Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Pierce.
Hi Jennifer, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story starts in Shelburne Falls, a tiny town in western Massachusetts. Quiet. Shy. Focused. Kind people. Forced to be creative because there wasn’t a lot going on. Things that were going on were quality though. The work, art and mindsets. Looking back, you had to train your eye to see beauty around you. It was in the small things. You had to find it.
I am proud of where I came from. As an adult, I realize I grew up around interesting, articulate people. I remember it as a place where being unique was cool and encouraged. This was also a town of forward, independent thinkers. I was nominated to be a mediator in grade school. This always stands out to me because I see now, from back then, I was a peacemaker. A councelor. Enjoyed helping people. Getting to the root of any problem and thinking through it. Considering peoples viewpoints and sides. This is such a big part of who I am still and what helps me to communicate with clients, decide on a game plan, and allows people to feel comfortable, letting me to get to know them too. So often people refer to spending a couple hours in the Chair as therapy… although it definately goes both ways.
I’ve also always loved designing. Creating something beautiful out of nothing and working with my hands… especially tuning into small detail. One of my favorite things still. I remember really loving wood shop, details of baking and cooking in home ec, sewing. I didn’t think I was ever good at art, but I loved what I learned when I did. Making something better than it was and creating is definately something that I have always enjoyed.
Drawn to culture of any type, I wanted to be around it as much as possible. So I was drawn to and dreamed of a more city filled life. I loved learning….Music, food, fashion, energy, people, lights. I was always inspired by things that stood out. I found beauty in those things and liked to think about the ways people expressed themselves. How they came into place and what they meant. It stimulated my mind and curiosity so much.
So this career, ended up unfolding out of highschool, and falling into place, somewhat effortlessly, and it ended up working out in ways I didn’t realize were good for me.
When I was younger, growing in this field meant owning a salon eventually….but I could never sit still and stay in one place. So as I moved around or went anywhere, I always tried to look for opportunity. I knew I wanted to be good at what I did. I figured if I was going to be in this business, I wanted to know everything. I just really tried to learn, pay attention, and take something valuble from one place to the other. I took classes in washing DC, NYC, LA, Miami, Orlando, here in Nashville… I ended up living in or near many of those cities and places, and loved the time, people, friendships and experiences so much.
Being around people has always been motivating. So working with people everyday has always felt like a happy place. Even on a bad day, Just being in someone’s presence, can give you purpose. It makes u have to be present, so it can pull you out of a funk. People have asked, “ what is your favorite thing to do”? I always say I love the challenge that each person brings…to figure out their ideas, and how to make their vision come into play. What’s important to them. Its a good focus. It never gets old. I never take full credit… it is a team effort.
After being in the business for many years and finally settling down (I had a daughter). I knew It was time to work for myself. It was clear to me that I worked for the client in my chair. So with all the salon suites opening, it was great because it allow your own small business in a shared conceptual environment, it allows so many stylists to have our own creative space, which, often, hairdressers are passionate about designing, or other arts as well….so it’s a way we can express that with our clients. And with work being our second home, that part can be really special.
Fast forward, I am so greatful to have this as a career. I feel that it takes time to build, but when you do, there is a lot of opportunity. and with the years of experience, comes a peace and knowledge in your field.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Struggles would include starting over. if you needed or wanted to move. It’s a client based business, so you do get invested and build relationships. It can be hard to walk away. And then hard to rebuild.
This business doesn’t have traditional work bennefits. You have to save and plan for vacations and future in a different way.
And then, I have found, it’s actually hard to meet so many great people. When you have sincere connections with people who truely become friends…. I have described it, as I have gotten older, instead of having a few close friends, you end up having tons of great acquaintances. These friendships end up a little less invested though. so, although it’s wonderful to have people you love so much and people who love you back, it’s can be harder to really connect. Some people may be good at managing this better than I am!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I think preserving and enhancing our natural beauty is important. I enjoy classic timeless styles. Classic haircuts. I appreciate everyone’s uninquness and beauty. I love a good long layered haircut that uses texture, doing short detailed cuts. I love matching colors and doing natural highlighting. I love that many of my clients and I are experiencing changes and starting to figure out grey. we are figuring it out together, giving the counseling services that much more value ✊
I have done eyebrow threading for years. That’s a fun thing. It’s a great option if you are using retinols, anti aging products, If you are having skin treatments (such as peels or laser) if Your skin is sensitive or you can’t wax due to medications, threading would be a perfect option to still be able to shape your eyebrows or removing unwanted hair on the face.
I think I am known for making people comfortable. I like to think I’m known for doing a good job and just being a good person overall. I am known for good therapy sessions. People come back to me because i have a sense of consistency. I try to always live as someone you can trust. I will always do my best. You are my main focus when you are in my chair.
I think the thing I’m most proud of, is having been in places to attract, and having the ability to attract wonderful people. If I didn’t have good people surrounding me, I wouldn’t get to enjoy my job the way I do. I am proud to have had opportunities to collect experience, which just helps understand people, places and culture more..
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
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Jennifer pierce studio room.
Pricing:
- Haircut. $60)
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