We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaye Lyn Valenzuela and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaye Lyn, what role has risk played in your life or career?
If it wasn’t for taking Risks I would not be where I am today. In 2019 I was living and working in the Newport Beach area. I knew I was dissatisfied with my current work situation and the direction my career was heading. Then BOOM the pandemic hit and everyone’s world is turned upside down. That’s when I knew it was time to make a change. I decided to change my life and move to San Diego. That meant quitting my job and starting from the bottom. Being 10+ years in the industry I knew I could find a job easily. However, since I’d spent the previous years in a rut and working places where my potential had plateaued I decided that any old salon would not do. If I was starting over at 35 I was going to start over right. That meant doing the work and finding the best salon that would help me build the career I’d only fantasized about. After some time I narrowed down the right spot. I was tenacious. I reached out to the owner personally. I applied in person. I followed up. Although it took some time eventually I got the call. They set up an interview date and I was hired on the spot. It’s now been 4 years since I took that massive risk. Sometimes it feels like yesterday. It sounds cheesy but it’s completely earnest when I tell you that I will look up at the beautiful San Diego sky and feel so grateful that I got myself here. It also wasn’t easy. Tears were definitely shed. It takes a lot of work. That work is important. Nothing worth doing comes easily. The expression “if you wanna find a four leaf clover, you need to get a little dirt on your hands” sort of sums it up for me. Taking risks is terrifying and can be extremely uncomfortable. But it is absolutely necessary if you want to find something greater. I got dirty, found my clover and I’ve never looked back.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The way people look is important to them. That’s what makes it important to me. Who you see in the mirror is your identity. When your physical appearance changes you have potential to be an entirely new person. I think that part is so fun. I love being apart of watching someone feel good about themselves.

Truthfully, hair stylists do not graduate from cosmetology school as amazing stylists. It takes many years. It takes constant education. It’s significantly tougher than people would think. Hair is not a blank canvas. Hair is many different colors and textures. All those factor in to what is and what is not doable. That’s why being educated is so important. My clients can trust that no
matter what I want what’s best for their hair. I think healthy shiny silky hair is the most beautiful thing anyone can have. Regardless or color or texture.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Saturday Morning we’re heading to Kate Sessions park for the most beautiful view of the city. There’s something beyond charming about being on a huge lawn picnincing with locals.

Afternoon means brewery! My favorites are Kairo in University Heights. Societe which has multiple locations and Pure project.

To walk off the beer I will cruise Balboa Park. It’s a staple. Some say overrated. I promise you it is not. That park alone makes me thankful I live in one of the most beautiful places in America.

If your into wine Vino Carta in Little Italy is a must. Designed as a small wine shop- you can browse a bunch of different bottles like a market, then pop the bottle open and sit al fresco with your friends.

Dinner is my fav at Liberty Station. Once a naval training base in the 20’s it’s now home to the coolest walkable market. Restaurants, craft shops and a food hall that is so fun to grab small bites at.

Lastly I’m a huge sucker for Old Town. It’s literally Californias first town. You can walk the streets featuring amazing Mexican food, great shops and the Whaley museum. The very first home, courthouse, theatre in San Diego. It’s also haunted which is just too fun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to Bri Reichel for making me come out with her on a Friday night. The Friday night that changed my life. She didn’t take no for an answer and I owe her big for that!

Instagram: Vainjane___

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