Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamee Kim.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey into the beauty industry started at the Aveda Institute-Minneapolis back in 2008. Honestly, there really isn’t a cool story behind why I decided to do hair or something that I was even passionate about growing up. I just knew that college wasn’t right for me, I didn’t want a desk job and I wanted to do something creative, so cosmetology seemed like a good choice.
I definitely was not one of those stylists whose career took off right away, or even within the first few years. After graduating cosmetology school, I went on to do my advanced training through Juut in Uptown, becoming a cutting specialist and was placed out at their Wayzata location. After a few years, I knew I wasn’t enjoying what I was doing and needed to find something else. Thankfully I found an opportunity at Steller Hair Company in NE Minneapolis and finally after about 5 years in the industry, I found my passion and love for hair and my career took off!
I finally loved what I was doing and found community within the industry. It’s amazing how feeling valued and seen in a supportive environment can completely transform your performance and perspective. Finding a space that embraced my creativity gave me the growth and confidence to start Jamee Kim Hair, and that’s where it all began.
With 18 years in the beauty industry, I’ve created a diverse portfolio working in commission salons, hybrid models, chair rentals and suite ownership. From managing a 10-chair salon to serving as a Creative Lead for MN Fashion Week, traveling for freelance weddings and photoshoots, I believe that my range within the industry has made me the successful professional I am today. I’m so incredibly grateful for every opportunity I’ve had!
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?
I don’t think many of us have had a smooth road getting to where we are today, am I right??
As previously mentioned, I really didn’t start to make a name for myself until about 5 years into the industry. Another reason behind that was that just one week before starting in Wayzata, I found out that I was pregnant. I had already known within the first few months that the salon wasn’t the right fit, but switching jobs with a baby along the way seemed daunting.
Once I had my daughter in 2023 I was ready to move on to the next chapter, but shortly afterwards started going through legal custody arrangements with her father. I ended up struggling to pay my bills during that time and was on multiple government assistance programs, but found a second job with a catering company that was able to give me some stability. That’s about the time when I found Steller and was very quickly able to get rid of my second job. The salon also allowed my daughter to be with me while I worked, which made things so much smoother for me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve dabbled in a little bit of everything, trying to figure out my niche or general audience. However I am someone that can get bored easily and enjoys a challenge, which has allowed me to pursue a multitude of hair specialties and knowledge. I would say that I specialize in personalizing each clients needs to their lifestyle, precision and textured cuts, lived-in hair, blonding (including dark hair), color corrections, thick hair in general, major transformations, and styling. I do not currently offer chemical services (perms, Keratin treatments, relaxers, etc.) or do many vivid colors. I love that having a wide range of hair specialties has allowed me to move through my client’s lives and transformations. I also still do weddings, freelance work and take different onsite or creative projects when I have the time.
I’m currently behind the chair 3 days/week at Sante Beauty Creatives, located in the IMS building in Minneapolis and accepting new clients at this time!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Find a mentor or someone you look up to, whether they are in the industry or not. It’s really nice to have someone looking out for you, encouraging you and giving you guidance as you grow as a person and in your career. I never had one growing up in my home life or in my professional career and I think that’s just another reason why it took me a little longer to figure things out on my own. It’s great to have people in your corner who love and support you.
I also like to let those just starting out know that being a hairstylist or service provider doesn’t mean just providing a service. Not only are there different paths to take or countless jobs within the industry, it’s so much more than just being a service provider. Having never met someone and they say “I completely trust you”, is a huge honor and responsibility you hold in your hands. Every single person that puts that kind of trust in you is opening up and being vulnerable with you, and for me that’s one of the biggest reasons I love what I do. I love all the connections I make, both personal and professional. That’s also why if that kind of thing isn’t your jam, don’t worry, there are tons of other jobs in the industry where you don’t have to do that 😆
Contact Info:
- Website: https://msha.ke/jameekimhair
- Instagram: @jameekimhair
