Rising Stars: Meet Alex Jackson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Jackson.

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?
It all started when I was in elementary school – I either wanted to be a professional athlete or a hairstylist. I played soccer, and at the time choosing between cosmetology school and college was difficult but soccer was where my heart was. I ended up getting a scholarship after high school and played for four years in Louisville, KY at Bellarmine University, where I received my BA in history. A few years after college and a couple of jobs later, I decided it was finally time to pursue the career I actually wanted – HAIR. I did not grow up going to fancy salons or having any beauticians in my family (my questionable hairstyles and slicked back ponytails speak for themselves) it was just something I knew I wanted to do. After cosmetology school, I worked at a bigger salon for two years before deciding to go out on my own and run my own business. Running my own business behind the chair has been one of the toughest and most rewarding things I have ever done and I am so lucky to have a family full of entrepreneurs who support me in doing so. Not only that, but my husband is the one who couldn’t wait for me to do it (and sometimes I think he had more faith in me to be successful then I did at the time).

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?
Choosing to run my own business has not always been easy (and it still isn’t). One of my biggest struggles is setting my own boundaries. I love what I do, but putting aside time for myself or taking days off is difficult because I always want to be available when my clients need me! Time and learning what other stylists do for that has been very helpful in creating a healthy work/life balance.

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?
In working behind the chair, I have found that I love to do brunettes and blonde balayage hair techniques. It is something I specialize in and that I get the most excited about. I love to create looks that can last for my clients and that compliments their skin tone, eye color and lifestyle. In my career, my most proud moments are when my clients can’t stop looking at themselves in the mirror or send me texts later expressing how happy they are, it just makes me feel like I am really supposed to be doing what I do.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I have lived in Phoenix since 2002, I’ve left a few times but I’ve always come back because this city has so much to offer. I truly believe that we have everything we need at our fingertips. I have never felt limited living here, and there is so much opportunity for growth, education or anything anyone could want to pursue. The only problem with Phoenix is the heat, but you get used to that… right?

Contact Info:

• Email: akowalski252@gmail.com
• Instagram: @alexk.hair
• Other: https://linktr.ee/akowalski252 | www.vagaro.com/alexkhair