We recently connected with Jessica Montenegro and have shared our conversation below.
Jessica , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
Growing up, I had the most amazing role models.
My parents who have been married 33 years, had 4 kids and both worked full time set an unbelievable standard of what the value of hard work means. My whole life, they continually gave amazing examples of what that looked like on a daily basis.
I was always taught to work for you what you want, life is difficult and there will be a lot of ups and downs and nothing will ever be handed to you. I think with this current generation we’re seeing a lot of an instant gratification mentality, and how we think we deserve something even though we haven’t worked for it. I think there’s something to be said about those who put in the time, effort and dedication to their craft. You see their passion behind the work ethic and this is something I believe comes out in my work every single day.
I currently work as hairstylist at Tangerine Salons in Frisco, Texas.
I took a leap of faith and in the middle of 2020 during Covid shutdowns, and moved to a new state, where I knew only 1 person. Not knowing how I would find new clients to sit in my chair.. I got to work.
I took these values and work ethics that my parents showed me and dedicated myself to my passions and my job which just so happen to be one and the same and with that hard work, came a full clientele.. being booked out 3-4 months within one year of starting over.
And because of all of this, I now have the amazing privilege of being a mentor / master stylist, educator and an official stylist of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Every single day I go to work, and put in just as much love and effort, if not more than the day before. I am a firm believer in if you love what you do.. you’ll never work a day in your life.
I truly couldn’t have done this without the endless love and support they have always given me.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I currently work full time as hairstylist and am also an in salon mentor / educator.
I have worked in the industry almost 7 years now and my love for what I do grows more and more each day. Each day in the salon is different and I think what’s I look forward to most. It keeps the passion for what I do alive, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Getting to help teach and mentor the next generation of hairstylists is something I am extremely passionate about and still cannot believe I have the privilege of doing every day. The way I am challenged has grown me personally and professionally and I am so fortunate to work for a company that values our growth and potential.
I had unbelievable mentorship in the beginning of my career and hope and pray every day that I am able to give the same dedication and energy to those I am teaching.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I think three of the most important things I’ve learned in my time behind the chair is to stay curious about your craft, don’t be afraid to grow even if it’s uncomfortable, and never stop asking questions.
Whether is personally or professionally, don’t be afraid try new things.. the experience just might surprise you in the best way.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
One of the books I would recommend anyone reading no matter your industry would be Atomic Habits by James Clear.
It’s a great book that helps to simplify and offer ideas and strategies to help create healthy habits in your personal and professional life.
In the book, James discusses the 4 laws of behavior change –
1. Make it obvious
2. Make it attractive
3. Make it easy
4. Make it satisfying
Contact Info:
- Instagram: By_JessMont
