We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jermaine Mendoza. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Jermaine , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of the salon, I road cycle. I’m not a pro. I don’t really care to be so good that I race regularly or anything. I just like riding long distances. Being outdoors, feeling what my body is capable of. It allows me to clear my mind and disconnect .
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jermaine Mendoza. I am a 43 year old Hair stylist and Director Educator, at Form Hair Salon in Preston center. I’m also a National Educator for R&Co. I specialize in Hair cutting, and teach Precision haircutting. As a National educator for a product brand, I get the wonderful opportunity to travel all over the states. I get to meet a lot of salon professionals, see beautiful salons. And share my passion for technical hair cutting. What I do is interesting, because, it’s an art form. A craft if you will. I’ve spent years now honing my craft. Being inspired by teaching and attending classes alike.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My Grand mother was my biggest supporter. She saw the artist in me. Saw the drive to be an individual, before I could understand what it even meant to be unlike anyone else, in the best way possible. I was a bit of a Black sheep in my family. I have a twin sister, who also was very different from the rest of our family. I was drawn to creative expression at a very young age. And although family, and society, tried to mold me into another cog in the machine. I expressed myself through the music I listened to. The art I created. And, the way I dressed. Truth be heard the late 80’s and 90’s were a great time to find myself. My Grandmother supported all of my creative choices. Even when I was told I wouldn’t be successful. And, to go to school for anything other than Liberal Arts. Lola made sure to show me how proud she was that I chose for myself.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering, to me, is easy to talk about. Not because I enjoyed the years of struggle I’ve had to endure. But because of what struggle and suffering taught me. I was witness to drug addiction in my family. I’ve had personal experience with homelessness. Severe depression, feelings of worthlessness. And thoughts of ending my own life. With all of that being said. There’s a gratitude I carry with me now. I wouldn’t be the man I am today, had I not experienced all that I have. It has allowed me to appreciate the opportunities I get. I’m able to recognize opportunity over luck. Suffering has taught me that there is always a choice to be made. It’s taught me that there is no real success, until you’ve learned what it feels like on the opposite side of success. Failure is integral to being successful.
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 truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
The truth of choice is huge to me. In every situation there are choices to be made. The choices we make dictate the directions our lives go in. Getting up and enjoying life is a choice. Just as, staying in bed and pitying oneself is a choice. I’ve been in hard situations where I made what I feel now, were bad choices. And, therefore I claim responsibility for everything, negative or positive, that comes my way. If I end up in a bad situation with a friend, or family member. Or, even a professional challenge. I have the opportunity to look back at the choices I personally made that may have put me in said situation. It may not mean that I’m completely responsible, but I did play a role. That to me is a truth that, once understood. Is extremely freeing.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think the one thing people will most misunderstand about my legacy is. That, I’ve done a lot of what I have for the people around me and not for myself. This is a hard one to answer. For the fact that, this question is forcing me to really look inward. I truly hope that I leave behind a legacy my daughters can be proud of. I’m human, I’ve made tons of mistakes. And in turn, have tried to make amends for my folly. I understand I could spend the rest of my life, trying to make up for mistakes I’ve made. But, I do genuinely hope that people will understand that I am a sensitive man. Who, wants what’s best for everyone around me. And at times, have put myself in bad situations to help others around me. I understand that apart of who I am is a people pleaser. Which I will work on the rest of my days. With that said, I’ve learned when to walk away from people and situations. For my own integrity. For self preservation. The self sacrifice is what I truly believe will be misunderstood. It has never been, and will never be about Personal gain or wealth. Continuing to learn and improve, and be an example to others is what its all about to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Formhairsalon.com
- Instagram: @_sharp_one_
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