Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamee Pickett.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Everyone always asks how I became a barber or what started it. Before I learned barbering, I was working in a restaurant, miserable. I knew I needed to do something more with my life and hair was never the first thing on my mind, especially men’s hair. Prior to barbering, I never cut hair, styled hair (except my own obviously), I never wanted to be in anyone’s personal space like that. I started the cosmetology program, got my license, but realized women’s hair was not for me. I went back for barbering and as soon as I got my first client, I knew that was it. It just felt natural and I have the attention to detail for something like this. I’m also a perfectionist so that plus men’s hair makes a good match. I’ve worked in many shops with many not so great owners and after being fired from a shop for absolutely no reason at all, I decided I wasn’t going to let another shop owner deflate me and I opened my own business where I can be my true self with my amazing clients. In my shop, clients become family. It’s more than a haircut for me, I admire the relationships I get to build and I love learning about my clients and giving them royalty treatment. That’s what everyone deserves.
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?
Never smooth lol. Being a woman in a male dominated industry, people get jealous of skill and personality. Ive worked at quite a few shops and only one shop owner has been continuously supportive. Booth rent shop owners typically forget they are running booth rental and try to be what I call “wannabe corporate”. They want to run you like corporate but the shop is booth rental. It doesn’t work like that.
Just being a female barber in general has its struggles. Many significant others see me and determine for their partner that they are “not allowed to come to me”. Being a female in a male dominated industry is not for the weak. When I first began cutting, I would be questioned by men on a daily basis if I even know what I’m doing, terrified to sit in my chair. I’ve had to prove myself harder than the average male barber and I’m still having to do so, even more with my own business. The industry is hard, but it’s harder as a female owned business in male field, especially if you’re semi attractive.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’m a ten+ year experienced barber. I specialize in everything lol fading is my niche, but I graduated from the cosmetology and barbering program from Paul Mitchell so I’m well versed in different textures, styles, shapes, and shear cutting. I can do a little bit of everything from how towel straight razor shaves to gray coverage coloring (if you’re embarrassed by those picky gray hairs). Everyone is welcome in my chair. You never leave your appointment empty handed. I will always send you out with snacks and a drink, a loyalty card, or even gift bags for my full service or on the holidays (also accompanied by coquito and Jell-O shots 🙂). I love making everyone feel warm, welcome and comfortable. I’m proud of how I care about people and I take the best care of you that I possibly can. I offer a variety of services, all genders welcome. I am a safe space. My shop is a safe space.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I personally don’t see myself as a risk taker but I took one on opening my own business. That’s something I never wanted to do. I was fine just being a barber behind the chair, cleaning the shop and collecting good reviews. But things change and I now see sometimes the risk you’re scared of is the risk you need to be free. I’m so grateful for every shop owner who didn’t appreciate me, bc I’m here now and even though I’m still building, it’s a blessing everyday to walk into my own and breathe and know no one can take it from me. I didn’t realize starting out that being a white woman in a male field would be so against me, but looking back that was also a risk I took. I could have chosen something basic, I chose to be different and be something you don’t see often.
Pricing:
- Haircuts are $45
- Haircut with beard is $55 (with hot towel/massage)
- Senior citizens are $25
- Teens are $40
- Full service (including gift bag, beer/shot, shampoo) is $105
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linedandlaced.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/linedandlaced.byjam
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1KWkg3wFeL/
- Other: Lined & Laced on google
