Conversations with Jillian Beebe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jillian Beebe.

Hi Jillian, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in central Texas, but moved to Maryland in 2016. While I was there I decided to go to the Aveda Institute in DC and worked at a salon in Rockville, MD. After about two years, I moved to Nashville TN where I did a year long apprenticeship at a salon that had some of the best color specialists in the city. From there I went on to spend a year building my own clientele at a brand new salon, and eventually found my way into being an independent stylist sharing a salon suite with my former mentor. After about 3.5 years in Nashville, the pandemic really had taken its toll and I was ready to move on. I chose to move to Denver in March of 2021 because I had family about an hour away, and began working at Cult Of Mane Salon. I started out as a commission stylist when they had only 2 other employees, and as the salon grew I was able to work my way up to Creative Director. In July of this year (2025) I made the decision to become an independent stylist again, and am now taking clients at Strano Salon in Sunnyside.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been smooth sailing. During my time in Nashville I really struggled to find my place in the industry. I didn’t really fit the mold of the typical Barbie-doll type stylists, but I also wasn’t quite alternative enough to find my niche in that either. I spent a lot of time just trying to develop my skills and confidence behind the chair, but building a clientele there was very difficult for me. I was always juggling multiple jobs at a time, just trying to survive and pay my rent. When I got to Denver is when everything kind of clicked. I got really lucky with my first salon. I met some of my best friends while working there, and my books quickly filled up with clients that had specifically sought me out because of social media. At a certain point I was doing a lot of photoshoots for the salon with one of my best friends, Madison, and running the salon’s social media as well. The owners of COM, Alyx and Shannon, gave me a lot of freedom to create and their trust in my vision allowed me to really flourish. Deciding to leave was not easy, but I had ultimately outgrown my role there and was ready to have more control over my career. I toyed around with the idea of opening my own salon earlier this year, but decided it wasn’t the right time and wanted to explore more options. I was beginning to question if I even wanted to stay in Denver. Another stylist I had met a few years ago introduced me to Kate, the owner of Strano, over the summer and once again everything seemed to click. All of the stylists there are independent, so I essentially operate as a small business within another small business. The transition was scary, but I’ve been learning a lot and it’s been very freeing have my career back in own hands.

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?
My background is as a color specialist, specifically high-impact blondes and lived-in color. I tend to gravitate towards things that grow out really easily. Usually that looks like 1-2 big color appointments a year, and then a few minor maintenance appointments as needed to make sure things stay on tone. I have a similar philosophy when it comes to haircuts. I primarily cut with a razor which allows me to carve out soft layers that feel really natural and air dry well. I tend to keep most of my clients on a 10-12 week schedule, so they’re really only coming in seasonally.

I believe our relationship to our hair is very personal, and I like being able to create looks for my clients that are unique to them. I think I’m always kind of aiming for that cool-without-trying vibe.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love how friendly and open people are in Denver. I think it’s the easiest city to make friends in and build community. Also- you can’t beat the weather. I love how much sunshine we get and am convinced that is why everyone is so happy all the time.

I think my biggest complaint about Denver is the cost of living. I mean even our bagels are more expensive than NYC- and they aren’t anywhere near as good.

Pricing:

• Color services are priced at $110/hour
• Haircuts at $95+
• I do require all new color clients to come in for a color consultation before being able to book an appointment. During this time I’m able to give a price quote and make sure you are booked properly for your first appointment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vagaro.com/stranosalon
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillyxpop?igsh=MXJia2x3Mm9yY2N5dA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Client photos by me, both photoshoot photos were taken by Madison Merry Photos