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

Hi Jessica, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I’m a firm believer that if you never take risks you’ll never have any rewards. Sometimes the biggest and scariest risks tend to be the ones that have the most positive impacts. Although no one likes change, and taking a risk is considered a change… you can’t grow or continue to grow if you never step out of your comfort zone and take that risk. I have taken many risks over the years that have led me to the best version of myself. From moving to Georgia from Florida, not knowing anyone – to deciding to go to cosmetology school after finishing my bachelors degree in Psychology – to quitting my bartending job of seven years and solely focus on hairstyling – to quitting my commission based salon of three and half years to go out on my own, opening a suite and still be able to succeed. All of these risks have led me to were I need to be, have allowed me to buy a house, provide a better future for myself and allowing me continuously grow in both life and career.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When you think of someone who is an artist or something that is creative, who do you think of? All the famous people throughout history, that makes you feel something when you look at it – that’s how I feel about doing hair. It’s art, it’s creative, you express yourself through the hair, everything you do effects the person you are doing it on. My biggest thing I tell my clients is, “You have to love your hair, you wear it everyday.” I feel like your hair is an expression of yourself, if you’re confident in your hair and how it looks, you love it right? That feeling of “That’s me?!” Yes girl this is you and you are beautiful and people can tell you feel good about yourself. We live in a world were we naturally compare ourselves to everyone else out there, I do it too but to be confident because you feel good because your hair is the best it’s ever been and you’re ready to take on the world – I helped that. I helped someone feel better about themselves, and I couldn’t be prouder.

I would say my biggest challenge, it’s myself and trying not to compare myself to others. There are so many amazing talented people out there and it gets hard to not compare yourself. I have to remind myself that people love my work and that I’m damn good at what I do. It can be challenging, I can be hard on myself wanting things to be “better” but sometimes it’s already the best. I’m still working on it but I definitely started to not compare anymore. I know I’m great – sometimes you just have to get out of your head a little. But hey, better to care too much about what you do than to not care enough.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ohhh we are going to all the best spots

Ponce City Market and the Skyline Park – it’s so fun and lots of food options and activities.
Beltline – we can walk to all the local restaurants and breweries
Downtown Woodstock, the vibe and live music is always a must!
Lake Allatoona for some boat and sun

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I honestly don’t think I would of taken the jump of starting my own salon suite if it wasn’t for my family and friends’ support. And also all of my clients’ support. When I announced I was leaving and going out on my own, I was overwhelmed by the amount of people that were not only supportive but genuinely happy for me. You never know how anyone would react but honestly, the biggest recognition I need to give is my clients. Them telling me, “ Hell Yeah” “You Go Girl” “I’m so happy for you!” Without them, I wouldn’t be as successful as I am. So a huge THANK YOU! to my clients, I love you all!

Website: themessieblonde.com

Instagram: themessieblonde

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