Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Cantrell.
Hi Jordan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
As a kid, my grandma used to allow me and my other cousins to play in her hair as she laid on the couch which was soothing to her, however I took a strong liking to combing her hair, which then transpired into styling and making it look nice with just a brush. But as I grew older through the 90’s, I would sometimes be at the salon with my mom as she would be getting her hair done by a close friend who owned the salon and I was always intrigued by the way she styled her hair and would transform other women. The many different styles and updos she would create would were so fascinating and even just the basic roller set and pixie cut she would style so nice and it woke something in me creatively that wanted to try and do the same. At first, I was hesitant to express this because of the whole thing of society and how they would accept a male hairstylist however not realizing how much a male hairstylist was a hot commodity.
So through the years, I would practice on mannequins and some of my friends which ultimately helped me realized my passion and at the age of 25, I decided to leave corporate America and enroll in Paul Mitchell The School Atlanta and began my career as a cosmetologist. From finishing cosmetology school, I went on to work in salons which helped my career as well. I worked with Josh Gordon and my best friend Camille at Salon J Gordon who both were inspiring and introduced me to a lot when it came to extensions. From there, I went on to work with Sherita Cherry of Genesis Hair Art who also aided in my growth as a stylist, especially with short hair and who showed me another side of the industry which was becoming a cosmetology educator, in which I went on to enroll in the educators program at Paul Mitchell and have graduated and am now a licensed Paul Mitchell Instructor. At this point, I am now a licensed cosmetologist of five years specializing in hair cutting, extensions, and natural blowouts, as well as color services; and a licensed cosmetology instructor of one year.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not been smooth but it has not been bad. Of course when your working on the way up and getting your life in order, life happens. I’ve experienced many challenges and hurdles, but my biggest has been personally with self-growth which I think we as entrepreneurs really have to pay attention to. It’s been many times where we have doors that close and sometimes it can put you in a space where you feel like giving up and taking the easy road, however you have to keep pushing. At times I would get down and depressed when things didn’t work out or go as planned, but I kept a good support system around me and as best as I could, I tried to stay positive with good energy and always kept God as the head of my life. I stuck to my goals regardless of what adversity I faced, regardless of who was against me. I didn’t grow up with much confidence in my childhood, however as I got older and I’ve grown and matured over the years, I had to take hold of my life and what’s best for me and my future and my joy and doing hair and teaching are my positive outlets. The lives that I touch when I’m able to transform someone with their hair or touch a student and give back to them to help them grow is what made the hard road smooth and worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a licensed cosmetologist and cosmetology Instructor in Atlanta, Georgia. I specialize in natural blowouts/ Silkpress, Extension services such as Micro-links and Tape-ins, and I also offer color services as well. I’m most known for my silk press/natural blowouts and is my most booked service yet. I’m most proud of becoming a cosmetology educator and being able to give back. The ability to help others and watch them grow from experience and knowledge I’ve given them is beyond fulfilling. What I feel sets me apart from others is that I have the ability to connect with others and be able to put myself in their shoes whether client or student. Being able to do this allows me to understand my clients more so that I can better cater to their needs and what they want so that they can have an ultimate experience. For me, as lucrative as the hair industry is, it’s not all about the money for me. If you treat your clients right, that will come, but I more so want to build good client relationships that will last for years to come. With students, it allows me the ability to give back. So many of my students come from all walks of life, and with me having been in their shoes as a student myself, trying to work and deal with other hardships and challenges in the process, I get it. However, it gives me the ability to connect with them and teach in a such a way that they are able to receive the knowledge I give, and retain it and apply it in the hair industry and continue to grow. The goal is always to get better each and everyday.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love Atlanta. This is the city that made and raised me. I grew up with a pretty good childhood and have no regrets about anything. I graduated from Douglass High School, which is the best in the land might I add however that school showed me a lot and matured me a lot. You never know how good you have it until you experience something or someone who may have it a bit harder. That school showed me true culture within the black community. It showed me power in the creativity that lies within each of us which evolves into who we are today, whether it be doctors, lawyers, hairstylists, teachers, etc… Douglass high school showed me life and experience and so has The city of Atlanta. This city has showed me that it’s ok to be who you are. It’s ok to fall down and get back up because there is opportunity, and growth, and community that will support you. All you have to do is just take that first step.
Contact Info:
- Email: hairtalk17@gmail.com
- Website: https://jmikelhairstudio.as.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmikel_/
