We were lucky to catch up with Jen Lancaster recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jen, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep my creativity alive by always looking for inspiration in nature, fellow artists, and sometimes even my dreams! I then allow myself to express that creativity by taking models or working on wigs.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I have been in the beauty industry for going on a decade now, and I absolutely love every second. I specialize in alternative styling, Vivid Colors (rainbows, neons, etc), Blonding, and Extensions but I also love bridal styling.
I created my salon based on the need of an alternative safe space in Savannah for more diverse styling needs. My salon is a safe space for all regardless of your gender identity, religion, skin color, aesthetic, etc. All are welcomed with open arms here!
Spellbound is a registered safe space with Strands for Trans and I love helping people feel more confident and happy in their own skin!
Theres plans for future expansion of the salon to add more stylists and services so be on the look out for that!
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?
Communication, accountability, and never giving up are three qualities that have really helped me in my journey!
Communication is a huge part of my career. I will always communicate in a super transparent way on what we can and can not do, pricing, etc. I believe honesty is the best policy. Theres also things in life I cannot control that may come up, so being good at communication always help resolve issues before they become a problem!
On that note accountability is also HUGE. I am the first to tell a client if I drop the ball in something whether thats Im not happy with how their color came out, I have to reschedule, etc. I will never just shove something under the rug or shrug it off. As a client your time and money is important and both should always be respected. I will always hold myself accountable if I mess up and will do anything in my power to make it right!
Lastly, never giving up. Most people in my industry quit within the first 5 years. The beauty industry is cut throat and can be super challenging to survive in. Some times it seems like its not worth it, or maybe you have a client whos hair just wouldn’t do what you asked it to, and all of that can make you feel less than, like you cant even do your job right. If I would have given up when I have felt those things I wouldn’t have met the amazing people I have met in my chair, wouldn’t be educating for my dream company, wouldn’t be reaching the things I dreamed up over a decade ago. Perseverance goes a long way! Keep your head up and just keep swimming!
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents raised me to be a strong independent woman. They helped me develop a can do attitude. Even though sometimes I may falter and feel like I can’t do something, they are behind me 10,000% ready to fight with me and support me however I may need them. They taught me how to fight for what I want, how to work at things Im not good at until I am. I owe my drive and determination to them 100%. Without that skill they taught me as a child and their undying love and support I would not be where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.spellboundsalonstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spellboundsalonstudio?igsh=MXF3d2tpZ3dnc2VtbA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spellboundsalonstudio?mibextid=LQQJ4d
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
