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Meet Jailyn Gilles of Grand Rapids (Breton Village)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jailyn Gilles.

Jailyn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I first fell head-over-heels for all things hair and beauty as a little girl. My grandma ran her own salon alongside her mother (my great-grandma), and I vividly remember being absolutely mesmerized by their creativity, tools, and colorful conversations around the chair.

Fast-forward to my college years—after studying cosmetology at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula (where I grew up), I caught the travel bug and a hunger for bigger-city energy. I moved to Grand Rapids, snagged an assisting role at a well known salon, and dove into my craft headfirst.

That foundation year shaped me—I honed in on my niche for color, discovered my love for seamless extensions, and cultivated genuine connections with my clients. I take pride in our one-on-one time: asking questions, listening closely, and getting to know each person beyond their hair.

And that’s where the magic lives for me. This work isn’t just about transforming someone’s look—it’s about helping them feel more like themselves. That’s what drew me in all those years ago, and it’s what keeps me showing up with heart every single day.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey to building Jailyn Gilles Studio hasn’t always been the most smooth or glamorous but it’s been perfectly mine.
It’s been wild, one-of-a-kind, and filled with stories (most of which you’ll hear while you’re in my chair).

The turning point came when I finally chose to trust myself. What followed was even more powerful: clients who trusted me, too—who believed in my vision to create a space that feels intimate, warm, and uniquely personal. That trust is what brought this studio to life.

I’ve never been someone who fits neatly into a mold. I’ve been called loud, bold, maybe even delightfully unfiltered and you know what? Those are the parts of me I cherish most. They’re not just who I am—they’re what I stand for.

When you take a seat in my chair, there’s no need to perform or pretend. Come as you are: a mom with a hundred things on her mind, a friend in need of a listening ear, or just someone craving a moment of relaxation. I designed this studio to feel less like a business and more like a second home a place where you’re seen, you’re heard, and you’re always welcome.

No scripts. No pressure. Just real conversations, real connections and really good hair.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a color and extension specialist with a deep passion for transformations. The kind of change that goes beyond the surface and helps people feel like the most confident, authentic version of themselves. Whether it’s bright, sun-kissed blondes, rich dimensional brunettes, soft lived-in tones, or bold, vibrant vivids, It’s a form of self expression and there’s something really special about that.

When it comes to extensions, I’m certified in multiple methods, with invisible sew-in extensions being my specialty. Each technique I use is thoughtfully chosen and customized to align with my guest’s hair goals and lifestyle, ensuring results that feel as natural as they look.

What truly fuels my passion is that moment when someone looks in the mirror and sees not just a new look, but a new spark of confidence. Whether it’s transforming a sleek bob into flowing mermaid waves or adding dimension with custom color, I approach every service with intention, creativity, and care.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I love when people support not just me, but the artistry and passion behind what I do. There are so many ways to collaborate or support—whether it’s booking an appointment, referring a friend, tagging me in a photo of your hair, or simply sharing my work on social media.

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