Today we’d like to introduce you to Jillian Bono.
Jillian, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started my own business 9 years ago. Education has been very important to my success as a hairstylist, Redken has evolved my career and I became an educator for the company about 7 years ago. I now work at the Redken Exchange in NYC every other month to educate hairstylists from all over the world. 5 years ago, I moved to the city while continuing working at my business in Carol Stream, I also work in Logan Square at a very successful Redken Salon that has been recognized for its Gender Neutral pricing and won the best salon the first year it was opened.
I love that I am able to have 3 separate jobs in my field, that makes a joyful career for me.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There were definite struggles and bumps in the road. All of which made me want to succeed even more. I was working at a salon that wasn’t on board with growing or evolving and I was feeling stuck. It was the hardest move for me to start my own business while also wanting to be a part of the education team for Redken. I wasn’t sure it was possible. I made sure to take each step to reach my goal and as I look back on the years, it is so amazing to realize I have achieved everything I set my mind too.
I was fearful but persistent and now becoming a mom for the first time, I am learning to just enjoy where I am at. My final goal was to be apart of the Redken Exchange team in NYC, so now that I reached that goal, I will set others to keep my drive and passion for this industry going.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a hairstylist that specializes in color, styling and design. I love being a full-service stylist because I find all aspects of the industry exciting.
As a stylist, I am able to help guests achieve their hair goals and using Redken Color and products, I am able to provide the best possible service while keeping their hairs integrity and solve any hair issues over time.
As a Redken educator, I am able to keep in the know of breakthrough technology in products, fashion and color. It helps me keep things exciting behind the chair as well as educate other salon professionals to reach their goals as a stylist and be in the know of all new redken products and hair techniques.
I have also been featured in Modern Salon as well as Redkenpro.com which gives me a platform to reach many other stylists and potential clients.
What were you like growing up?
I grow up with 4 brothers, which didn’t make it seem like hairstyling would be a great career choice for me. I played a lot of sports and wore a lot of baggy t shirts and jeans. It took me a long time to get out of just wanting to play sports and hang around with the guys to wearing purses and being excited about fashion. Hair did always interest me but I never thought I could do it for a living.
I do have memories of cutting my barbies hair and trying to tape it back on, so I was always excited about hair even if I didn’t think I could do it as a career.
One of my first jobs was at a clothing store and I received several requests to do people’s hair because of the way I would wear mine, It always shocked me and I didn’t have the highest confidence so I ignored the signs and went to college for half a year and it finally made me realize that I should be a hairstylist so I immediately went to hairschool.
I love making people feel special and grew into loving to put together outfits and hairstyles which makes being a hairstylist so fun. I always try to look at things like I don’t know anything which makes education the right choice for me as well. I know that there is always more to learn so I love going to classes as if I don’t know anything about doing hair to keep my mind open and it in turns helps me keep things exciting.
Contact Info:
- Address: JillianBsalon Logan Parlor
1038 Fountain View Drive 3251 W Fullerton Ave
Carol Stream, IL 60188 Chicago, IL - Phone: 630-461-6601
- Email: jillianbsalon@gmail.com
- Instagram: @jillianBono
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JillianBonoRedkenArtist/
- Twitter: @jillianbono
- Yelp: JillianBono
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