Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Cherepon.
Hi Jessica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
When I was 19, I found myself married and quite honestly very lost in life. I started following my family’s legacy in pharmacy school before quickly realizing that was not my desire for my future. I found myself in an abusive relationship and looking for a good career for my life if my marriage were to not work out. I tried to find something that was for ME and not for anyone else.
That is when Cosmetology came across my mind. I immediately had peace with this choice and knew that was the direction I should go. I had struggled with self-worth and confidence since 12 years old. Always felt like the girl next to me was prettier and knew how to do her hair better, was skinnier, etc. I wanted to be in a position where even for a moment, I could help the girl sitting in my chair feel confident and beautiful! I started cosmetology school and a few short months later I found my life crumbling around me. What would people think of me being divorced at 19? I will never find someone who will love me again.
And at 19, those are heavy feelings. I ended up dropping out of school with every intention of going back to finish once my life settled down a bit. I worked two jobs to pay for my divorce and to get out on my own again. About a year later I met someone who would later become my second husband. This person, while not right for me, would be the person who gave me my two beautiful children.
After going back to finish school, about a month later, I found out I was pregnant. I contemplated dropping out again because I now couldn’t just do what was best for me, but had to do what was best for my baby girl too. I worked out my schedule so that I’d be able to graduate before she was born. My husband at the time decided to join the military and missed the remainder of the pregnancy and her birth.
Just 2 short weeks after graduation, I gave birth to my sweet baby girl. Through my back-and-forth relationship with her dad, I was moving back and forth from Utah-Colorado where he was stationed. When I was in Utah living, I was working at salons, trying to find my niche. I grew very fond of waxing and lashes. And finding a love for these things allowed me to dive deeper into the esthetics part of things. After separating from my husband at the time and while working at a salon, my exhaustion was creeping up and I thought it was just from having a baby working, and life in general at the time.
Come to find out, I’m a few months along with a baby boy. I went through every emotion possible with this news. How could I support two kids while working at a salon? I don’t have clientele. I’m making minimum wage, I can’t just rely on tips. It’s not consistent. I ended up moving back to Colorado to be with their dad again and try again which ended in more scary situations and more violence and infidelity. After sending him to jail for domestic violence and one of the scariest nights of my life, I decided enough was enough. I put my kids and my life in my own hands and filed for divorce once and for all.
We moved back to Utah for good. And I got a normal call center job. I would take lash clients at my home on the side. They would come lay in my recliner with my two kids under two running around everywhere. I had my call center job as a consistent income, but I never gave up on my dream of making others feel confident and beautiful. My kids are now almost 5 & 6, and I am finally fulfilling my dream of creating my OWN business. I am doing things I love to do, and it is for me and my kids.
Sometimes as a single mom, and not having a huge support system behind me, my kids are still coming to the salon with me for appointments and that is just the phase of life we are in. But we are doing it! Together. I am determined to show them that no matter what happens, to always follow your dreams. And do it for YOU! I am now open, paying booth rent, with my clientele, 10 YEARS LATER, in nursing school to further my medical knowledge and provide more services in the future that are also medically based. I am hoping to show women everywhere that you CAN get out. You CAN do it. You CAN follow your dreams.
And you deserve to have the opportunity to do it. Whatever your dreams might be, I encourage you to follow them. And if you need a hype girl, I’m right here. I’m here to say that if I can do it, you can too. I’m just your average girl, following her dreams. I found peace along the way in the mountains. That was where I could run to when life got too chaotic. I hope Mountain Time Beauty can be a safe, peaceful space for you to run to when you need a boost.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Getting here was not smooth. I’ve encountered every stop possible I think. Haha. But life can oftentimes get in the way. Being a single mom and trying to support them while building a clientele is hard, and is probably what has held me back the most. Knowing that they are relying on me to provide for them and be here for them too.
I’ve encountered divorce, two kids 14 months apart on my own, multiple hourly jobs, my brother passing, moving from apartment to apartment finding what we can afford, sicknesses, you name it!
But the best part of it is that we are here now! Stronger than ever. With a greater appreciation of life and family, and the blessings that we have received.
Thanks – So what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a licensed cosmetologist/esthetician living in Nephi, working out of Spanish Fork! I specialize in lash extensions and brow laminations! I am a new business and currently building up my clientele to hopefully make this my full-time job! I am most proud of sticking to it and finally making it here after starting school 10 years ago.
I believe I offer a deep level of caring and life experience to help clients feel safe when coming to me. Not only do I continually attend further education to perfect my skills, but I also have a great desire to better others’ lives and make them feel good when leaving my space.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned thus far (still learning) is to never give up.
Timing is everything, and fighting for what you believe is right will give you the most comfort and satisfaction.
Knowing that I am pursuing my dreams and building a better life for my kids is worth every bump in the road. None of this would be possible if I had just given up!
Pricing:
- Lash Extensions $90-$150 (Classic-Mega Volume full sets) fills starting at $40
- Eyebrow Lamination $50-75 (Lamination – Luxe Brow)
- Waxing $10-90 (full body waxing)
- Facials $40-100 (facials for all ages and skin types)
- Lash lifts $50-60 (lift and tint)
Contact Info:
- Website: Mountaintimebeauty.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mountaintimebeauty?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093591828103&mibextid=D4KYlr
- Other: Mountaintimebeauty.GlossGenius.com
Image Credits
@geminimoon_studio and @JenniferLynHolmes
