Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew James.
Hi Matthew, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My education began in 2010 at the Aveda Institute of Minneapolis. When I was in beauty school I discovered that I had very little love for the art of hair coloring, so I decided to strengthen my haircutting skills and specialize completely in cutting. After graduating from Aveda I took on an extensive training program at Rocco Altobelli where I developed a strong foundation for haircutting and excellent customer service. After graduating from the training program I was placed at their Woodbury location as a stylist.
After about two years there I decided to leave the company and try something new. I began working at an upscale salon and medspa in Edina where I learned a lot about the industry and a lot about myself. I worked there for about 6 years, experiencing an enormous amount of growth with this company as well as a total salon expansion. Then just two days after reopening our new location, we were forced to lock our doors. Being forced to stay home gave me more free time than I ever thought I needed.
After months of introspection, I realized I needed to make a change if I was going to continue to grow not only financially, but creatively as well. I stayed with the company until February of 2021 while I explored my options and decided that becoming an independent hairstylist was the obvious next step for me. In March I began working at Anthem Hair Company in Downtown Minneapolis and it opened my eyes to a level of freedom I never thought was possible for me. Operating my own business while being surrounded by like-minded professionals who create beautiful work and inspire me every day has been such a wonderful experience.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Moving from Edina to Downtown Minneapolis definitely wasn’t easy, especially during a pandemic. After years of hard work building a clientele, I was basically starting over from scratch. Struggle was a huge part of the experience, but nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? There were many moments of fear and doubt, but I learned that the best thing you can do for yourself is find a good support system. Vocalize your fears, and then challenge them. At the end of the day, they’re just thoughts and you have to have faith in yourself and accept the choices you make, good or bad. What felt like a terrifying decision at first turned into a dream come true. Now I am happy to say that I’m successfully building a strong clientele of some of the most incredible people I’ve ever met.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Behind the chair, I’m known mostly for my methodical approach to haircutting. I specialize in all types of styles, but I’m known for modern shags, bobs and long layered haircuts. I pride myself in creating lived-in looks that grow out softly and beautifully, and don’t require a lot of maintenance. As far as what sets me apart from others, I pride myself on being compassionate. I love being a part of this community of artists and I love seeing what the younger stylists are doing on social media. I’m always drawing inspiration from my peers and doing what I can to lift them up and cheer them on. This industry is known for being cutthroat, exclusionary and competitive and I wish I had more positive, authentic connections when I was a young stylist. I’m seeing the industry change into a more compassionate and collaborative one and it makes me so proud and excited for the future.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Please support your local businesses! Especially ones owned by our BIPOC, AAPI and LGBTQIA+ neighbors. We are stronger together and we can all do our part to keep this community thriving.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/matthewjames.hair/
Image Credits
Marya Juliann Photography
Arrold Walton Photography
