Story & Lesson Highlights with Jacey Grimstad of Scottsdale

We recently had the chance to connect with Jacey Grimstad and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacey, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, I’ve been totally loving my workout routine—it’s seriously been such a game-changer! I started getting more consistent with it a few months ago, and now it’s my favorite way to clear my head, boost my energy, and feel strong (especially after a long day behind the chair).

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m a hair-obsessed, blowout-loving, extension-installing blonde specialist who lives for a good transformation. I’ve been behind the chair for about a decade, and nothing lights me up more than helping my clients feel like the most confident, polished version of themselves. I’m known for my seamless haircuts, flattering blondes, and those old-school, voluminous blowouts with rollers and the whole nine yards—because why not leave the salon feeling like you’re walking into a photoshoot?

My brand is all about luxury meets approachability. I focus on healthy, beautiful hair that fits your lifestyle while still turning heads. Whether it’s a full blonde moment, adding length with extensions, or just a fresh cut. Right now I’m working on expanding my brand and exploring ways to bring that “fresh-from-the-salon” confidence into people’s everyday routines.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
Honestly, my work ethic was shaped early on—growing up in Oregon, I was out loading firewood with my family by the time I was six. I got my first “real” job babysitting at 12, and by 16, I was working as a lifeguard! My parents always made it clear that hard work was just part of life, and I’m so grateful they did—it stuck with me.

Later on, when I started in the hair industry, I had the chance to assist the owner of the first salon I worked in, and she completely changed the game for me. She was one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met—disciplined, sharp, and relentless in the best way. She showed me what it meant to be excellent, not just good. She pushed me to level up in every way, and I’ll always carry that with me.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes—there was definitely a moment I almost gave up. A few years into my career, I had the opportunity to go overseas for an intensive six-week mentorship program at a high-end salon. I was so excited to level up and learn from the best… but three weeks in, I was completely overwhelmed. The pace was faster, the expectations were higher, and I felt like I was constantly behind. I remember calling home and seriously considering booking a flight back.

But something in me—probably that deep-rooted work ethic from my parents and all those early jobs—refused to quit. I pushed through, and by the end of those six weeks, I had grown more than I ever imagined. I didn’t just learn new techniques—I gained confidence, perspective, and a whole new standard for my craft. That experience stretched me to the limit, but it’s one of the reasons I do hair the way I do today

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the industry tells itself is that there’s only one way to be successful—and that usually means standing behind the chair full-time. But the truth is, this industry is incredibly complex, creative, and constantly evolving. The beauty of it is that there are so many directions you can take if you’re willing to carve your own path.

Yes, you can build an amazing career doing hair behind the chair, but that’s just one piece of the puzzle. You can become an educator, launch a product line, work on set, travel for events, create content, open a salon, mentor others—the list goes on. The fun part is, there are no limits… as long as you find your people and stay true to what lights you up.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
As a hairdresser, I’m not sure if it’s something others don’t understand—but something I really try to practice deeply is reading what my clients are saying without them actually using words. Being truly in tune with someone goes way beyond just asking what kind of haircut or color they want.

When you take the time to really listen—to their tone, their body language, their energy—you can offer so much more than just a great highlight. You can give them a moment of peace, a boost of confidence, a meaningful conversation they didn’t know they needed. That connection is what makes this job so special. It’s not just about hair—it’s about people

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaceyjohair?igsh=MWN3MjV6aWQ0YTYxZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr