Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Bautista
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?
I’m a mom of 3 kids, 24, 21, and 19, and 3 little cats named Nacho, Chalupa, and Tortilla. I’ve been married for 10 years to my bff, who happens to be one of my favorite Tae Kwo Do instructors from 2007-2012.
I’ve had to pivot quite a few times in my life, starting out as a French teacher in 1998, and then worked as a teacher’s aide and afterschool program director before stopping to raise my kids when they were little. When they were in school, worked as an elementary and middle school Spanish teacher.
I’ve had to stop working here and there to be more present for my family, and now, I’m building my dream business.
When I’m not working, you can find me painting with watercolors, reading all kinds of books, doing Kung Fu and Tai Chi, going for walks with my husband, loving on my fur-babies, and noticing the little things that make life beautiful, fun, and a lot of times, hilarious. I recently took an improv 101 class, which was an absolute blast, and I hope to continue learning in the 201 class and beyond. I do have a silly streak, and improv is a really fun way to let my silliness out.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My biggest challenge is that my business has been growing, but slowly. I know my clients are out there, but they just haven’t found me yet. I hope that putting myself out there on social media and publications like this one will help me and my future clients to find each other.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Haircutting specialist and Reiki practitioner, working to create a fun, safe, nurturing space where my clients can feel relaxed, comfortable, and celebrated for exactly who they are.
I joined the hair industry in 2018 knowing I wanted to use my creativity in a way that would uplift and nurture my clients.
I quickly found that my special sauce was a combination of being a great listener and holding space for my clients to truly be able to relax.
As I worked on building my craft, I discovered an affinity for working with fine hair. As a fine-haired person who doesn’t like to spend a lot of time on my hair, and who likes minimal product, I realized that it could be hard to find someone who would take all of those things into account. I knew I couldn’t be the only one who wanted a low-maintenance hairstyle that worked with my natural texture, so I took the leap to officially become a fine hair cutting specialist.
A couple of years ago, I began learning about Reiki and other modalities of energy healing, and it had a profound impact on my life and business. As I used the techniques on myself and family and friends, I saw firsthand how energy healing could calm the nervous system, promote deep relaxation, and give an overall sense of wellbeing. It allowed me and my loved ones to share our light more brightly, and to be more resilient in the face of stress, and I knew that I had to share these benefits with others.
I now offer Energy Healing services that stand alone or can be added to hair services. The Healing Shampoo can be added to any shampoo service and is a wonderful way to turn your haircut appointment into a mini self-care vacation.
I work in a single studio suite, so all appointments are private and customized just for the one client who is there. This is great news for anyone who can be intimidated or overstimulated in a typical salon environment.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
The best way to find a mentor, especially when just starting your career, is to work closely with someone who is successfully doing what you’d like to do. Look for people who are living the life you dream about, and get to know them if you can.
In person is great, but I’ve also found some amazing mentors online. I’m a part of several mastermind organizations online where I surround myself with like minded business owners and entrepreneurs who inspire me and help me make tangible progress to make my life and business better.
Pricing:
- Transformation Haircut: $89
- Maintenance Haircut: $79
- Healing Shampoo: $30
- Full Reiki Healing Session: $75
- Energy Tune Up: $35
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jessicabautistahairstylist.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicabhairandhealing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561565889585
