Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Trejo.
Hi Jennifer, 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?
I started doing hair long before I ever stepped into a salon or a classroom. It began as something I did for family and friends, and over time it became the thing that grounded me, motivated me, and honestly saved me during moments when life felt unpredictable. What started as a skill slowly grew into a passion, then a purpose.
My journey hasn’t been perfect or easy, but it’s been mine. I’ve experienced setbacks, had to rebuild myself more than once, and learned how to navigate motherhood, work, and personal growth all at the same time. I’m a mother to a 12-year-old son, a new salon owner, and now a cosmetology instructor at Empire Beauty School — roles I never imagined I’d be balancing at once, but all of them connect back to the same thing: helping people feel confident in who they are.
Becoming an instructor wasn’t originally part of the plan, but it has been one of the most fulfilling steps in my journey. Teaching future stylists, sharing what I’ve learned, and showing up as someone they can relate to and learn from has pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. Owning a salon has also given me a deeper appreciation for both the business and creative sides of this industry.
I’m still growing, still learning, and still building. Every stage of my life — the challenges, the pivots, the little wins — has shaped the woman and professional I am today. And honestly, I’m excited for what’s next.
I’ve had seasons where I had to rebuild myself from the ground up — as a woman, a mother, and a professional. Those moments shaped me more than anything. They pushed me to tap into my strength, trust my talent, and take risks I might not have taken otherwise.
Opening my salon was a dream I held onto even when life felt chaotic. Stepping into the role of an instructor felt like the next natural chapter. Teaching has given me a chance to pour into future stylists the way I wish someone had poured into me early on. It keeps me sharp, grounded, and inspired.
Today, I’m proud of where I am, but I’m even more excited about where I’m going. I’m still growing, still creating, and still building a life that reflects who I am at my core. Every challenge and every comeback has shaped the woman standing here now — someone who leads with authenticity, skill, and heart.
I’m grateful for how far I’ve come, and I’m looking forward to everything this journey continues to teach me.
My journey hasn’t been perfect, but every setback came with a lesson. I live by Aaliyah’s words: “If at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again.” That line has carried me through doors I didn’t think I could walk through and into spaces I once prayed for.
My story is still being written, but I’m proud of where it started, grateful for where it’s taken me, and excited for everything that’s still on the way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not. My journey has had just as many hard moments as it has victories. Along the way, I struggled with balancing my personal life while trying to build my career. There were times when I lost clients, made mistakes, and questioned if I was even good enough to keep going. I battled with mental health issues and periods of depression that made it hard to show up for myself, let alone for my business. There were days I felt completely alone, even while pouring into everyone else around me.
One of my biggest challenges was failing with my first salon. That experience humbled me, broke me down, and forced me to face parts of myself I had been avoiding. But it also taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of rebuilding with intention. Losing that first salon didn’t mean I wasn’t meant for ownership; it just meant I had more growing to do.
Every struggle pushed me a little harder. Every mistake became a lesson. And every setback prepared me for the success I’m walking in now. My journey hasn’t been smooth, but it has been real — and it’s shaped me into the woman, stylist, and business owner I am today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
When it comes to my work, I wear a few different hats — and I’m proud of all of them. I’m a Master Cosmetologist, a salon owner, and a cosmetology instructor at Empire Beauty School. In the salon, I specialize in blowouts, quick weaves, wig installs, stitch braids, and natural hair care. I’m known for precision, clean parts, flawless blends, and creating styles that last. My clients appreciate that I care about the overall health of their hair just as much as the finished look.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the growth I’ve made as both a stylist and an educator. Teaching has pushed me to elevate my skill set, stay sharp, and truly master the techniques I pass down. Watching my students grow into confident stylists is something that never gets old.
I’m also incredibly proud of my salon, Evolv’d Hair Studio. It represents everything I’ve worked through — the transformation, the healing, the elevation. It’s more than a place to get your hair done; it’s a safe space where people feel seen, supported, and beautiful. I intentionally built an environment where the experience matters just as much as the service.
What sets me apart is the combination of skill, authenticity, and heart. I don’t just do hair — I connect with people. I listen, I uplift, and I create an experience tailored to each client’s needs. I also bring the perspective of someone who has lived through real challenges and used those lessons to show up stronger in my craft. My journey, my transparency, and my ability to reinvent myself all play a role in how I serve others.
At the end of the day, I’m dedicated to helping people feel like their best selves — whether I’m behind the chair, teaching in the classroom, or mentoring someone through the next step of their career.
How do you define success?
For me, success isn’t about a title, a certain amount of money, or how perfect something looks from the outside. I define success as peace — waking up in the morning and feeling aligned with who I am and the life I’m building.
Success is being able to provide for my child, show up for my students, serve my clients with integrity, and still have something left for myself at the end of the day. It’s knowing I didn’t give up on myself, even during the moments when it would’ve been easier to. It’s overcoming things I thought would break me and turning them into fuel.
Success, to me, is growth — real, internal growth. It’s choosing to evolve, to heal, to keep going, and to become a better version of myself year after year. And honestly, it’s also about impact. If I can change someone’s day, teach someone something valuable, or inspire someone to keep going, that’s success too.
At this point in my life, success looks like freedom, purpose, and being proud of the woman I’m becoming.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hairbyjnicole25.booksy.com/a/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jnicolehair4you?igsh=MTFjdmkxeGR6dmM2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17r5tAqW9y/?mibextid=wwXIfr
