Meet Jessica Rotella | Stylist & Salon Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Rotella and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I feel like this is an ongoing endeavor, balance that is. Balance for me currently is being able to juggle both being a stylist, but also a salon owner – which each in their own hold a bounty of duties, but also be able to take care of my family and home. I find that (ongoing, hehe) to do lists and my planner are my saving grace to keep me grounded and surely help with balance as well. Routines, planning ahead and making time for what’s essential is how I keep it all rolling.

Lately, I am also finding, the more I work on my own personal growth, discipline and confidence within my craft, the more the abundance follows in both business and my personal life. Over time I have learned I must prioritize myself to achieve balance in every aspect of my life.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Gorjess Hair originated as travel-to-you or at-home evening and weekend gig that over time blossomed into the Hello Gorjess Hair we know today. While travel-to-you hair was very much not acceptable, I did what I had to do to be able to share my love for hair, while also maintaining a full-time job.

As a young stylist, I knew I would need to start from the bottom at a salon as an apprentice, which could take months or more to become a stylist able to take on clients. This simply wasn’t an option for me. Instead, I gained experience and clientele while providing services part-time.

My background experience has always been administrative work, and luckily, I was employed by a super supportive engineering firm that also benefited from my hair services. (LOL) This combination of accounting and clerical knowledge mixed with the traction I was gaining clientele wise, led me to the decision to open Hello Gorjess Hair. My salon suite officially opened March 18, 2018 ready to take my excited guests, weekends only. For the next almost 2 years I would work both my full-time day job, and in my salon on weekends, holidays and any other time I was able to.

In January 2020, I quit my cushy, full-time job as a project administrator – with the certainty of guaranteed paychecks, benefits, etc. to pursue my lifelong dream of being a stylist, and salon owner! I was over the moon with excitement and eager to get my hands in some hair! Then, much to my surprise, COVID-19 would cause me to close my salon for the next couple of months. This definitely wasn’t a curveball I was expecting, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t questioning my newfound unemployment. Luckily, the dark cloud would dissipate as we were able to open hair salons back up mid May of 2020.

Though the initial struggle – to become a stylist in my own salon, was a journey I would happily accept over and over again, I understood the challenges I was facing by not starting out in an established salon. I would have to seek out my own education, clients and be responsible for all the behind the scenes myself, along with actual doing of the hair. This would be hard work, but ultimately so worth it. Fast forward to today, I enjoy learning and sharing new techniques with my guests while nurturing my small business in this ever-evolving industry!

A huge takeaway for me has been to be of the humble mindset that you’re never finished learning – there’s always an opportunity to learn in any situation. Another huge driving force behind me would be if you’re afraid of it, chances are you’re meant to do it, doing the things that scare us help us to evolve and grow! Trust yourself and your gut, if there’s something you’re longing for, it’s up to you to go after it. I want to encourage people to go out and truly follow their dreams, accept the vulnerability and embrace it, even if it ends up taking you over 10 years like me 😉

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So my ideal itinerary is split up by season really, there are so many cool things to check out at every season! The Houston Rodeo & Cookoff time of year has always been a favorite of mine, good music, GREAT food and drinks! The fair grounds and carnival are also an added fun bonus! But then too, I also enjoy the Houston Zoo in the fall time, as the city starts to cool down and the animals are more visible. Julios Mexican Restaurant would be a must, their chips and salsas are amazing! The margaritas aren’t bad either 😉 During the summertime though, it is always nice to cool off at the nostalgic Splashtown, which is a favorite past time of mine as well (Plus they have alcohol now too!) and a funnel-cake is also a must-have! I would also want to take her to see a concert at the Toyota Center or Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion! We would definitely have to also visit Fast Track Amusement to race some go-carts and to Pete’s Piano Bar for some karaoke and good times! Needless to say, no matter the season we would find something to do!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Hands down, I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my better half, Lewis. He’s always in my corner cheering me on, encouraging me and reminding me what a badass I am, even when I am in doubt. His support and love keep me going.

Website: www.hellogorjesshair.com

Instagram: @hellogorjesshair

Facebook: @hellogorjesshair

Yelp: Hello Gorjess Hair

Image Credits
WIld Ivy Creative – Caitlin Brantley Feltman