Meet Jessica Saxon | Owner of Fringe hair & makeup studio

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

Hi Jessica, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
I’m proud to have a talented group of artists by my side, all with their own unique styles and personalities. Through these celebrated differences, there’s beauty and strength that bonds us together as we strive to achieve our goals. Such a team of positive and talented artists is critical to our success.

With 2020 being such a chaotic and stressful year, we started this salon with an emphasis on valuing our stylists, their happiness and creating a space for them to thrive! We do this by offering the opportunity to have higher commission than most salons and encourage them to take time off for themselves and spend time with family. Work is like a second home for most people and being burned out creates depression, stress and unwanted anxiety. Strengthening as a group is really important. We enjoy taking trips to bond, we take classes to further our education, and we push each other as a whole to be our best selves both in the salon and in our normal daily lives!

What should our readers know about your business?
My partner (Lisha Bush) and I chose to open our business in one of the most challenging times, mid-pandemic. It wasn’t usual for new companies to come to life during the pandemic, but we were determined to open a safe and welcoming salon.

What I think readers should know about our  business is that we are a welcoming space for all people! Y’all means all! We learned from our previous place of employment that we were missing out on really connecting with so many people. The atmosphere limited our growth within the community and essentially our career… so it was crucial that we created a space where every one could feel comfortable & welcomed. It is so important to establish a connection with our clients. We love educating them, showing them realistic and healthy goals for their hair while creating genuine relationships. Add on a place for them to relax, and share what’s happening in their lives creates the most amazing environment. As a result of this environment it has allowed us to bond openly, and in return, our clients have felt the impact with feeling comfortable and connected. 
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you were to visit our city, we would recommend stopping downtown and visiting Fountain City Coffee or The Bake shop! They roast their own beans, make their own syrups, and have the best baked goods. Fountain City Coffee also hosts the work of one of Columbus’s most talented and sought after portrait artist Garry Pound. Downtown in general is a great place to be, people watching is a must and it’s easy to make new friends. It’s constantly growing, and a diverse mesh of characters. While you’re there, you can also visit The Bo Bartlett Center, meet some talented artists and watch people rafting. For a night out, our favorite places to eat are Bank’s Food Hall and Warehouse 9. But most importantly, don’t forget to stop by Fringe Hair & makeup studio!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My partner Lisha Bush, for braving through covid with me to look for the perfect location to start our business. And of course, our beautiful and talented staff. And I definitely want to shoutout my husband Sammie Saxon for pushing me and keeping me positive. Thank you for being my biggest supporter! 

Website: Www.Fringecolumbus.com

Instagram: @fringecolumbus

Facebook: Facebook.com/Fringecolumbus

Image Credits
Profile with Bantu knots Shot by @sammiesaxonstudio hair & makeup by Jessica_nicole_mua Blonde by Hairby_lisha Brown to pink hair by @hair_workx Clown hair by hairby_lisha makeup by Jessica_nicole_mua Plant hair by hair.artist.Leigh Pink with accessories by jessica_nicole_mua Green hair by Ashley.does.hair