Check Out Jess Pratt’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Pratt.

Hi Jess, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My life started in small town North Dakota. I grew up in an incredibly determined family, learning how to work hard and play harder. Being an Entrepreneur is in my blood. Whether it was owning a restaurant, RV business or running a farm I had a lot of diversity in watching my families lead businesses, so it truly comes from my soul. After graduating high school in 2000 my big sister persuaded me to move to Minneapolis to attend The Aveda Institute and I never looked back. I always had the dream to open my own salon. Constantly being inspired by my sister my whole life (she too is a salon owner) she lead me in the direction of, if she can do it, so can I. I worked in 2 salons prior to co-owning my first salon in 2009 and man was it fun! After 11.5 years though I needed a change. With the support of my husband, son and the rest of my family and friends they empowered me to do what it is that I want to do. None of this was done on my own. To me success always takes collaboration. I just have the drive to go for it.

My saying is, “Throw a little glitter in the air. See what happens.” Which brings me to my new space in the North Loop, The 701 Salon. It is truly who I am and when you walk into my space I want you to feel that. As I grew up in this industry I was motivated to change some of the toxic norms of the hair industry. I want to bring people together. I want people to grow.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are always challenges when opening spaces. I co-owned a salon where I learned an incredible amount of things. Not only about business. But about myself. The pandemic I’d say was the biggest hurdle, however, without challenges and hurdles, there would be no growth. This was just the shake I needed to stretch my wings a shine. To let people know who I really am and what I am about.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a hairstylist. I specialize in good communication with my clients about what their needs are for their hair. What makes them feel good. And I am honest about expectations. I am most proud that I am confident in my work so my clients can feel confident in their daily lives. The thing that sets me apart from some others, I am me and let others be them. I am here for all of it.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
YES! So much advice. Go to a salon with an extensive training program. Learn EVERYTHING you can. Learn any new technique. Take it or leave it, but learn it!

Pricing:

• Haircuts $60
• Color $100/up

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: the701salon.com
• Instagram: @the701salon
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the701salon

Image Credits
Nancy Reins (@swankphoto)