Today we’d like to introduce you to Jillian Allen.
Hi Jillian, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I’m an Arizona native, and I’ve been interested in the hair and beauty industry ever since I can remember. I grew up dancing and styling my friends’ hair for dances and special events. After high school, I moved to Holland, Michigan, and graduated in 2006 from Hope College with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a minor in Dance. I worked 12 years in corporate marketing and event planning, and I would style hair for my friends’ weddings on the side. I eventually realized I’d rather be behind the chair than behind a desk. In 2017, I pivoted careers and earned a cosmetology license at Penrose Academy. I currently work at The Bespoke Salon in Phoenix and offer cut, color, extensions, and bridal styling.
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’m a strong believer in tackling obstacles with a positive attitude and perseverance. The biggest challenge was taking the first step – making the decision to leave a stable career that I worked very hard to build to start over as a beginner in a different field. Once I took the leap, I said yes to any opportunity, big or small, that came my way. At one point I was working four jobs and hardly had any time with my family or friends, but I knew each of those was a means towards reaching the next goal. Now, I’m thriving in a field where I have more control over my work-life balance than ever before, and I’m obsessed with the work that I do.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My main goal with any client is to help them feel more confident using all the skills I’ve acquired from practice and ongoing education. As hairstylists, we don’t just do hair, we can change the way someone looks at themselves and feels, which is incredibly powerful. I offer men and women cuts, color, blonding, color corrections, extensions, and bridal styling. What sets me apart is how I connect with my clients – I truly care about their hair and their lives. I pay attention to the details of what they like and don’t like, what’s working and what’s not working. I listen for cues that they may want to try something new – I never jump in and assume we are doing the same thing. As a hairstylist, I’m so proud of the effort I make to help a client leave feeling happier than when they came in…and also my scalp massages are somewhat legendary.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I’m the oldest of four. Growing up, I loved having two younger sisters to experiment on with hair and makeup…and sometimes my poor brother too! I would clip out photos from magazines and save them in a binder to try out looks on anyone who would let me. I was a passionate dancer and loved the outlet it gave me physically, emotionally, and creatively. That translates over well to being a hairstylist.
Contact Info:
- Email: jillianallenhair@gmail.com
- Instagram: @jillianallenhair
Image Credits
Shelby Vercelli Photography
Jenna Lee Pictures
