Meet Jenni May | Independent Hair Stylist
We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenni May and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jenni, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
This is a great question. For myself and probably for a lot of working moms, I think that 2020 really put into perspective how much we were truly overfilling our plates. Trying to do and be ALL of the things in every aspect of our lives. From work, social, and at home.
When Covid forced us to retract, it really gave me the opportunity to take a deep breath and reevaluate how I wanted to move forward in a less chaotic and more manageable manner. I learned that saying, “I’m sorry that day won’t work” or just a simple “no” is okay.
Fast forward now 4 years later, this is now just how I operate. So often we let there be grey area’s in our schedules or we think adding just one more thing to our plate will be okay. Then before we know it, we have over committed ourselves and feeling overwhelmed. Defeated or embarrassed if we cant fulfill on the commitments we have agreed to once we realize its just simply too much. This is why, in my house (and my kids even know this) we follow a set of unspoken non negotiables.
Here is an example:
– My work schedule. I am a hairstylists and so often we will make adjustments for our guests but I found that making accomodations lead to having to make sacrifices in other areas of my life, such as time with my family. So I have for the most part eliminated that. I stick to my schedule so other areas of life aren’t sacrificed.
– Family schedule. I want my kids to have fun activities and time with their friends but one thing I see so often is that we are also overfilling our kids plates. Often leading to burnout, exhaustion, or grades slipping. In our household we allow for our kids to be in ONE activity at a time and I will only let them have social time when it is planned ahead of time. Impulsive last minute plans are usually an automatic “no” in our house. Not to say that there is the occasional surprise sleepover or playdate, but that is when I know priorities (rooms clean & homework done) have been met or taken care of first.
– Social schedule. I allow myself one social commitment on my calendar per weekend. Outside of that, my priorities are getting things done at home that I am unable to do during the week (ei. laundry, cleaning, yardwork, bills, grocery shopping). I have found that if we do not keep these things in order, they can often snowball and then we just avoid them all together. Which leads to feelings of overwhelm. I prioritize the not so fun things first and reward myself with fun things after. It might not work for everyone but this is what works for me and my household.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a hairstylists from Clarkston, Mi. I have been a hairstylists for over 18 years. I had worked with the same salon company for all 18 years up until late last year when I made the tough decision to move to a smaller independent based salon. I am proud of many “behind the chair” accomplishments in my career but the one I am most proud of is being able to support my family as a single mother. There has always been a stigma around being a hairdresser- that you cannot make a career just doing people’s hair. This is far from the truth. I have been able to raise two beautiful girls, maintain a household, travel, drive the vehicles I’ve always wanted; all without living in debt.
Has it been easy? No! I always tell people that one of the things I love and hate the most about the career I’ve chosen is, it always holds me accountable. Numbers don’t lie and are a direct reflection on how hard I am working. It keeps me striving to always be a better and ever evolving. Hard work does pay off though, learning to love the numbers allows you the freedom to live comfortably without working to the point of burnout.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh gosh… I’m a local gal through and through. So I would of course have to take them all of my favorite local watering holes first. The Clarkston Union for brunch, The Fed for cocktails/dinner and The Clarkston Tap is top of the list for local bars, fun, up beat, everyone is welcome kind of place. I am also a big fan of the Fenton area. We often frequent The Rough Draft for brunch and their amazing espresso martinis, The Vault for dinner and The Fenton Pub for socializing and playing darts.
We love visiting the local parks and hiking trails near us- Independence oaks, Seven Lakes, Springfield Oaks, Pontiac Lake.
Our ultimate summertime favorite hangout spot is hanging out on the lakes. Deer Lake in Clarkston for paddleboarding. Lake Fenton for boating, bbqing and socializing.
Best local summertime patio is Honcho (also a Union Joint) for a summertime cocktail.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the group I started with almost 19 years ago, Randolph’s Salon. Mentorship from fellow stylists, leadership and education provided has lead me on the path that I am on now. I am ever grateful for the level of professionalism and exceptional training given throughout my time there.
I am also grateful for the sounding boards of women who own small businesses in my area who I have been able to seek advice from as I navigate this new journey. Cait Garofalo with 1921 FX Studio, Michelle Howard with Revive Beauty Studio, and Megan Rose with North End Market Candle Bar. They are truly inspiring and their hard work and dedication to their businesses are the models for which I aspire to be in our community.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.may_hair.good.vibes/
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMichigan is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
