Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Hertz.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jamie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have always had a love for science, art, and psychology. I first experienced the blend of these three subjects via hair color chemistry and my sister’s head of hair when I was around ten years old; it was then that I knew my gift to give back to the world would be my innate ability to connect with others and genuinely inspire moments of self-care, self-love, self-awareness, and happiness.
I continued to work on my craft until I was able to attend an Aveda Institute, where I officially studied cosmetology. Once licensed, I landed my first official salon position and hit the ground running. Fast forward to today, I am a small business owner located in the heart of my hometown, I get to spend my days encouraging and enabling others to look and feel their best while creating wearable art, and I get to give back to my community while earning a living.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I am so grateful for my previous employers. They provided a platform for me to grow as a professional and for that, I am forever thankful. With that said, let’s talk about salon intimidation, because it is a real thing for clients. There are three types of salon environments- boujie, alternative punk, and chain.
I always worked in boujie luxury salons, where both salon guests and employees had certain culturally instilled expectations regarding one’s appearance and demeanor. I could fit in on the outside, but on the inside, I felt like an impostor, knowing I wasn’t true to my core values. I encourage everyone to be who they are, whatever style you want to present to the world is uniquely your own, working in an environment that stifled individuality was slightly soul sucking. I had so many conversations with salon guests who felt intimidated the first time in the salon because they didn’t feel like they fit in there or felt judged by other guests or employees. Once I became a small business owner, I knew it was in my business model to deliver a luxury experience in a more inclusive environment. One where the service menu is gender-free, guests can come decked out in designer or their old converse and sweat pants, and they won’t feel judged one way or the other, a place where they can let their guard down and show themselves a little love and care, a place where we appreciate individuality.
Refinery512 – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am most known for creating customized looks for my guests; no two heads of hair are the same. I dive deep with my guests during the consultation so that the result leaves them feeling excited to walk out that door and show the world what they are made of. I specialize in both color and hair shaping for all hair textures.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Being a facilitator of self-care, success to me happens with each appointment, when I turn a guest around for their end of appointment reveal, their eyes light up with confidence and they are beaming with self-love, that is the true measure of success.
Contact Info:
- Address: 830 west 3rd st. suite 1152
Austin TX - Website: Refinery512.com
- Phone: 5127447153
- Email: refinery512@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refinery512/ https://www.instagram.com/jameson_dean/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/refinery512
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/refinery-512-beauty-austin
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