Meet Jennifer Hargrove
Jennifer is a celebrity stylist and custom wig maker and spends anywhere north of 20 hours on hand making wigs for her clients.
Jen has done some amazing work (which we’ll see later), and has worked with the likes of H.E.R, Jordin Sparks Danielle Olivera and many more.
On this episode, we spoke to Jen about the process of creating wigs, where stylist can go to upskill and what the realities of wig making for the stars really looks like.
Where to find Jen: Instagram
The interview
Here are all the questions we asked Porshawna so you can fast-forward to the best parts.
[01:04] How did you get to where you are now?
[24:05] Getting into union shows
[43:21] At what point did you realise this was the path for you?
[46:53] What has is felt like when you've had celebrities in awe of your work?
[53:57] What's the longest you've spent on a wig?
[55:30] How can stylists start making their way into the field?
[59:44] What's the most important lesson you've learned in your career?
[01:04:05] What's next for you?
Psst… want to ask one of our guests a question? Submit your questions at the bottom of the newsletter.
Who has Jen styled?
Some takeaways
For stylists 💇🏾♀️
Sometimes you'll have to move to get your big break. Jen was prepared to move herself and her family across the country to pursue her career as a stylist. Often, opportunities will largely crop up in the same cities over and over again (e.g. New York, LA). So, you have to be prepared to position yourself in the right places to get access to those opportunities too.
All it took was attending one event for Jen to start working with an incredible wig maker, and take her first steps into celebrity styling. Remember that networking can open doors that, otherwise may have been closed to you. Take the time to speak to other stylists who are in a position that you would like to be in (and be prepared to put yourself out there often).
It can take years to master creating custom wigs and days to create them. You need to have patience and be prepared to make the mistakes along the way. Jen spent over 80 hours building H.E.R’s wig for the closing ceremony of the Olympics and then another 24 hours to colour it. Remember that wig making isn’t for the faint hearted.
Be prepared to speak up for the things that you need and want. Don't expect people to immediately offer to support you - open up and ask, the worst thing they can do is say no.
Jen is offering to help stylists find wig teachers/mentors who are close by. You can find Jen on Instagram, just drop her a line and mention the offer you heard on the podcast.
Jen’s Recommendations
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, Overcast, and YouTube.
Where to find Jade: Instagram | LinkedIn
Where to find Mane Hook-Up: Website | Instagram
See you in the next episode!
From,
The Mane Hook-Up team
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