Jaye Martinez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jaye, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I feel the calling to help other business owners. Owning and running a business can consume you and sometimes you feel like you are “flying by the seat of our pants”. You most definitely feel “alone”. I certainly never had anyone to talk to so I figured it out myself. I always love to help people but I always felt afraid or unqualified to give business advise even though I have a successful, award winning business. I think I let “imposter syndrome” get the best of me. However, I am now embracing my accomplishments and I started a salon business owner group. I want to help other business owners succeed. I want them to know that we are not competitors but colleagues with the same goal. We are not alone!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I own an award winning salon. I have been in business for almost 13 years. I used to sing in a local rock band so music has been a huge part of my life. I believe my salon is unique because we combine a rock vibe. Guitars signed by local musicians are on display. Great music is played in the background. We have several musicians who come to the salon to get stage ready. Every single client, whether your a musician or not is treated like a “Rock Star”.
We specialize in some of the most bold and unique hair services. Life is a stage, so we make sure EVERYONE is stage ready!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My amazing stylists have taught me so very much about myself and my business. I have had the privilege of watching them grow into successful women. I have done my best to set a good example and to see them consistently level up gives me great joy.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been a few times I almost gave up. I almost closed my salon twice in the early years because of the lack of clients. In 2024 a painful divorce almost took me out again and I almost walked away from my business. My faith pulled me though. I kept pushing forward and as a result we have moved 3 times to bigger and better locations. We have 8 awards and the best clients we could ever hope for. Bad things happen and we will be knocked down. We have to get back up and fight for ourselves. Believe in ourselves!!
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The hair, nail, and fashion industry as a whole is very emotion and ego driven. The lie that we are all competitors and better than anyone else is damaging. We are all unique and have so much wisdom to offer each other. We are not better that one another…we are different.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
As I’m getting older I think about these things a lot. When I’m gone I hope I leave a rich legacy. Not just monetary riches but heartfelt riches. I hope people smile when they think of me. I want them to remember that I loved deeply and wanted the very best for everyone. I want my stylists to remember all the things I taught them and continue to be honorable and full of integrity. I hope my life inspires others to love God and each other. To lift each other up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.glamorouskitty.com
- Instagram: @glamkittyhairstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlamorousKittySalon
