Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Wallace.
Jessica, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
People sometimes ask if I still like what I’m doing? My answer to that is no…I LOVE WHAT I’M DOING! For as long as I can remember growing up in my grandmother’s salon I knew exactly what I wanted to be. A hairdresser just like my grandmother. She was awesome, fun, spirited, beautiful and a very talented hairstylist. Sitting in her salon listening to all the chatter and patiently waiting for her to ask me to do anything was an absolute treat. From sweeping the floor to folding towels. All chores my girls do for me now. Watching her day after day taught me the importance of interpersonal communication skills and entrepreneurship.
I was off to start my journey in June after my high school graduation, I set off to accomplish my new exciting goals at Adam and Eve College of Cosmetology and started working in a salon soon after.
2003 I opened Happy Dayz Hair salon in Napoleon. Where it was located until December of 2020, January of 2021 I moved my salon to Lexington. I have been fortunate enough to be a working from home mom. Watching my girls build relationships with my clients while also being available for my girls truly bring me happiness. From vision to reality — my husband and I built the salon of my dreams together. Forever grateful for his support and hard work. I get the absolute best of both worlds.
My biggest goal when behind the chair is to hear out all my client’s in a way that helps me find your personalized look based on your day to day life. I have come to learn patience and personal connection over the past twenty plus years in this career and I believe that sets me apart from others in a way that will make you feel like you left the salon as family and not just another head of hair.
I strive to find beauty in every situation and to make others feel at home. When coming to sit in my chair I want to hear every detail of your life and what makes you exactly who you are. If somewhere along the appointment we end up in a spiral conversation on local restaurants, shops and Better Homes and Garden trends don’t be surprised.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Educating clients about the value of quality work sanitation, training, products and expertise during COVID.
Building my salon wasn’t easy — it took faith, hard work, and a whole lot of heart. In a small town, every client matters, every haircut tells a story, and every challenge becomes a lesson.
I started with a simple goal: create a space where people feel comfortable, confident, and cared for. There were times I doubted myself — slow seasons, long hours, and plenty of learning curves — but I kept showing up. I invested in my education, stayed up late practicing techniques, and poured my passion into every color, cut, and conversation.
What keeps me going is the people. Seeing someone smile in the mirror, helping them feel beautiful inside and out — that’s what makes every obstacle worth it. My salon isn’t just a business; it’s a reflection of growth, community, and the belief that dreams can thrive anywhere — even in a small town.
Every day, I’m still striving — to learn more, do better, and make my little corner of the world a little brighter, one appointment at a time.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Building my salon from the ground up has been one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my life. Coming from a small town, I knew success wouldn’t just show up — I had to create it with hard work, heart, and consistency. I started with a dream, a chair, and a handful of loyal clients who believed in me. From there, it became a journey of faith, determination, and community support.
When I first opened my doors, I faced countless obstacles — from limited resources and space to finding the right products and building trust within a small community where word-of-mouth is everything. There were times I worked long days and late nights, learning how to manage appointments, budgets, marketing, and even the emotional side of running a business. But every challenge taught me something: how to stay humble, how to adapt, and how to lead with gratitude.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that success isn’t just about perfect cuts or color blends — it’s about creating an atmosphere where people feel welcome, seen, and confident when they leave. My salon became more than a place for hair; it became a space for conversations, encouragement, and community connection. I take pride in knowing my clients trust me not only with their appearance but with pieces of their lives.
To keep growing, I invest in education whenever possible. Whether it’s learning new techniques online, attending workshops, or connecting with other stylists, I believe in always improving my craft. I also make it a point to teach my clients about proper hair care and products so they feel empowered between visits. Staying motivated in a small town means staying inspired — and that inspiration comes from both the people who sit in my chair and the passion that started it all.
Every day, I remind myself why I started — to do what I love, to make people feel beautiful, and to prove that even in a small town, big dreams can thrive. My salon stands as a reflection of dedication, resilience, and love for the art of hairdressing. And though I’ve come a long way, I continue to strive for more — more growth, more creativity, and more ways to make an impact right here in the community that helped build me.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Being a salon mentor is about so much more than teaching someone how to cut or color hair — it’s about helping others grow in confidence, skill, and professionalism while building a strong foundation for their careers. Mentorship in this industry carries a deep sense of purpose because it’s not just about beauty, it’s about leadership, consistency, and creating opportunities for others to thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Happydayzhairsalon.com
- Instagram: @hairbyjessicawallace
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CVsw3hjrT/?mibextid=wwXIfr
