Happy Friday, Cowes!
Today, we highlight the stunning Janet Jackson, founder of Jou Jou Hair Studio,
Give us your “quick n dirty” — tell us a bit about yourself. We want to know what you’re all about.
My name is Janet Jackson… I’m a Toronto-born Beauty Expert/Personality, Celebrity Hairstylist and Entrepreneur. I’m also the brand ambassador for Maui Moisture, Denman Brush and Danny Co. I represent these brands in various events across North America, and for some, internationally too.
Most recently, I’ve been nominated as a Semi-Finalist for Contessa’s Canadian Hairstylist of the Year Award. And if you’re into horoscopes — I’m #TeamAquarius!
#LocalLove is all about showing love to bad-ass bosses like yourself. Can you share with us what you do for work and how you make an impact?
I’ve been the Owner and Creative Director of JouJou Hair Studio for the past 12 years and counting; where I lead and mentor a team of Stylists. With over 15 years in the industry, I also share my beauty expertise on various platforms such as, The Social, The Marilyn Denis Show, CityLine & many more. I enjoy transforming individuals into the best versions of themselves. What differentiates my team and I from others in our field; and has aided in the success and longevity of my career is my expertise in working with all hair types and textures. I believe that hair barriers are meant to be broken and it’s my passion (and calling) to use my craft to help people understand the artistry of hair.
As a Toronto-based business, we recognize the importance of building relationships within our community by giving back to its members, especially those who are less fortunate.This commitment was the driving force behind the launch of our annual charity day, Be-YOU-tiful. On Be-YOU-tiful Day, we host a day of giving free makeovers and a photoshoot from top Toronto talent to residents of a local Women’s Shelter.
How did you get into this line of work?
Originally, it all started with a part-time job in a salon. I was just doing assisting duties, such as answering phones, keeping the space tidy, etc… basically, I was just there helping out. Eventually, my duties there began to include shampooing, preparing clients for the stylists, etc. My journey in hair started off as a part-time job, not really an interest or passion at the time.
The salon eventually closed down and then I went and worked for a hairstylist who was working in the industry and doing a lot of what I’m doing now. He introduced me to a whole different life of hairstyling. At that point, he was the one who told me that I was ‘too talented not to have a license’. So he signed me on as an assistant and I went to George Brown College for Hairstyling. I completed school and got eventually my license. He was the one that exposed me to the creative side of the hair industry. It pulled out my artistic side and that’s when I decided that this was what I wanted to do.
Eventually, I got approached by Plutino Group – a very reputable management agency for creative artists in the city – asking if I were interested in being represented by them. My mentor that I had been assisting was signed to them and I had already been working numerous shoots with them. I obviously jumped on that bandwagon and through the agency, I was exposed to so much more — the celebrities, the editorials, etc… and I was no longer assisting, it was my own work!
They put together my first creative shoot which acted as my book and the rest is history!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given (career or otherwise)
The best career advice I’ve ever received was from my mentor who said to me, “you’re too talented not to have a licence.” I cannot stress enough how important it is to have your license as a hairstylist to take your career to that next level. So that people will take you seriously – period.
How about the worst?
If I’m being honest, I wasn’t given much advice at all throughout my career and that’s the truth. We’ve just recently entered the era of beauty where the sharing of knowledge has been not only encouraged but so widely recognized. So in terms of worst advice, I’m blank.
If you could paint your ideal life, what would that look like in 5-10 years from now?
Ideally, I would love to continue to grow my super talented team who can basically carry on and do the things that I’m unavailable to do; because there’s only one of me and all these opportunities continue to throw themselves at me. It would consist of the creation of my own full product line of hair tools. Hair care is where my heart lies and I would love a line that reflects that to recommend to my clients.
It also involves a learning academy where I would like to design a space, specializing in all hair types, to teach new and aspiring hairstylists. Canadian hairstylists are lacking the knowledge of working with various textures and I see the need in terms of proper training for hairstylists. The reason I am successful is because I know how to work with any hair texture that is put in front of me.
Lastly, I also see my annual charity event, Be-YOU-tiful Day, growing into an international event!
What are your favourite resources that you’ve come across over the years (e.g., email extensions, design apps etc.)
My undefeated ultimate favourite resource is my NOTES! I write down everything. Before bed, I make sure to make a list of my to-do’s for the following day. When I get an idea or thought I want to revisit later, I write it down. Lists for life.
Who are 3 of your favourite Canadian entrepreneurs that our readers should absolutely be in the know about?
Chrissy Newton | Founder of VOCAAB Communications
Tracy Moore | Co-Founder of Tracy Moore Designed by Freda’s
Treasa Brown | Founder of Leigh Events & We Rise Brunch
Visit our #LocalLove highlight on the gram, here!
xx
The Cowe