Meet Jada Gardner

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jada Gardner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jada , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

I’ve always had a natural confidence in myself, even before I had all the skills or experience. I trusted my ability to figure things out, try new things, and grow into whatever I committed to. Because of that, I never felt the need to compare myself to coworkers or people who were further along. I understood that everyone’s path looks different.
For me, confidence has always come from self-trust rather than outcomes. I believed that if I tried something, even just once, I would be able to do it well and continue improving with practice. That mindset made it easier to move forward without hesitation or self-doubt.
Over time, experience simply strengthened that foundation. My self-esteem today is rooted in knowing who I am, trusting my instincts, and staying committed to growth without needing validation or comparison.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a licensed cosmetologist and hair expert based in South Florida, and my path into beauty began through an unexpected transition. I originally came from an athletic background, where discipline, precision, and consistency shaped how I approached my craft. When that chapter closed, I was drawn to hair as a new form of creative expression, one that combined structure with artistry.
Working behind the chair became the foundation of my career, allowing me to refine both technical skill and creative vision. I offer services such as cuts, color, blonding, and extensions, but my approach has always extended beyond the service itself. I’m interested in how hair contributes to overall image, mood, and storytelling, and how it complements fashion, beauty, and visual direction.
While I remain behind the chair today, my long-term focus is on bringing my work into behind-the-scenes environments such as fashion and runway shows, editorial shoots, television, and film. I’m drawn to spaces where hair plays a supporting role in shaping a larger narrative. For now, I’m committed to continuing to refine my craft, build a strong foundation, and allow opportunities in fashion and media to develop organically and in alignment with where I’m headed.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are consistency, patience, and self-trust. These are especially important in the hair industry, where growth isn’t always linear and change is part of the process.
Consistency has been essential from the beginning. It’s easy to get discouraged early on, especially when progress feels slow or invisible. My advice to anyone entering the industry is not to give up too quickly if this is something you truly want. Skill develops through repetition and commitment, and often the results show up later than expected.
Patience taught me to respect the long-term nature of the craft. Building a strong foundation takes time, and rushing growth can create unnecessary pressure. Allowing yourself to learn, make adjustments, and evolve naturally creates longevity rather than burnout.
Self-trust became especially important as I navigated changes in my career, including moving salons. There’s a common fear in this industry that leaving a salon or changing locations means starting over, but I learned that skill moves with you. Your talent, work ethic, and ability don’t disappear because you change environments. My advice to other stylists is not to let fear hold you back. Transitions are part of growth, and trusting yourself makes them possible.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m interested in collaborating with creative teams working in fashion, editorial, and media spaces. I’m especially drawn to opportunities that allow me to contribute behind the scenes, whether that’s assisting on editorial shoots, working backstage at fashion shows, or supporting hair teams in television and production environments.
Long term, I’m interested in gaining experience in spaces such as fashion weeks, including Miami Swim Week and New York Fashion Week, as well as media environments connected to television and streaming platforms. I’m particularly inspired by lead hairstylists like Lacy Redway and Jawara Wauchope, and I would love the opportunity to work under established artists to learn, support their vision, and continue refining my craft.
I’m always open to connecting with photographers, stylists, creative directors, and production teams who value professionalism, collaboration, and intentional work. Anyone interested in collaborating can reach me via email at [email protected]

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manemuva.hair?igsh=Z2Y4Zmp6ODVqdXhu