Sparking Curiosity & Confidence: Hairstylist Career Day Visit
Sharing My Passion for Hair Design, Trades, and Lifelong Learning While Investing in this Hairstylist Career Day Visit
It’s wild how fast they grow up. For years, Izzy wanted me at every school event—and I made it a point to be there. But as she gets older, the invites naturally slow down. So when Career Day came around and I saw that invitation, I thought: Why not? I couldn’t pass up the chance for a Hairstylist Career Day Visit and share just how incredible my industry really is.
What started as a way to support my daughter quickly became something much bigger. I saw Career Day as a moment to open minds, shift perspectives, and advocate for the value of trade careers—something that was absolutely not encouraged when I was a kid.
The Backstory
When I was in school, going to college was the only path presented to us. Trade schools had a stigma. If you were creative, hands-on, and entrepreneurial like me, you were often left to figure it out on your own. Looking back, I know I would’ve thrived in a vocational setting early on. So, standing in front of a room full of 5th and 6th graders, I wanted to bring that perspective forward and share what I wish someone had told me: there are so many ways to build a meaningful, successful life doing what you love.
Preparing for the Day
I brought my J Beverly Hills Educator Kit, a laptop presentation, my flyer (made just for the kids), and of course—my mannequin. No sharp tools (liability and all!), but definitely a marcel curling iron I hoped would spark curiosity. When I arrived, the outlet I requested was too far to use, but I adapted, like stylists always do.
I loaded my mannequin with product and started braiding—a waterfall braid was ready just in time for the first group. As the room filled with students rotating through stations, I handed out flyers and dove right into my presentation, not from behind the table, but out front, connecting with them.
More Than Shampoo and Scissors
I could see how some kids were instantly intrigued. Their eyes lit up as I talked about all the different paths within the hair industry: from salon life to New York Fashion Week (which I’ve done), to working with celebrities, to becoming an educator or owning a business.
Some of the best moments were when I could see them dreaming with me. One group of boys was hesitant at first until I said, “Can you draw? Are you artistic? Imagine doing a sick fade and carving a custom design into someone’s hair—a shamrock, skull, or even Jordan sneakers.” Their minds were blown.
The most popular question? “What’s the hardest haircut to do?”
Too cute.
I explained how early on, many cuts feel hard. But once you build your "toolbelt" through education and experience—books, videos, mentorship, trial and error—you start solving hair like a puzzle. You learn to mix technical knowledge with artistry and critical thinking. That’s how you become great. That’s how you become you.
The Best Part
Throughout the day, I shared stories about real guests, what my job actually looks like, how I connect with people, and how I still wake up excited to do this work 30 years later. But the highlight? The moment I felt arms wrapped around me from behind. It was Izzy.
She was glowing with pride. Her friends came over to ask questions, tell me their own family stories about hair, and cheer me on. They couldn’t believe how long I’d been in the industry or that I owned my own salon. They asked if I’d done anyone famous (I have), but I joked they were too young to know them.
I left with an empty flyer stack and a full heart.
Jess from The Hair Mansion with her daughter Izzy at Career Day—sharing passion, creativity, and the power of loving what you do.
Reflections
This experience reminded me why I love what I do and why I believe in this work. Hair is art, business, science, communication, and emotional intelligence wrapped into one. It's not just about creating beauty, it's about creating confidence and connection. I hope I sparked that in some of those kids.
More than anything, I hope I helped a few of them imagine a future where they get to wake up excited for their day. Just like I do.
Thank you to Izzy’s school for the invite, and to every curious mind who made me feel right at home that day.
Take a peek at the takeaway.
I crafted this flyer and mini-presentation to capture the spirit of my talk—part inspiration, part industry insight, all rooted in possibility.
Click to view the full flyer I handed out to students on Career Day.
And this? This was my mini-presentation.
Designed to inspire curiosity and showcase just how dynamic—and fulfilling—a career in hair can be.
Final Thought
That day reminded me just how much power there is in planting seeds—especially with young minds who haven’t yet been told what they can’t do. Career day gave me the chance to show these kids that creativity can be a calling, and that success doesn’t have to look one way. There’s no single path to a beautiful life—just the one you carve out for yourself, skill by skill, moment by moment.
If you’re a parent, an educator, or someone who remembers being that curious kid—keep encouraging the dreamers, the makers, and the hands-on learners. You never know where a little inspiration might lead.