Exploring Life & Business with Jess Bynum of Ascension & Mane Organic Salon & Head Spa and Ascend With Jess: Purpose and Prosperity

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Bynum

Hi Jess, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Jess, and I would describe myself as a multi-passionate entrepreneur. I am the owner and operator of Ascension & Mane Organic Salon and Head Spa, and I am a certified Reiki Master Teacher as well as a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher. My journey into organic beauty and energy healing began as a result of years spent struggling with autoimmune conditions. After exhausting all options in Western medicine with little to no relief, I discovered how toxic many beauty products and conventional hair color were—and that’s when my holistic health journey truly began.

I opened my first business in 2019 with a focus on clean, non-toxic, and organic hair color and products, alongside educating my clients about the importance of using these healthier alternatives. While I loved the work I was doing, I felt something was missing. In January 2020, I attended my first Reiki share, and my life has never been the same since.

Over the next 18 months, I delved deep into the world of energy and natural healing. I felt an immediate connection to energy work, and I began incorporating Reiki into my salon services, receiving rave reviews from clients. Through this experience, I realized that what I’ve always loved most in my 20+ years as a licensed hairstylist is connecting with others and making them feel amazing when they leave my salon. Adding Reiki to my practice only enhanced this connection.

In October 2021, just after completing my Reiki Master Teacher training, I attended my first in-person Kundalini Yoga class. I felt the same way I had when Reiki first entered my life—it was as though I had come home. I began attending classes weekly, studying everything I could about this powerful tool for personal growth and spiritual expansion. I became a certified 200-hour Kundalini Yoga teacher through the Kundalini Research Institute last year, and it has been one of the most joyful and soul-expanding experiences I’ve ever had.

At one point, I felt as though the energetic world was pulling me away from the beauty industry. However, last spring, I had an intuitive realization: maybe I’m meant to bring these two worlds together. That’s when Ascension & Mane was born.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’d definitely say that entrepreneurship is not easy and is certainly not for the faint of heart, lol. There are always ups and downs along the way. That said, having a daily meditation practice helps me keep the lows to a minimum. I give myself permission to have a couple of hours for a pity party when business challenges arise, but then I quickly snap out of it and focus on the positives in the situation. I also find that immersing myself in a creative project—even something as simple as updating my website—helps shift me out of negative headspace.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Ascension & Mane Organic Salon & Head Spa and Ascend With Jess: Purpose and Prosperity ?
On June 11th, 2024, I opened Ascension & Mane Organic Salon and Head Spa with a clear vision: to offer a holistic beauty experience that nurtures both hair and soul. My specialty is organic head spa treatments—often called scalp facials—paired with custom haircuts and blowouts, all using high-quality organic products. Each service is designed to promote scalp health, hair vitality, and overall well-being.

My signature offerings range from the Mane Mini, a foundational scalp health treatment, to The Mane Event, a transformative experience that rejuvenates both hair and energy. A key element of my services is a 20-minute Reiki session, helping clients feel not just physically refreshed but also energetically aligned. Seeing my clients leave feeling lighter, more balanced, and truly radiant is the most rewarding part of my work.

Beyond hair services, client well-being is at the heart of everything I do. I offer full Reiki sessions and Soulful Success Sessions, which blend intuitive coaching with energetic insights to help individuals navigate life’s transitions with clarity and confidence. These sessions are particularly impactful for those feeling stuck or at a crossroads.

I believe we’re living in a pivotal time for the beauty and wellness industry. People are becoming more mindful of their health, and I see firsthand how eliminating toxic beauty products, household chemicals, and limiting thought patterns transforms lives. This shift has been profound for me personally, and I’m committed to being part of the movement toward clean beauty, holistic healing, and conscious consumerism. Every dollar we spend is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in, and I’m proud to play a role in elevating the beauty industry in a more mindful direction.

What sets my brand apart?
At Ascension & Mane, beauty is more than skin deep. My salon is a sanctuary for transformation, where clients experience not just external changes but deep energetic shifts. It’s a space designed for relaxation, healing, and empowerment. What sets my business apart is the fusion of organic beauty, energy work, and personal empowerment—a combination that is still rare in the industry but deeply needed.

Another defining aspect of my brand is my personal commitment to daily meditation, a practice that has fueled my success. I have meditated for over 600 consecutive days, and it has been the foundation of my clarity, creativity, and ability to hold space for others. Meditation is my number one business and life hack. A quote I love says, “Meditate every day for at least 10 minutes. If you don’t have time, meditate for an hour.” I firmly believe that success—both personal and professional—starts with inner alignment.

This belief inspired me to create Ascend with Jess: Purpose and Prosperity, where I lead daily live meditation groups on Zoom. These sessions have cultivated an incredible community of entrepreneurs, creatives, and visionaries who are committed to growth and prosperity. Watching participants manifest their dreams and step into their power has been deeply fulfilling. I’ve committed to running these sessions through 2025, and the impact has already been profound.

My Mission
The common thread in all my work is personal empowerment. I believe each of us has the ability to create change—starting from within and radiating that transformation outward. Whether I’m working with a client in the head spa, guiding a prosperity coaching session, or leading meditation, my greatest privilege is reminding people of their inherent strength, beauty, and confidence.

My mission is simple: to help people feel radiant, powerful, and deeply connected to their purpose. Serving others in this way brings me immense joy, and I’m excited to continue helping clients embrace their fullest potential—inside and out.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
All of my mentors have come into my life in perfect timing. My first business mentor was recommended to me by a colleague, and through her, I connected with other mentors. Similarly, all of my spiritual teachers have appeared at exactly the right moment. As the saying goes, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ascensionaz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascendwithjess/ and https://www.instagram.com/ascensionandmane/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ascendwithjess and https://www.facebook.com/ascendwithjess
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-bynum-643753101/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ascendwithjessbynum

Image Credits
@chelseacassityphotograpy