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

Hi Jackie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve always believed that growth lives on the other side of fear. Every meaningful opportunity in my career has come from doing something that scared me…moving across the country, starting over in New York City, saying yes before I felt completely ready, and trusting that I would figure it out along the way. Risk isn’t about being fearless; it’s about having the courage to bet on yourself anyway. Looking back, every time I stepped outside my comfort zone, it opened a door I never could have planned for. My biggest lesson? If something excites you and scares you at the same time, it’s probably worth doing.

Two women smiling, one holding a small curly-haired dog, in an indoor setting.

Fashion model with large blonde hairstyle, wearing a purple polka-dot dress and mismatched polka-dot stockings, standing against a dark background.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always believed hair is so much more than what we see on the surface. It’s identity, culture, confidence, emotion, and one of our oldest forms of identity. That’s what drives my work as a New York City hair artist, educator, and session stylist. Whether I’m behind the chair, backstage at Fashion Week, on an editorial set, or leading education for fellow professionals, I’m always thinking beyond the haircut. I’m interested in the why…why trends emerge, why certain shapes evoke emotion, and how hair can transform the way we see ourselves. Building a career across education, editorial, runway, and commercial hair wasn’t always easy, but curiosity, hard work, and saying yes to opportunities opened doors I never imagined. If there’s one thing I hope people take away from my story, it’s that hair has the power to tell stories and your career can too. Never stop learning, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to create your own path.

Woman with short blonde hair smiling at a mannequin head with hairdressing tools, in a salon setting.

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If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The best itinerary for New York is the one that leaves room for the unexpected. Of course I’d take them to Central Park, Grand Central Terminal, the New York Public Library, Broadway, museums, and some incredible restaurants, but I’d spend just as much time simply exploring. Every neighborhood feels like its own little world, filled with different cultures, architecture, food, art, and people. That’s the magic of New York…you can experience the world without ever leaving the city. No matter how long I’ve lived here, I’m still discovering new places, meeting fascinating people, and finding inspiration from the immense culture surrounding me.

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Woman with long red hair holding a hair color product tube in front of her face, partially covering it, against a white background.

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 don’t think any of us build a career alone. My family gave me strong work ethic. Growing up on a farm in Wisconsin taught me discipline, responsibility, and the value of showing up every day. Along the way, mentors, friends, and colleagues challenged me to think bigger, while books, films, education, and a genuine curiosity about history, art, business, and culture taught me to never stop asking questions. My health also changed my perspective at a young age, reminding me that success means very little without the ability to enjoy it. Those experiences shaped not only the hair artist and educator I am today, but also my passion for education. If there’s one thing I constantly stride for, is to inspire someone to keep learning, think differently, and become more confident in themselves and their craft.

Website: https://jackielitscher.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackielitscher?igsh=bXFhdGkzaHp4cmp2&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-litscher-hair444?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1929xw9HD2/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jackielitscher

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jackielitscher1?_r=1&_t=ZT-97XLwN77BdO

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Woman in a black dress with polka dots holding a black handbag in a well-lit room with a sofa and lamp.

A woman with blonde hair styled in a braid is applying makeup to a seated woman with curly hair, in a studio setting.

Woman with short dark hair in a black tank top getting her hair styled by a stylist with blonde hair, black mask, and black outfit, using a curling iron.

Hairdresser styles a person's hair in a studio with filming equipment and a white background.

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Hairdresser blow-drying a person's hair in a salon, with a black cape and salon equipment visible.

Young woman with long blonde hair holding a box of Redken hair products, standing in front of a colorful background.

Hairdressing demonstration with a stylist working on a mannequin head, audience watching, colorful stage background, hair products on a cart.

Two women stand against a plain wall, one adjusting the other's hair, the other holding a green jacket and wearing sunglasses.

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A person with blonde hair and glasses adjusts a model's curly red hair in a studio setting.

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Woman with platinum blonde hair styled in a large updo, lying on a black background with text, wearing a polka dot outfit.

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