Hi, I'm Jessica!

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I am thrilled that you have found me here at Balayage Pittsburgh in the heart of Avalon.

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Before you consider sitting in my chair, I believe it is important that you learn more about my training, education and me as a human. Thank you for being here, I hope this introduction helps.

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On a Professional Note

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I am a 15 year veteran colorist and salon owner. Following Cosmetology School I completed a rigorous, 18 month color apprenticeship at Akari in Portland, Maine. At Akari I trained under some of the most elite Vidal Sassoon stylists and Bumble and Bumble trained colorists in the country. I also completed the entire advanced Color and Styling training at Bumble University in New York City. 

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After leaving Akari to follow my entrepreneurial dream, I opened Balayage Portland. I prioritized continued education as the standard in the industry for greatness increased. With the popularization of Pinterest, Instagram and even Tiktok, clients now demanded a different level of precision from their artists. This required more in depth and specialized training and luckily, Behind-the-Chair (our industry's leading platform for freelance educators) gave us access to the best education without being bound to selling certain brands.

 

In early 2020, I attended a BTC educational event in NYC where I had the privilege of meeting Rachel Williams (@rachelwstylist), who was leading the charge in platinum blonding via foil methods. I asked if she would consider traveling to Maine to teach at Balayage Portland, and she said yes! In October of 2020, we hosted the most talented colorists in Maine where Rachel taught us her platinum bonding techniques. It was amazing to share space in a collaborative environment with so many talented artists. Balayage Portland also went to on to host the first Bellami Extension Masterclass in the state and won Top 100 for salon interiors through Behind the Chair. Truthfully, these are small achievements in the industry but I mention them to show my passion for our profession! 

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Some of my other educational highlights include; traveling to Los Angeles to train with Maggie Hancock (@maggiemh) on dimensional copper/red formulations and applications. I also have trained with Linh Phan (@bescene) in Los Angeles on platinum global applications and creative color. I traveled to Connecticut to train with the queen of dimensional brunettes Caitlin Dugan (@coloredbycaitlin). Also, I am so proud to have trained with a trailblazer in balayage techniques, Amy McManus (@camouflageandbalayage). Once I settle into my new hair home at Balayage Pittsburgh in Avalon I look forward to continuing my education.

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On a Personal Note

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Now that you know me better on a professional level, I'd love to introduce myself on a personal level. I grew up in a small town in Vermont, attended college at UNC Wilmington and earned a Bachelors in Psychology before moving to be closer to family in Portland, Maine where we vacationed as children. 

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I love hair, but people are my passion. Having an artistic itch to scratch I am grateful to have found an industry that combines my love for creating and connecting. Moving to Pittsburgh from Portland was a dream of my husband and mine (larger city, better access, friendly people), but leaving behind 15 years of clients who became family was hard. I am so looking forward to building connections with the community in Avalon/Bellevue! I have already joined the Community Choir at The Music Note (highly recommend!) and the Avalon PTO and have met so many wonderful people. You Yinzers are special!

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My interests include my children (Zahra and Desmond), my hotdog dog (Diego), traveling- my two favorite countries so far are Turkey and Tanzania, ART (obsessed with Yayoi and Picasso though I know that's cliche). I love playing chess and watching reality tv and Nancy Meyer's movies. If you know Nancy Meyers you will know that the design of my salon is a nod to her interior design style! I also love yapping about horoscopes, Enneagrams, those true crime docs and podcasts, Pittsburgh sports and culture (I'm obsessed with your city so thank you for sharing) and everything in between.

 

In Closing 

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I am ecstatic to be here! The talent in the beauty space in Avalon is already top tier and I am glad to be in good company. The environment I have created at Balayage Pittsburgh is not super high end or luxurious. It is intimate. It is warm. It is inviting. It is like hanging out with your friend in a Nancy Meyers film for a few hours, gabbing, laughing, crying and leaving feeling fantastic about your hair and more importantly, feeling a little better about life. 

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I cannot wait to meet each and every one of you.

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