We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad’s 30 Over 30 contest, sponsored by Denman Brush.
Get to know Jada Santi (@jadahairandbalayage). She is a hair color specialist at Jada Hair & Balayage in Bloomingdale, IL.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Jada Santi (JS): A fun fact about me is that I lovingly prepare breakfast and dinner for my puppy, showcasing my dedication to their well-being and happiness through homemade meals. It's a special and heartwarming gesture that demonstrates my love and care for my furry companion.
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
JS: I started cutting my own hair and my friends' hair at the age of 13. Although my family wanted me to pursue a college education, I knew deep down that my dream was to become a hairstylist. After graduating from college and working in marketing for about a year, I realized that it wasn't the right path for me. Determined to pursue my true calling, I took the courageous step of enrolling in beauty school to hone my skills and become a hairstylist. Today, I am proud to say that I have found my true passion and am thriving in the hair industry, grateful for the journey that brought me to where I am today.
BLP: What is your proudest achievement in the industry thus far?
JS: Receiving recognition for my work, building a loyal client base, mastering a new technique and creating my own signature style are my proudest achievements in the hair industry thus far.
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
JS: Stay curious, keep learning and never stop improving your skills. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and don't be afraid to take risks to pursue your goals.
BLP: What is your current favorite hair trend?
JS: Balayage, of course, uses custom colors to create the best style to suit the personal style and lifestyle of each client. I also love the comeback of 80s hairstyles in modern hair trends, with bold, voluminous styles and retro-inspired looks being embraced by many individuals seeking a nostalgic and unique aesthetic.
BLP: What is a valuable hair tip that you want to share with your fellow stylists (whether it’s a business tip or something related to styling/working with hair)?
JS: To prioritize the health of clients' hair, use quality products, recommend proper hair care techniques, suggest treatments that maintain hair integrity and build strong client relationships based on trust and communication.
BLP: What inspires your work?
JS: My work as a hairstylist is inspired by a variety of sources, including art, fashion, nature and the creativity of other stylists. I am motivated by the opportunity to transform someone's look and boost their confidence through hairstyling. The ever-evolving nature of the industry and the chance to continuously learn and grow keep me inspired and passionate about my work.
BLP: What is something that keeps you passionate and motivated in the industry each day?
JS: Unleashing my creativity, transforming clients' looks and staying current with industry trends keep me passionate and motivated in the hair industry every day.
BLP: What changes would you like to see the industry make in order to grow/change/evolve/be better than it was before?
JS: Promoting diversity and inclusivity by celebrating and representing a wide range of beauty standards to cater to diverse clientele is a crucial step for the hair industry to evolve and better serve its customers.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
JS: My career goal as a hairstylist is to become a recognized expert in a specialized area of hairstyling, such as hair colorist. By honing my skills and expertise in this specific niche, I aim to position myself as a go-to professional in the industry, attract a loyal clientele and expand my opportunities for collaboration, education and industry recognition.
To see the full list of winners, read Beauty Launchpad's May/June issue.
