We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad's 30 Under 30 contest, sponsored by Denman Professional.
Here, you'll get to know AJ Jubran (@theedgybeautician), a 27-year-old hairstylist, salon owner and global educator based out of MOOD A BEAUTY STUDIO in Lafayette, LA.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
AJ Jubran (AJ): I am bilingual! I speak, read and write in both English and Arabic fluently.
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
AJ: I started during the COVID pandemic! I had graduated college with my science degree and worked as a phlebotomist for about a year, then COVID happened! I used that quarantine time to really focus on things that mattered in life for me, and that was my passion in the beauty industry! I first went to an esthetician school for six months, and then I was hungry for MORE! A month later I joined cosmetology school and never looked back!
BLP: Who is someone you consider a mentor/role model in the industry?
AJ: My biggest idol, role model, mentor and now FRIEND is Jessica Powers (@jessicapowerspresents)! She is my biggest supporter and inspiration, not only for my work but just in life in general! Her and I just get each other and geek out over ALL things hair!
BLP: What is your proudest achievement in the industry thus far?
AJ: I’m so grateful to say that I could have a list of amazing achievements, but my pride and joy is my mini empire my salon MOOD A BEAUTY STUDIO! I’m so grateful for all my beautiful talented girls (Brittany, Jennifer, Marlie, Stevi and Morgan) that make MOOD a reality.
BLP: What is your favorite piece of advice you’ve been given by a fellow industry/hair pro?
AJ: Megan Leger, a local lash artist/educator/salon owner of Southern Lash Co., once told me: “Find your specialty, and be fu$kn* good at it!" That stuck with me, and I took those words and ran with it! I can proudly say I am one of the most sought after color specialists in my area!
BLP: What is a hair tip/technique you’ve learned that’s helped you be more efficient/successful behind the chair?
AJ: Honestly, this may sound so taboo, but it’s so very true to be CONFIDENT in your work! I feel like there’s no wrong or right way to do anything. Us artists have no blueprint, and I truly believe our artistry is abstract and unique and can’t be replicated. “It’s not a one size fits all! Follow the beat of your own drum, make you own rules and set trends!”
BLP: What is your favorite hair trend currently?
AJ: I’m obsessed with the voluminous, sexy blowouts! The bigger the hair the closer to gawwwd!
BLP: Who or what inspires your work?
AJ: This may be weird, but all my work is heavily inspired by music! I’m a big music enthusiast. I use the sound/waves of music to influence my artistry. I close my eyes, listen to music and I can see colors!
BLP: What changes would you like to see in the industry to better help hair pros grow and thrive?
AJ: I truly and firmly believe that if people can collectively collaborate and not pit and compete against one another, our industry can be an even better place! There’s more than enough people to go around to be successful!
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
AJ: In a short amount of time, I’ve managed to set and successfully achieve some pretty big goals, but one day, I’d love to be a creative director/platform artist of some sort! I have a pretty wild imagination, and I’d love to bring that to life one day!
