Meet Jordan Lemoine | Creative Director & Owner at Dope Lengths and Salon Society

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jordan Lemoine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jordan, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve always told myself I never want to be one of those people who looks back on my life one day and questions “What if…?”. If the decisions you have to make don’t scare the hell out of you, then it wouldn’t be considered a risk. Bigger risks means greater rewards. But, even if you fail or have setbacks, it’s so much easier to walk away knowing at least you tried, and not everyone can say that. I’ve taken A LOT of risks starting both businesses and I’d be lying through my teeth if I said they all came with great rewards. I’ve messed up A LOT, and I’m probably going to continue to mess up, but getting through set-backs is part of taking risks.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been in the beauty industry for over 12 years now. I knew at about 5 years old that the beauty industry is ultimately where I wanted to be. Wig making and extensions was something I was always fascinated by and really enjoyed doing. I am extremely OCD and I think how meticulous the process is soothes me lol. I’ve always been a creative person and this industry allows you to show your creativity in infinite ways, it’s ever evolving and I love change.

I think my interest in extensions came from seeing the unknown confidence a client had after leaving my chair. It’s instant gratification and who doesn’t love that? I got certified in multiple different methods with different extension companies, but something was always missing for me and the amount of damage I saw and personally experienced made me shift towards creating my own. I started doing research and came up with a method of installing weft extensions. It took me about 5 years of trial and error to perfect the method and ultimately launch DOPE Lengths. But, I didn’t just want to be another typical extension line. I’ve always seen this unspoken gap between the Ethnic and Caucasian extension market. I want DOPE Lengths to bridge that gap. I created a method and an extension line that is for EVERYONE. I want to create a community for stylists and clients no matter ethnicity or identity and this is the same goal I had with opening Salon Society.

Although I’ve had unforgettable experiences in the past salons I’ve worked at, I wanted something different. I love the togetherness feeling which is where the name Salon Society came from. I wanted to create a space for creatives to create creatively and feel appreciated and support each other. I have been extremely blessed with my Society family. We want everyone who comes into Salon Society to feel welcomed and feel their most badass self when they leave. Another HUGE thing for me is education. In an industry that is constantly evolving you can’t afford to get stuck or you’ll get complacent and left behind. I want to give my stylists what I wish I had appreciation, support, respect, and continuing education to help them grow both inside and outside of their work environment. I don’t see them as employees or myself as their ‘boss’, they are helping me live out my dream and providing them with the tools to succeed is my thank you to them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
New Orleans is known for its culture, food and southern hospitality. I know when most people think of New Orleans they automatically think Bourbon Street, but there is so much more to this City.

Brunch: Anywhere that is having Drag Brunch is AMAZING, but food wise Sofia has a great brunch and dinner menu.
Bars: Barcadia, Apres, Lucys
Rooftop Bars: Monkey Board, Hot Tin
Restaurants: Jack Rose, Sofia, Merils, Giannas

Walking around the French Quarter is awesome. The architecture is incredible and if you are even slightly interested in the ‘black arts” or “witchcraft” I highly suggest visiting the local spirit stores and getting a reading.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I can’t give credit to just one person. When they say it takes a village, it’s not just a saying used for raising kids lol. I had always dreamed of starting my own extension line and method, as well as, opening my own salon, but my fiancé is who pushed me to take those risks. He has been my biggest supporter, not only financially, but mentally and physically as well. All of my teachers, clients, co-workers, friends and employees have been nothing short of amazing and are the ones who keep me pushing forward even through the hardest of times. And my kids, they are the reason I do everything that I do. I want them to be proud of me and set a good example of what hard work and dedication can give you.

Website: dopelengths.com salonsocietynola.com

Instagram: @salonsocietynola @dopelengths @lortlemoine

Image Credits
photographer: Katelyn Barnett (All photos)