Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Lopez Cruz.
Hi Jacqueline, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m Jacqueline Lopez Cruz, the founder behind Opal Beauty. My journey with hair began in high school, when I enrolled in cosmetology as an elective at a technical school. I graduated with my cosmetology license and stepped straight into the industry, and I’ve been doing hair ever since. Looking back, I feel incredibly lucky to have found something I genuinely love and feel passionate about at such a young age. It gave me clarity, confidence, and a sense of purpose early on.
After 16 years in the industry, I’ve witnessed its evolution firsthand. I’ve seen trends come and go, techniques advance, and the beauty space shift from fast-paced services to more intentional, experience-driven care. That evolution has shaped how I work today, reinforcing the importance of continued education, adaptability, and honoring timeless techniques while growing alongside my clients’ needs. What started as a creative outlet became something much deeper. I fell in love with the connection that happens in the chair, the conversations, the trust, and the way hair can impact how a woman feels about herself.
As I grew, so did my vision. I knew I didn’t want a one-size-fits-all salon experience. I wanted to create something intentional, where clients felt comfortable, understood, and cared for. That vision became Opal Beauty. While I’m known for natural, low-maintenance color and thoughtful consultations, the most meaningful part of my work has always been the long-term relationships built along the way.
Today, I balance life as a business owner, stylist, and mom, and I continue to evolve both personally and professionally. Opal Beauty reflects my belief that beauty doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful, and that confidence starts when you feel like the best version of yourself.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges in my journey happened two years ago, when I was preparing to open a six-chair salon after years of planning and realized that, despite all the work I had put in, it wasn’t going to move forward as expected. Letting go of a vision I had worked so hard toward was incredibly difficult and forced me to sit with uncertainty in a way I hadn’t experienced before.
That experience was humbling. It challenged my patience, tested my confidence, and pushed me to redefine what growth really looks like. I learned that success isn’t always about expansion or timelines, and that sometimes the strongest move you can make is choosing to pause and pivot instead of forcing something that isn’t aligned.
Looking back, that moment became a turning point. It allowed me to slow down, reconnect with my values, and focus on building something more intentional and sustainable. It also reminded me that setbacks don’t erase the work you’ve done, they refine it.
While it was one of the most challenging periods of my career, it ultimately strengthened my resilience and clarified my vision. I now see it not as a failure, but as a redirection that prepared me for what came next.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work centers around creating hair that feels intentional, elevated, and realistic for everyday life. I specialize in dimensional color with an emphasis on brunettes and lived-in results that age well over time. Rather than dramatic transformations, my goal is to enhance my clients’ natural features and give them hair that feels effortless and manageable long after they leave the studio.
I’m most proud of the environment I’ve created around my work. Opal Beauty is built on trust, consistency, and care. Many of my clients return not just for the results, but for the experience, the honesty, and the attention to detail they receive at every visit. That level of loyalty means more to me than anything else.
What sets me apart is my intentional approach. I focus on long-term hair health, realistic maintenance, and clear communication. I take the time to educate my clients, set expectations, and create customized plans that fit their lifestyle instead of following trends that don’t serve them. I believe great hair should feel sustainable, not stressful.
At the core of everything I do is connection. Hair is the medium, but the real work is creating an experience where clients feel heard, comfortable, and confident. That’s what I strive for every single day.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to invest in education as early and as consistently as you can. Take classes, attend hands-on workshops, and put yourself in learning environments even when they feel uncomfortable. Education truly elevates your work, but more importantly, it changes the way you think, consult, and grow as a stylist. It’s been one of the biggest reasons my work has continued to evolve over the years.
I also wish I had understood sooner that success doesn’t require doing everything or chasing every trend. It takes time to find your lane, and that lane can change as you grow. Some of the most meaningful progress in my career happened when I slowed down, focused on what I do well, and stopped comparing my journey to others.
Another important lesson is learning how to protect your passion. This industry can be physically and creatively demanding, and burnout is real. Taking care of your body, your time, and your energy is just as important as building your skill set if you want longevity in this career.
Above all, be patient with yourself. Skill, confidence, and a strong clientele are built through consistency and years of showing up. If you stay curious, grounded, and committed to your craft, everything else will fall into place in its own time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://opalbeautyorlando.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayjaylo_hair/?hl=en
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/opal-beauty-altamonte-springs-2
Image Credits
Lorena Oyoko
