Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Lu.
Hi Jenna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
My name is Jenna Lu and I consider myself an Artist. I was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan. I’ve dabbled in a lot of different medias, but career wise it has to be hair. I’ve been a hairstylist since 2015 and I can’t imagine myself doing anything else!
After graduating from Holt High School in 2014, I went straight to Cosmetology school that fall. Protégé Academy is where I got my education under TIGI, and that’s where all my foundation comes from. Protégé gave me a lot of opportunities, one of them was their study abroad program. I’ve trained in Milan, where I was certified in Creative Cut and Color. I’ve also trained in New York where I’ve been certified for Transition Cut and Color as well.
After graduating cosmetology school, I went and took my Boards. I started working at my first salon shortly after that, Hair & Body Elements. At this point, I was only 18 years old. Like any other hairstylist starting out, I’ve made a lot of mistakes. I was lucky to have had a lot of clients handed to me at first, that’s where I began to build my clientele. I was commission for 3 years, and that has taught me a lot of patience as well as discipline.
I started doing a lot of unconventional cuts and color, and I wanted to broaden my horizons. I felt like I was capable of doing more, so then I decided to take a chance and move to a different salon, Capellini, where I’m at currently. That decision was one of the best ones I’ve made in my entire life.
I stepped up to chair rent, meaning I’m my own boss. I make my own hours, prices, policies, and rules. I have a lot more freedom, and I feel like I can truly be who I am when it came to my business. I started attracting the clientele I wanted and began making a lot of close relationships.
I provide a variety of services, but my specialties are vivids and color corrections. Being able to see my client’s face once I’m done with their service is what it’s all about. Having them coming in thinking there’s no way to make their hair better, to having them leave with a whole new positive attitude is what I strive for.
Being the first generation of my Vietnamese family to be born in America comes with a lot of pressure. When I told my family that I wanted to do hair, they didn’t have much faith at first. My mom was always there to support me and always told me that as long as I was happy then nothing else really mattered. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren’t for her, and all of the people I’ve met in my career. People don’t realize how important hairdressers are, and the impact we make. We uplift people’s moods, self-confidence, and self-worth. With confidence, you can achieve anything. I enhance people’s beauty that they already have, not change it. I wanted to become an artist when I grew up, and I also wanted to help people. I became exactly that when I started my career at age 18. I’m bringing positivity and happiness into the world, one head at a time.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Being a hairdresser wasn’t even my first choice, actually. It was my second. I was set to go to Interior Design School in Chicago, but my parents were going through a divorce at the time. That’s what made me change my career path. Going through cosmetology school with my parent’s split constantly on my mind was tough. I’m very hard on myself, and I always pushed myself beyond my limits. During my entire education, I had the mindset of “you need to learn fast, and finish school early so you can start working to make money to help support your mom and sister.” I did just that, I finished my schooling a month early because I went and took extra hours any Saturday I could get. I took my Boards immediately and started working less than a month later after getting licensed.
I’ve made a lot of mistakes behind the chair when I first started. I was very introverted, shy, and anxious. I didn’t have the confidence I have now back then. My communication skills were terrible, and my consultations weren’t any better. I’ve had my fair share of bad reviews; complaints and I’ve been yelled at by clients. I’ve been through every experience possible it seems like my first couple years in. I was commission for a few years which meant even if I didn’t have anyone booked, I would still need to stay and be available if a walk-in showed up. I’ve had many low points where I’d only get 2 haircuts a week. When you first start out, no one knows who you are and what skills you have. It’s important to stay determined and to have perseverance. The only way to grow is to be patient and to trust the process.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I do everything, I like to call myself The Jack of All Trades. Anything from haircuts, coloring, updos, and treatments. As for haircuts, I’d say men’s cuts and pixies are my favorite. I love doing fades because it’s so satisfying. Pixie cuts need a lot of personality and texturizing, which take a lot of visual skill which is my strong suit.
I’m known for my vivid colors and corrections. I’ve been called a miracle worker, or even a magician. It’s a lot of science and color theory. Not a lot of people are very fond of color corrections, but I love them. I love a good challenge, and at this point, I think I’ve seen it all. That’s what I’m most proud of.
What sets me apart from others is that I have my own special way of branding every single client I have. What I mean by that is how I personalize my haircuts and colors. The way I take my time to texturize my clients at the end really determines the haircuts’ longevity. I don’t take shortcuts, because if you do your clients will know. In a fast-paced busy world we live in, it’s important to take the time to make sure your work matches your client’s lifestyle. Every stylist can do a one-length haircut, but each one of us personalizes it differently.
As for my colors, I never ever just use one single tube of color. Even if the client wants the most basic shade of brown, I will still add different tones in it because I believe a good color job needs depth. Unless the client strictly requests otherwise. On average I probably mix 3-4 different tubes of color, so the client truly has a one-of-a-kind custom mix.
In my free time, I like to paint with watercolor or acrylic. I also draw and take commissions for tattoo designs.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
A lot of my influences are other artists I follow on Instagram. Pinterest is a classic one if I need inspo for new updos. I’d say the main influence get is from my fellow coworkers at the salon. We all uplift each other and collaborate quite often. We talk solutions, formulas, and strategies. It’s a great environment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lovehairstyles.com/stunning-ideas-summer-hairstyles/
- Instagram: @youarebecoming_jennalu
- Facebook: Jenna Lu/youarebecoming
- Other: Tik Tok: @youarebecoming_jennalu
Image Credits
Josh Green Studio
Liv Schafer Photography
