Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Tremain Dudgeon.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began my journey into the hair in 2004. Honestly, I was lost, the whole “what’s next” and just wanted to support myself while in college. Day 2 of cosmetology school I decided maybe this was my calling. As time progressed, I had a child, Preston and it became a means of supporting the two of us. As a single parent, I worked a ton. Eventually, I went into the booth rental side of my industry as I’ve never really wanted the drama of a large salon. After several years, I met my husband and had a daughter, Paisley. I’ve always struggled with weight, but it seemed as I could never get it off, so I decided to have weight loss surgery. It was very successful and I am at almost a loss of 190 lbs. as much as I felt so much more energy, but I was also losing a lot of hair. Mostly due to surgery and lack of nutrients (happens a lot in these cases). In my career, I have used many different Haircare products paying close attention to the way they function and the ingredients. After finding out in 2017 that I struggled with multiple sclerosis and doing chemo infusions my hair began to struggle again. Now coming from a person (me) who struggles with self-esteem issues, I really wanted to contact a manufacturing company that would help me solve my hair issues. That’s where my dream of CityGRL came true. In development, I hyper-focused on how to heal the hair from the inside out. In doing so I discovered I wasn’t the only woman who struggled with self-esteem. I made it my mission to help every woman, man, and child to understand their worth. Love themselves. I start by simply giving them the love behind the chair they deserve. I no longer just do hair, I change lives. That’s my purpose.
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?
Life isn’t always smooth. It’s a journey! I’ve had ups and downs, but I really think if you sweat the small stuff, you don’t see the larger plan. The largest struggle has to be my personal health journey. I just refuse to quit! I truly believe my job is what I was put on earth to do. Even if it’s tough sometimes, People often say, well you don’t look sick. GOSH, I hope not Just kidding. I want people to see my heart, not my illness. More often than not, I push myself to the limit and my husband has to put my brakes on. LOL. . I can’t be afraid to ask for a little help now and again, especially of those who know my limits more than I do.
We’ve been impressed with CITYGRL Haircare, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Going to a new traditional salon may be intimidating and trusting a new stylist can be hard. That’s what is unique about my one-chair suite setting – you don’t have to worry about what other people are thinking. I’ve created a relaxing, judgment-free experience for you to have the confidence to be you. In early 2020 I started offering habit method hand-tied extensions and the confidence and empowerment I’ve seen them bring to countless women in my chair have made this my favorite service hands down. How can you not be hooked on making people feel confident and awesome? The salon is my happy place; I have the pleasure of working with the most incredible clients on the planet. They really get me excited to come into work every morning and I would love to make you one of those reasons! My top priority as a hairdresser is to make sure that your wants, needs, and what you have to say are heard during our time together.
I always strive to provide you with education and solutions to solve the difficulties you may have with your hair, all the while achieving the results you are looking for in between your color appointments. When I’m serving you, I understand you’re taking time out of your busy schedule to have a relaxing & rejuvenating experience and that’s what I plan on providing.
Aside from being a passionate stylist, I am also a wife, a mother of two, and a huge animal lover.
A little about me and the brand I have created.
Elevate by CITYGRL Professional Haircare was developed after having trials with my own haircare. In 2017 I underwent weight loss surgery. I lost a ton of weight (almost 200 lbs.) and a ton of hair. I was desperate for something to change so; I began developing the Elevate line with myself in mind. I wanted something I could count on when it came to rejuvenation and correction. Shortly after developing the line, I was diagnosed with RRMS (Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis). I suffered in many ways other than just my hair and it made me strive for a line that really reached the core of most people’s issues. I also feel like a person’s hair can be a game-changer for confidence and how they feel overall; if my hair looks good, I will feel good. Once I had a product, I was excited about, I wanted to share my story and my knowledge with everyone because I knew the answers to my own issues could help and inspire others.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was always introverted. I was shy and awkward; little did I know that my personality was my strong point. I am an only child. Divorced parents. Honesty, Integrity, and grace were instilled in me from the moment I was born. My parents are both from small towns in SE Kansas. Both parents worked very hard and I never wanted for anything. I knew I was “different” but I chose my circle wisely. I struggled with school due to what I know now is overwhelming anxiety, mostly due. I am sure, of a slow-developing autoimmune disorder known as MS. I am currently being treated for this with a twice-yearly infusion. My sense of creativity expressed itself in different forms, music, art. Etc. The more I discovered through my son who is “on the spectrum” has forced me to take a hard look at the way my brain functions. I have always been super accepting of people but followed the rules. Terrified to push the limits of my parents or the law. LOL Today, my circle is still small, but my energy is always positive. My job is my passion so to me it’s 24/7. The best day I have are the days when I get to make someone smile. I never want a young girl to feel “awkward or weird” those words are now my superpower. I use those words to teach every person in my chair that I am in their corner, ALWAYS.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: citygrlhaircare.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/citygrlhaircare
Image Credits:
Jennifer Tremain Dudgeon
