Today we’d like to introduce you to Jada Heroff.
Hi Jada, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. Before we ask about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I happened upon the hair industry on a whim at 19, and it has easily been the best decision of my life. I have always loved hair, makeup, and being creative. As a 2020 high school graduate, I had a big decision amid a surreal time. I had acceptance letters from 6 schools out of state, yet something larger pulled me to stay in MN. I went to college for a year, and after that, I knew it wasn’t for me. I knew I had a bigger purpose. I wanted a career I was passionate about. I toured a cosmetology school with my mom in the summer of 2021 and immediately enrolled. I graduated in 2022 and have been assisting Natalie, the owner of Harlowe Salon, and taking my clients full-time for almost a year now. Assisting is one of the best things a new stylist can do. It’s a blessing to find my passion for doing color and learning about owning my own business! I truly couldn’t be happier with my career and life. All the hard work and steps to create this are worth it.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
First, living in a world post-COVID and doing a total of 180 from college to the beauty industry has been quite the journey. In cosmetology school, I struggled a lot. I often considered giving up or thought, “I have no clue what I’ve got myself into,” but then, you get around that bend and realize resilience is key in those moments. The first salon I worked at differed from where I thrived. That was a terrifying thing to experience after putting in so much time and effort in school. When one door closes, another opens, and that’s when I got into contact with my now mentor, Natalie, and started working at Harlowe. Being in a different environment has completely changed my life. I am a completely different stylist and person in the best way possible. Building a consistent clientele is a common struggle early in your career and one I am still working on. It’s easy to get caught up in the comparison game. I want more clients, more followers, etc, but I like to focus on what I have and put effort into creating fantastic work. I love pouring energy into the clients I do have. It is what drives me. I also love growing my Instagram and making connections in and outside work. I have grown the most when I put in consistent work behind the scenes, and it has taught me that consistency is everything. I’ve made plenty of mistakes, but they all have taught me something.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a full-time hairstylist at Harlowe Salon in Minneapolis/St. Louis Park. I love the space, my co-workers, and my clients. It truly is my home. I have found my passion in doing lived-in color. I specialize in lived-in blondes. Most clients look for that, going lighter than their existing or natural color.
Naturally, when I started at Harlowe, that’s the kind of clientele that fell into my lap. I love making each client feel comfortable and focusing on connecting with each person sitting in my chair. No two heads are the same, so why treat it like that?
I’m most proud of myself for the past year, especially. First, I went against what was expected in my hometown by choosing to do my hair. I am, then, venturing out from the hair industry’s “safe option,” my previous commission salon, into a rental space like Harlowe. That was challenging. I knew there was more financial risk involved and more reward. It’s a space that feels authentic to me. In my work, my pricing, and even my style. My dad has owned his own business since he was 23, and that’s where that natural drive comes from. There is no cap on what I can do or become; I continuously evolve. I couldn’t dream of a better career where I can do that.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check?
Pouring into yourself before you serve others is something I do believe in, especially in this industry. I’m a huge believer in physical and mental health. Having the right tools and routine sets you up for greatness. I love to get a good workout right away in the morning, journal in the evening, and then take the time to do simple things like just stepping outside for fresh air in the middle of the day. I’m into self-care, massages, facials, and even watching Netflix at night! Taking time off is also key. Vacation fuels my creative drive, and I come back super-motivated. A few things I can’t live without are my Standley, Apple Watch, and Gratitude journal. I’ve found it’s important to have parts of you that are only sometimes work-related. I’m a high school dance team coach in the evenings, which has been life-changing. I love those kids; they and the woman I coach have opened a new realm of who I am. Connecting with them and being someone they can look up to (and vice versa!) is so special to me. They are also so supportive of what I do. The past year has taught me to have supportive people in my life. Everyone deserves to have people in their corner that add to their life, not drain it, and who you feel good about giving to! Assisting Natalie has taught me a lot of this, which is why it’s an excellent idea for any new stylist to think about assisting or working with a mentor.
Pricing:
- Full blonding starts at $185
- Partial blonding starts at $155
- Haircuts start at $45
- All over color/retouch start at $95 – $115
- Extension and color consults $0
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/hairbyjadaheroff
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairby.jadaheroff?igsh=bjlwN3Jodm8zZWp2&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Erin Renee Photography, Harlowe Salon
