Today we’d like to introduce you to Janalee Sorenson.
Hi Janalee, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was a manager at Jiffy lube and had that job since I was in high school. When the pandemic hit, I wanted to do something different; I was striving for more. I always loved coloring hair; I used to color my own when I was a teenager from lightening my hair, going dark, and even adding fun colors to it. I would also let my friends or friend’s mom cut my hair because I had bad past experiences with previous salons. I also enjoyed doing makeup since I was young as well I started doing my own makeup when I was about 12 years old. With makeup, I feel I progressed quickly with techniques like winged eyeliner and blending eyeshadow.
During the pandemic I decided to leave my manager position and start cosmetology school, I started cosmetology school in July 2020 at Taylor Andrews Academy in West Jordan Ut. It was a lengthy course. In the state of Utah, you must complete 1600 of training and 2 state board tests before you can apply and get your license. I worked full time during the day (7:30 am- 3 pm) and Then went to school part-time at night (4:30 pm – 10 pm) It was a lot of time I spent away from my loved ones but a journey well worth it. Near the ending of my schooling, I would assist at salon Keiji watching everyone work their magic, helping fold towels, restock, etc. I graduated in February of 2022. After I retrieved my license, I got hired on at Salon Keiji! I was really looking forward to being hired at this salon because they offer continued education, and the owner Keiji really cares about his employees, training them to be the best they can be. What inspired me the most to becoming a hairdresser is the way it can make or break a person. I’ve had some unsatisfactory haircuts that happened to me in the past, but finding a good stylist and being in the chair after a couple hours getting my hair colored, I felt like a brand-new person! Now that I’m making the magic happen, it is a remarkable feeling! It’s nice to be in a career where the possibilities are endless!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was far from a smooth road. I grew up in a household where my siblings didn’t go to college; they dropped out of high school and were quite troubled. I grew up trying hard not to disappoint my parents they wanted me to go to college after I graduated high school. When I mentioned I wanted to go to cosmetology school, my father said, “You won’t make money doing that.” I said, “At least I’ll be doing something I enjoy!” I didn’t want to be stuck with a job where I didn’t love what I do, life is too short! There are so many hairdressers in the world that are successful; just because you don’t know one doesn’t mean there isn’t one. My main struggle in the industry was overthinking and self-doubt. It was hard for me to come to the realization that your work isn’t going to be perfect, so quit shooting to be perfect; instead shoot for improvement. Always be willing to learn and take on your mistakes, and treat them as a lesson. We are human; we are bound to make mistakes.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am working on specializing in Precision hair cutting and blonding. What sets me apart from others is I’m willing to listen to clients’ concerns and try to address them to the best of my abilities; if there is something I don’t know, I will ask the team around me. Knowledge is power and the killer of fear.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Do not let a pandemic stop you from following your heart! Don’t live your life for anything less than what your heart desires!
Pricing:
- •Highlight $100.00
- •Haircut $45.00
- •All over color $80.00
- •Deep condition $35.00
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/Bewitched.by.Jana/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100002288992250/
