Hidden Gems: Meet Sarah Jones of BlueBird Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Jones.

Hi Sarah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I think I always knew I’d end up doing hair, I’ve loved every aspect of it since I was little.
I actually started at a salon twenty-five years ago on the opposite side of the plaza we’re in now! I love this area so much that I have spent most of my career working within a radius of a few blocks. I was a commission stylist for a long time at a salon just up the road. In addition to taking clients, I also served as the color educator and wedding specialist. During my role as color educator, I was able to travel to New York for classes. It was a great opportunity!

When I switched from being a commission stylist to booth rent, my love for bridal hair was able to become a much more prominent aspect of my career. I am so grateful to have found a niche for bridal and vintage hair within the greater Toledo area. Having my own established clientele and the bridal hair specialty helped build the BlueBird brand once I transitioned from booth rent stylist to owner of my own space.

I didn’t always want to open my own salon, but I love to teach and mentor younger professionals, and the salon allows me to do just that. In the beginning I had a few stylists that worked for me after coming fresh from hair school. It was overwhelming at times to learn how to run a business while also coaching other stylists, but I believed in building up my stylists and supporting them.

It wasn’t always easy to run a business as a single mom, but my kids have been so understanding and supportive over the years. My daughter received her bachelor’s degree in May of this year, and has since been managing the salon until she attends graduate school next year. Now, I can’t imagine my life without BlueBird and my wonderful team. The location of my salon is perfect; we love the community and feel so supported and loved by our neighbors and clients.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Prior to 2020 I was in the process of opening a large salon just outside of downtown Toledo. I had plans for the space to be half salon/half barber shop, with additional suites to rent out to massage therapists, aestheticians, and more. But financial changes during the pandemic led to the building owners losing their construction loan, and two years of planning were gone in an instant. I went back to work post-quarantine as a booth renter, and later that year I had the opportunity to takeover the space I was currently in. With the help of many friends and family, we completely transformed the space in just four days. I am eternally grateful for everyone who showed up and really gave it their all. BlueBird Studio wouldn’t be what it is today if it weren’t for all the support I received!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
BlueBird Studio is a full service salon that has a community-friendly atmosphere, but also offers a high standard of services and products. It’s our goal to appeal to as many guests as possible. We carry brands with quality ingredients that are conscientious of the impact on the environment, with KEVIN.MURPHY being our main color and retail provider. Additionally, we sell candles, jewelry, and other products from local makers. We offer daddy/daughter braid classes as well as girls-night-out experiences for moms and daughters. With a location so close to a university, we are mindful of making sure our local students look and feel their best, while acknowledging their budgets. We run an annual back-to-school discount and offer other student-oriented specials throughout the year. Everything we do is to make our guests’ experience lovely. From the art we choose to plants on the walls, it’s all to create an environment people enjoy being in. At the end of the day we are connecting with people and don’t take that role lightly. We value the trust we are bestowed and do our best to make every person feel their best when they leave our salon.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Something I would say to someone starting out is curate your employees well. In the beginning I panicked and hired people too quickly. It’s okay to start slow and add people to your team organically. I am so happy with the team I have now, but there were some people looking back I shouldn’t have hired. It can really affect the vibe. Trust your instincts.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bluebirdhairstudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluebirdhairstudio/

Image Credits
Sam Vasquez