Today we’d like to introduce you to Jillyn Sanders.
Hi Jillyn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
From Apprentice to Salon Owner: Creating the Opportunity I Once Had. My journey in the beauty industry began in 1987 at Kenneth’s Salon and Spa in Columbus, Ohio. I started as an apprentice, spending 10+ months learning the fundamentals of the industry, developing my technical skills, and gaining firsthand experience in a professional luxury salon environment. That apprenticeship became the foundation of my career. After completing my apprenticeship, I spent the next 22 years behind the chair at Kenneth’s continuing to grow as a stylist and learning not only the craft of hairdressing but also the importance of education, mentorship, teamwork, and creating a high standard if excellence.
When my family and I moved to Colorado, it was hard to find a salon like Kenneth’s. Working behind the chair at a couple of salons in the Parker, CO area, I began to notice something that stayed with me: there seemed to be a missing element in the industry. The structured apprenticeships and mentorship experience that had helped launch my own career wasn’t as readily available. That realization eventually became part if the inspiration for opening J Salon in Parker, Colorado in 2017.
I wanted to create more than just a place where people could get their hair done. I wanted to build a salon where stylists could grow, where education was valued, and where someone beginning their career could have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals while developing confidence and their own unique skills behind the chair.
J Salon has continued to grow right along with that vision. We recently opened our brand new location on Main Street in Parker-twice the size of our original salon. Outgrowing our first space is incredibly rewarding, but what means even more t me is what the growth represents: a thriving team, a strong community of clients, and the opportunity to continue investing in the next generation of stylists. Looking back, I realize that the apprentice I was in 1987 is still very much a part of the salon owner I an today. The experience I received early in my career helped shape the kind of leader-and the kind of salon- I wanted to become.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but I wouldn’t change the journey. Every challenge has taught me something and helped shape the business owner and leader I am today. One of the biggest challenges was making the transition from being behind the chair to becoming a salon owner. I love being a stylist and learning how to balance being a creative professional with the responsibilities of running a business, leading a team, managing finances, and making decisions for the future of the salon was a completely different skill set. There have also been inevitable challenges that come with owning a growing business-finding the right people, developing a strong team, navigating changes in the industry, and learning ho to grow without losing the culture and personal connection that makes J Salon special. Our recent move has been another huge chapter. We had completely outgrown our original space, so opening our new location in Main St, which is twice the size was incredibly exciting and also a tremendous undertaking. There were plenty of unexpected challenges along the way, from construction and timelines to making sure all the pieces came together while continuing to take care of our slients and our team.
For me, success isn’t about having a perfect road. It’s about continuing to grow, learning from the bumps along the way, and building something that I’m proud of.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At the heart of what I do, I’m a hairstylist and educator, but after more than 35 years in this industry, my work has grown into so much more. I still love being behind the chair and creating beautiful, personalized looks for my clients, but I’m equally passionate about helping other stylists grow and succeed. I specialize in creating customized color, dimensional blondes,reds, and beautiful brunettes, wearable styles that fit each client’s individual personality and lifestyle. I believe great hair should feel like you. What I’m most known for, though, is the experience I create for my guests and my commitment to education. I want people genuinely cared for when they walk through our doors. Hair is personal, and I believe the relationship between a stylist and a client is just as important as the technical work.
What I’m most proud of is J Salon and the team we’ve built. I opened J Salon in 2017 with a vision of creating a salon where talented stylist could grow , learn from one another, and build meaningful careers. Our recent move into our new space and our location on Main St is a refection of how far that vision has come. One of the things I’m most proud of is that my daughter, Raelyn and I have had the opportunity to work together and build the culture of J Salon side by side. We’ve been very intentional about creating an environment where our team feels supported, inspired, and encouraged to grow. Having my daughter share that vision with me has made building J Salon especially meaningful- it really feels like something we’ve created together.
What sets us apart is our commitment to both our clients and our profession. We don’t want to simply create great hair; we want to create great stylist. Because of my own experience beginning my career as an apprentice,I understand how valuable mentorship and education can be. That’s why continuing to develop an apprenticeship program at J Salon is so important to me. I’m proud that after all these years, I’m still learning, still behind the chair, and still excited about this industry. For me, the greatest measure of success is seeing our clients leave feeling beautiful and confident- seeing the stylists on our team grow into the professionals they are capable of becoming.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up in the ’70s and ’80s, I was a very curious and creative kid. I’m a twin, so I always had a built in buddy/companion, but personality-wise I’ve always been more of a shy introvert. I tend to be quiet and observant, although once I’m comfortable, my silly side definitely comes out.
I also grew up with. hearing disability, which made me especially visual. I learned to pay close attention to what I could see-facial expressions, body language, details, color, shape and movement. Looking back, I think that visual way of experiencing the world became a real strength in my career and helped shape my creative eye. I grew up with s salon set up in our basement. My mother was a hairdresser, but ironically, I never thought I wanted to do hair. I was much more fascinated by makeup. I can remember getting my Vogue magazine every month and being completely captivated by the beauty, fashion, photography and editorial world. At the time, becoming a professional makeup artist required a cosmetology license, so hair became a part of the path. Once I started learning it, I discovered that hair actually came naturally to me- and I really enjoyed it. Even today, those early interests are still a big part of who I am. I love fashion, interior design, beautiful spaces, editorial imagery, and anything that allows me t be creative. I think that visual perspective has influenced not only the way I approach hair, but also the way I create an experience for our clients and the environment at J Salon
Pricing:
- mid – high all over color
- mid – high lived in demensional color
Contact Info:
- Website: Jsalon.biz will be launching our new web site soon
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jsalonparkerco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jsalon100
- Other: @jsalonparkerco
