Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaclyn Kasper
Hi Jaclyn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
How did you even start doing this? That’s a question I get asked, a lot. Like most other things that have happened in my life, it was a chain of events. I didn’t really go out seeking it, but it felt more like it came to me, I picked it up and it became part of my journey. More specifically, I remember the day I was sitting in the employee room at the salon I rented from. I had been a stylist for 13 or 14 years at that point. I worked with a young stylist who had tattoos covering her arms, hands and other various places on her body. She came in one day so excited about a service she found out about called Microblading. Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic tattoo that creates eyebrows for anyone who didn’t want to worry about daily makeup application or for those who just didn’t have much or any hair because of any reason. I thought cool, this Microblading was right up her alley as she obviously loved the art of tattoos. She proceeded to show me pictures of the artwork from various artists she had found online. It was a relatively new service so there were not many artists in or near our area that even performed it, let alone many people who knew this service existed.
At the time, I felt I was in a bit of a rut and I was looking for something to push my creativity. I loved doing hair but as most stylists know, having a client come in who allows you to push the artistic limit on hair is not a common occurrence. Most clients were asking for the same cuts and colors, not the bold fashion colors or color corrections that challenge you as an artist. I love a big change makeover, who doesn’t? Within a few days, I heard other stylists talk about wanting to get this Microblading service done, stylists who didn’t even have a fondness of tattooing. At that moment, this was something that caused me to stop in my path and consider if this was my opportunity. This Microblading was something that people of all different likeness were in agreement with, a solution to various degrees. I made the decision to move forward welcoming this opportunity into my journey. As a result of giving it the dedication and attention it warranted, it is a significant part of how I identify myself as an artist.
As with most opportunities, we are presented with choices on how we will cultivate it. I stepped into becoming a Microblading artist with eagerness and complete ignorance and I thank God I did! If I had known the journey it would take me on from the beginning, I don’t think I would have felt I was qualified for the task. I am so thankful God allowed me to see only what my next few steps were, instead of the whole picture. As I walked through the processes, I continued to develop artistically and personally. I don’t think people even know what they are truly capable of until they are willing to step forward.
Because I stepped forward and opened myself to the opportunity of Microblading, years later it eventually lead me to an opportunity to open a salon. It was never a preconceived idea. I felt as though God put in on my heart and with my family and friends supporting me, I moved forward and it changed everything. Again, if I would have known what experiences that opening a salon would hold, I would not have been brave enough to move forward. It’s the experiences, built through vulnerability and faith, that develop the character and qualification. The mistakes…the heartbreaks… the successes… but mostly the mistakes, that really teach you and change you. From the beginning, I knew it was never just about me becoming a business owner. It was going to be about the people who fill it, artists, clients and the community it brought together and could serve. Picking out its name was not a thoughtless task. It had to mean something. The name Kensho means “seeing one’s true nature for what it truly is.” Kensho Salon is now going into its 6th year in 2025 and has held true to its name over and over again. God has given me an opportunity to be part of something so humbling. It has allowed me to cross paths and meet people I would have never done so otherwise. I’ve listened to their stories, talked, cried and laughed but most of all connected, and it has changed me to my core. I used to think my choice of profession wasn’t as important as others that give people more obvious help, but that’s just not true, especially to those who allow themselves to be present and willing. In my experience, opportunities and paths that cross do so in perfect timing.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t think anything of value doesn’t come without struggles. Business ownership or anything that you put your heart into will challenge you. It will push you beyond limits you thought you had, expose your flaws and inconsistencies, and put the relationships in your life on trial. It will also humble your heart and help you find the truth about who you are and what you can do, if you let it. I think for me; the biggest struggle I have had to face is within myself. Perspective is everything. This is a people, relation and artistic industry. Lots of feelings, lots of perspectives, but also lots of opportunities. Honing artistic skills is one thing but honing human experience is another. I’ve learned a lot about acceptance and forgiveness. I’ve learned that there are a lot of hurting people struggling to cope with how to handle pain and misunderstandings. We are presented with opportunities to connect and listen and care for others. We are here for whatever they want to talk about and sometimes things they don’t want to talk about. People come in for good hair and eyebrows and career opportunities, but it is much more than that. It’s about human connection and allowing other perspectives to have just as much value as your own, even in the differences… especially in the differences.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve been a microblading artist since 2017. I’ve had the privilege of being in a supportive community since I decided to start my microblading career. I was working at Bela Salon in Elk River, and I believe wholeheartedly that the success I had was a big part because of all my supportive coworkers who encouraged and trusted me as they referred their clients to me. I’m so grateful to them and the clients who trusted me throughout the years. I’m beyond grateful to my family and friends as I would not be where I am without their encouragement and support. This opportunity has been a platform for me to connect with other people and help them feel their best. How we view ourselves is significant. I get to be a part of helping them feel beautiful on the outside and connected and valued inside.
What’s next?
I’m always trying to push for growth, personal and professional for myself and the people I am surrounded by. It’s really important to me, to be open for opportunities, particularly the ones that may provoke some fear or uncertainty. In my experience it’s been a good indication of where I should open myself up to next. I know God’s plans for my future will be greater than anything I could ever come up with on my own… speaking from experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kenshosalon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenshosalon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenshosalon
Image Credits
Renny Louise Photography
Anita Jane Photography
