Meet Jessica Szabo: Stylist | Salon Owner + Wife & mother of 3

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

Hi Jessica, how do you think about risk?
I love talking on this subject- big risks, small risks, I love taking them! Throughout my life, I’ve always had the mentality of ‘not taking this risk could leave me missing out on a lost opportunity.’ I truly believe if I see the chance to jump on something, taking that risk the fun part! Sure, it could be scary and you could fail but what if you didn’t? Looking back on some of my major mess ups, I often think (truly) that I wouldn’t change anything. When opportunities don’t work out, I move on and believe it was because God has something He’s working on for me and that wasn’t it. But when you DO take the plunge and succeed, the rest falls into place as it should. Take that chance and if the outcome outweighs the risk, MAKE IT HAPPEN. Today, I have too many blessings to count because I said ‘psssh, let’s just do it!’

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The District Salon is home to a band of stylists that are all independent contractors, myself included. When my biz partner and I originated our concept, we wanted to make sure we broke the mold on what a typical salon structure looks like. So many businesses in this industry control every aspect of their employees, resulting in excessive turn over and bored stylists. When this happens, guests and employees lose confidence in the salon as a whole. We didn’t want that. Though this salon structure was a completely different concept, it never seemed challenging! Mikka and I knew that with our balancing act of families and work, this was the best plan of action for us to be able to do it all. Our space is made up of many super-talented stylists… some booth rent, some commission- based. Everyone chooses what color line they want to use, everyone creates their own schedule, and most importantly, everyone respects each other and our space. Our goal was for individual freedom for each stylist, yet all represent The District brand as a whole. Our teams’ good vibes are a reflection of us, attracting the kind of amazing clientele we have the pleasure to service.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So many fun things to do in this little Atl burb!

First on my list would be to head to The District and get a blowout to prep for a fun weekend out and about! Then onto drinks at our neighbors, Mercantile Social. They have the most fun, delicious drinks on the block- don’t miss the views of downtown from the upstairs bar! For dinner, we’ve got a rez lined up at my fav, Holmes. This space has an atmosphere that is cool and eclectic in this historic, refurbished house right on Main Street. The food is DELICIOUS and never disappoints! The next day of a fun weekend would start with brunch at Fellows Cafe in historic Roswell- precious spot for the yummiest avo toast and mimosas. The afternoon would be spent at Avalon, the local spot for all shopping! Last but not least, we would grab a charcuterie board and head to see the good folk over at The Painted Horse Winery in Milton for live music and delicious wine. Sitting under the lights with some of my favorite people here is a must. Can’t think of a better weekend! Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Aside from my amazing and supportive family (who’s many dynamics have molded who I am today and deserves way too much shout-out than this article can hold) one of my biggest mentors and support systems has been my biz partner and BFF, Mikka Orrick. Growing up, she was my hubbies best girl friend so naturally she’s awesome and we were gonna click! Mikka came from a family that owned multiple businesses, as well as owning her own restaurants. Having a background in hair herself, one day we decided we wanted to open a salon together! Within the week we had signed a lease and 7 years later, we are still loving the space and the amazing team we’ve created. Without her push and ‘been there done that’ experience, I may not have learned to take the risks I love taking today. She’s taught me so much about business and balancing it all with our wild kids’ crew. We bounce all the things off of each other- kids, work, what to wear, you name it!

Website: www.thedistrictsalon.com

Instagram: jpszabohair + thedistrictsalon

Image Credits
Emily Goswick