Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaycee Rodriguez.
Hi Jaycee, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Naturally, I am a creative. I have always loved everything creative and expressive. Growing up, I always danced and I found a love specifically for improvisational dancing because there were no rules, just expression. Going to dance competitions and auditions frequently, I had to know how to apply makeup and style my hair, that was when I learned so much more about the beauty industry. Before you know it, all my classmates wanted their hair done before a performance, or eyelashes applied for a competition. Although these were smaller tasks, I loved doing it,
After I graduated high school, I knew I didn’t want to go to college. Although I love learning, I wasn’t ready to commit years to something I wasn’t so sure of.
I joined a dance company in Texas instead and wanted to pursue becoming a choreographer and dance studio owner.
Well not even 2 months into the company, I tore my ACL. I had to get surgery and I was looking at 6 months of physical therapy before I can even think of dancing again. So, I did my physical therapy, and I got back into dancing, but this time it just wasn’t the same. I couldn’t physically do what I used to do, and it was time to take a step back and explore other options.
I moved back home to Florida and the small voice in my heart told me, I needed to become a hairstylist. I know that sounds cheesy but you know when you just feel called to do something? That’s how I felt.
I completed cosmetology school, and that flew by. I tried my best to never miss a day and I’m proud to say I never got anything below a 95% in school. I was determined to finish fast and finish strong.
I started assisting one of the best stylists in Central FL (shoutout to babylightbri) and I learned SOOOO much from her. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t work alongside her. I worked as her assistant for an amazing year and a half, and now we co-own a salon suite together. I’m so thankful to be where I am today.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Being in this industry can be tough, not only physically, but mentally. I think a lot of people dismiss the toll the beauty industry can take on you emotionally and mentally.
Some stereotypes of hairstylists are that they are petty, full of gossip, and full of drama. Unfortunately, that can be true. The struggle was avoiding the drama, avoiding the mean comments, and avoiding the comparison. It was mentally draining and it indirectly affected me in many areas of my life.
I brush things off pretty easily, but I never really noticed how much it affected me until I was out of the situation. Not all salons are like that by any means, in fact, there are wonderful salons and salon owners out there that I think are doing an amazing job. I just found out that for me, being independent was the best choice for me. That’s the beauty of this industry, we have so many different options and roads we can take, and we get to choose what works best for us.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a hairstylist in Central Florida that specializes in natural, beach-inspired balayage, blondes, and brunettes. I love creating lived-in and customized color. Every client of mine is so unique and I believe their hair color should be too. I am proud of the detail I put into my work. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to my color services, every guest gets a customized placement of color based on their goals. I have always had an interest in media design and photography growing up, and I also love to bring that aspect into my job as well. I love taking unique after photos of my guests. Some of them love feeling like a model after their appointment and I love to help them with that. I try to make my photos stand out and look different than the typical after photos. I believe everyone in my chair is so valuable and deserves to not only know that but feel that too. I hope every guest feels confident and empowered through their beautiful hair.
Pricing:
- Mini Highlight/Balayage – $115+
- Partial Highlight/Balayage – $205+
- Full Highlight/Balayage – $305+
Contact Info:
- Email: howdy@jayceethestylist.com
- Website: jayceethestylist.com
- Instagram: jayceethestylist
Image Credits
Hannah Cameron Photography
