We were lucky to catch up with Joie Judge recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Joie, thank you for joining us today and sharing your experiences and acquired wisdom with us. Burnout is a huge topic these days and so we’d love to kick things off by discussing your thoughts on overcoming or avoiding burnout
Burnout is so common in creative, physically demanding jobs like mine. Clients often tell me to “work my magic” or give me “creative freedom,” and I realized that to stay present, inspired, and creative with my clients—while also being a content creator, a girlfriend, a friend, a sister, a daughter—I needed structure. My calendar has become my biggest ally.
Now, I never work more than three days in a row behind the chair. I reserve one day a week that’s entirely for myself—no work, no messages, no obligations. That single day restores my energy and keeps my passion alive. I schedule everything else around it: time with friends, personal appointments, content creation, errands—everything has its place, except on that day.
This system works because it lets me see my week at a glance and prepare for busy times, knowing that a day of rest is waiting. I’ve found that rest only truly happens when it’s planned, especially when things get so busy that there’s no natural end in sight. So my advice is to plan everything in one calendar and give yourself a day to recharge—it makes all the difference.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a hairstylist and content creator specializing in lived-in colors for blondes and brunettes in Denver, Colorado. What I love most about my job is the connections I build with my clients. They become friends, teachers, and even therapists to me—just as hairstylists are for them. It’s a rewarding exchange that keeps every day meaningful and personal.
Sharing my work online has been incredible too. Posting gives me a chance to showcase my artistry, connect with people beyond the chair, and share the inspiration behind my work. I love that social media allows me to tell my story to a broader audience
I’m also thrilled to share that I’m in the beginning stages of creating a haircare line! This new venture is a dream in the making, and I’m excited to see where it leads. It’s all about finding a simple solution to a common problem—stay tuned!
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 areas that had the biggest impact on my journey have been creativity, adaptability, and drive.
Being a hairstylist and content creator, creativity is at the core of everything I do. I love art, and I see hairstyling as my form of self-expression. My advice to those just starting out? Embrace that artistic side because it’s what sets you apart.
Trends, techniques, and client preferences are always changing, and being adaptable is crucial. Staying open to learning, evolving, and sometimes completely rethinking your approach keeps you relevant and your work fresh. Take classes, follow inspiring creators, and never settle into a comfort zone. Adaptability will allow you to grow with the industry instead of getting left behind.
I’m not someone who settles or waits for things to happen. I don’t wait for a salon to fill my chair; I go out and make it happen. This drive is what keeps me moving forward, pushing me to create the career I envision. For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to keep a proactive mindset. Don’t wait for opportunities—create them. If something isn’t working, have the courage to make a change. This drive will not only keep you from feeling stagnant but also set you apart as someone who is committed to growth.
With creativity, adaptability, and drive, you can build a career that’s both unique and fulfilling, driven by your vision every step of the way.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone who wants beautiful, low-maintenance hair without needing constant salon visits or breaking the bank. I love when clients come in with a vision and are open to my professional guidance to tailor it to what will look best on them. It’s about finding that balance between their ideas and my expertise to create a look they’ll love and feel confident in.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://secondnaturedenver.com/
- Instagram: @joiejudge (https://www.instagram.com/joiejudge?igsh=ZWdqd3djNDhmZHZq&utm_source=qr)
- Other: TikTok: @joie_judge (https://www.tiktok.com/@joie_judge?_t=8qxtCC8Kays&_r=1)
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