’ve always been a Leo. Yes, I’m one of those people that justifies my shit with my zodiac sign! But that’s exactly who I was growing up. Always wanted to be the center of attention, the Queen of the jungle. I was spoiled, liked things my way, courageous, protective as hell, and fiercely loyal… almost to a fault.
Over time I think society and the always-changing world around me started to dim my light for a while, and I was conditioned to think that I was anything but a fierce lion. Conditioned to think that being a single mom, not going to a 4-year college, or not owning a home before 30 were all failures. But after moving to LA, the Leo came back out and I’m as regal as ever.
My interests have never truly changed. Anything that requires creativity but also makes people happy. Transforming people through hair & makeup, event/party planning, and music. My passion for anything music is unwavering. I grew up with music always blasting in the house and in the car. Dancing around the house and making home videos with my siblings, cousins, friends.. anyone that would let me be the star. Started going to shows and festivals in middle school, and I am currently living out yet another childhood dream, planning my first micro-festival, “Music… but Make it Fashion.”
Contact Info:
- Address: 313 11th Place Manhattan Beach 90266
- Website: www.salon313.com
- Phone: 424-452-6242
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/threethirteensalon
- Facebook: facebook.com/threethirteensalon
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/three-thirteen-salon-manhattan-beach
Image Credit:
Salon photos by Joshua Montez (IG: motleymontez); Personal photos by Joy Thomas (IG: goldschool_)
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