Local StoriesJuly 21, 2026

Meet Jessica Alcorn of Kansas City

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Alcorn.

Hi Jessica, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
was born and raised in Kansas City, and from a young age I knew my heart belonged to two creative worlds: performing and cosmetology. I grew up training in musical theatre at Miller Marley and MTKC, where I fell in love with storytelling, music, and connecting with audiences. At the same time, I was always fascinated by hair and makeup. Before long, I found myself combining both passions performing in productions while also styling hair for fellow cast members backstage. Seeing performers transform into their characters through hair, makeup, and costumes sparked something in me, and I realized I loved helping create that magic just as much as being onstage.
As I got older, I knew I didn’t want to choose between my two dreams. I wanted a career that allowed me to continue performing while also building a successful life as a cosmetologist. That realization led me to become my own boss. I founded SunRae Hair Design so I could create a flexible career that supported both of my passions. Today, I proudly operate my business out of Parlay Spa & Salon Suites in Prairie Village while continuing to perform in productions throughout the Kansas City area.
I truly feel blessed that my career doesn’t make me choose between being an artist and a performer. Whether I’m helping a client feel confident behind the chair and helping them “find their shine” (my business motto) or stepping into a character under the stage lights, both allow me to use creativity to make people feel something. Kansas City has given me incredible opportunities to grow in both industries, and I’m so grateful to be living the life I dreamed about as a little girl.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was figuring out what my future was supposed to look like. I’ve always been a creative person, and while I worked hard in school, the traditional academic path was never where I felt I thrived. As graduation approached, I felt a lot of pressure to follow the “expected” route of going to a four-year college to study musical theatre or design and production with an emphasis in hair and makeup.
Instead, I had to make a difficult decision: pursue a traditional college degree or attend cosmetology school while continuing to perform and gain real-world theatre experience. Looking back, choosing cosmetology school was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
I’ll always be incredibly grateful to my parents for supporting that choice. They believed in me and understood that success doesn’t look the same for everyone. Because of that support, I was able to build a career that lets me pursue both of my passions. I continued performing throughout Kansas City while growing my skills behind the chair, and eventually I was able to become my own boss and open SunRae Hair Design.
I think trade schools deserve a lot more recognition. College is an incredible path for many people, but it isn’t the only path to a fulfilling and successful career. At 35, I’m proud to own my own business, continue performing professionally, and have done it all without the burden of student loan debt. That experience has taught me that there isn’t one definition of success. The best path is the one that allows you to build a life you’re passionate about.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is a blend of two lifelong passions: helping people feel confident and telling stories that connect us. As the owner of SunRae Hair Design, I specialize in creating customized looks that help my clients feel like the very best version of themselves. I believe a salon appointment is about so much more than hair, its about building relationships, creating a welcoming space, and helping people leave feeling beautiful, confident, and cared for.
Outside the salon, I’m a professional performer, choreographer, and theatre artist who has been fortunate to perform on stages throughout the Kansas City area. Through acting, singing, dancing, and choreography, I get to bring stories to life and create experiences that make audiences laugh, cry, and see the world a little differently. As a member of the Creative Minds Collective at Arts Asylum, I’ve also had the opportunity to develop new work, choreograph productions, and collaborate with an incredible community of artists.
Although these careers may seem very different, they share the same purpose. Whether I’m behind the chair or under the stage lights, my goal is to help people feel seen, inspired, and confident. Both careers allow me to express creativity, build meaningful connections, and make a positive impact in someone’s day.
I feel incredibly fortunate that I’ve never had to choose between my dreams. Instead, I’ve built a life where artistry, performance, and human connection come together every single day, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.

What matters most to you? Why?
At the end of the day, what matters most to me is the people who make this life so meaningful. My husband, Nick Uthoff, is my biggest supporter and the person who encourages me through every audition, performance, and new adventure. We truly cheer each other on, and I’m so grateful to share this creative life with him.
Our sweet 11-year-old Boston Terrier, Charcheen, is the heart of our home. She’s been by our side through so many chapters of life and is the best cuddle buddy after long rehearsal nights or busy days behind the chair.
Professionally, I’m incredibly grateful to be part of the Creative Minds Collective at Arts Asylum. It’s more than just a theatre. it’s a community that has believed in me, supported my acting career, and given me opportunities to grow as a choreographer and creative. Having a place where artists are encouraged to take risks, collaborate, and tell meaningful stories has been such a gift.
I’m also endlessly thankful for my family and sweet mama Cathy Alcorn and my closest friends. They’ve celebrated every success, lifted me up during challenges, sat through countless performances, and never stopped believing in me. Their love and encouragement have given me the confidence to chase dreams that once felt impossible.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have built a life surrounded by people who support my passions. Their belief in me inspires me to keep creating, keep growing, and hopefully encourage others to do the same.

Contact Info:

Website: https://mysite.vagaro.com/sunraehairdesigns

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