Summer is here and women all over the world are strutting to the hair salon for a different look. New York City is a metropolis full of hair salons where hair stylists create their work of art on different types of hair.
With that being said, Jamielynn De Leon is one of the many sweet yet lovable hair stylists in Manhattan who continues having her fair share of success. Originally from Los Angeles, De Leon is the founder of Rogue House Salon , which she launched in 2016. She completed her education at the Fred Segal Beauty Salon and Vidal Sasoon and focused her freelancing on editorial projects in Los Angeles.
De Leon then took the opportunity to work with the renowned Ted Gibson in Manhattan in 2008. Afterwards, she moved to downtown Manhattan to work at a startup salon called Birds & Fellas, where she strengthened the business by bringing in clientele and improving operations. Afterwards, she was recruited to become the first manager of another up-and-coming salon, Fox and Jane Salon. De Leon was also featured in the The Today Show, That Jack Show, Loverly, and in Time Out New York and also acted as the lead stylist for fashion designers Vishali and Cindy Monterio at New York Fashion Week.
Now that you know a little bit of De Leon’s background, NYgal spoke to her about her journey in the big city and what steps she took to be the hair styist and business owner she is today.
Q & A with De Leon:
What inspired you to pursue a career in the beauty industry?
I was always fascinated with beauty at a young age. When I heard I can get my cosmetology license while attending high school, I jumped at the opportunity. I went to a local beauty school in L.A. My mom wanted me to get a degree in college and I went to the University of Santa Barbara. She said that as long as I had a degree, I can advance in any career I chose. I felt very passionate about beauty and making it as a hairstylist.
What major projects have you worked on as a master stylist in the big city? What made these projects fun for you?
I am the Ambassador for Manic Panic NYC. I was inspired to work with them because they were the originators for Vivid Colors, an evolving hair coloring trend expressing a person’s personality in bright colors.
Raw Artist was a huge show. It was my first show in featuring my work as a hairstylist. The show was called, “Be a Rebel and Own It”. I created vivid colors. Shortly after, I became the Ambassador for Manic Panic.
The biggest opportunity was NYFW. I was the lead artist for three fashion shows. This was an amazing opportunity because our team was involved in creating a hair look that contributed to the designers vision in Fashion.
Describe your journey towards becoming a Master Stylist. How long did it take you to become a master, etc?
A Master Stylist is defined after being in the industry for ten years. I’ve created my skill by first becoming a hair cutting specialist and then a colorist. I stay up to date with all the latest trends.
What made you choose the East Village for Rogue House and what products do you carry at the salon?
When I first moved to NYC, I was fascinated with the downtown salons. Uptown salons separated hair color and hair cutting; I wanted to do both. Downtown/ East Village is known for starting a lot of trends. I built my clientele throughout the years and never left the East Village. My clients are a huge contribution to my success because I wouldn’t have been able to open a salon if it wasn’t for them.
I see you are an IPEC life coach. What’s that like and how long have you been a life coach? What do you enjoy about it?
Being a life coach is a skill I absolutely love. I love leadership and making an impact. Life coaching has given me the skill to mentor and lead others. This skill has been a big asset to creating a community and a positive atmosphere at the salon. In hair, I can listen to what my clients are saying. We have different lenses and being able to be on the same page is huge in delivering their results.
What do you absolutely love about Manhattan?
Anything is possible. The hustle and bustle. Put in the hardwork and you can become anything. Manhattan offers opportunities. I worked my way from the bottom to the top and have continued to establish connections to help build my business.
What message do you want to give to the females living in the city?
Create a community, believe in your dream and always be you. Never compare yourself. We live in an entrepreneur’s land; being unique is what defines you.
Image Credit: Jamielynn De Leon
