Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Caldwell
Hi Jason, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in Caldwell, Ohio, a small coal-mining town nestled in the scenic hills of Southeastern Ohio. Like many, I had big dreams—mine was to become an actor. But when the time came to choose a career, practicality won out. Inspired by my grandfather, a barber, I decided to give hair a try. Initially, I was skeptical and had no solid plan, but I had always been drawn to the world of beauty. The moment I stepped into Valley Beauty School in Zanesville, Ohio, everything clicked—I had found my true passion.
Almost immediately after starting beauty school, I began working at Positive Image Hair Studio, a busy and popular salon, where I was fortunate to have two incredible mentors. One of them, Teresa Rupple, played a pivotal role in shaping my career, and I still credit much of what I know today to her guidance.
Eager for new experiences, I set my sights on a larger city and joined the Regis Corporation, which eventually brought me to Columbus. If you’ve ever visited Caldwell, you’ll understand why Columbus still feels like “the big city” to me. Managing salons during the economic downturn of 2008-2009 was a tough, eye-opening experience. It taught me lessons that no beauty school or college could prepare me for. But with creativity and an amazing team, we persevered, and it marked the beginning of the philosophy I hold today.
I remember sitting in empty salons at times, wondering if I had made the wrong choice. This wouldn’t be the last time in my nearly 20-year career that I questioned my path, but I’ve always doubled down on the belief that the beauty industry has been good to me.
During those challenging times, I noticed some salon guests were seeking more affordable alternatives to luxury salons. Some felt unappreciated or unheard. I saw an opportunity to deliver high-quality hair services at an affordable, transparent price, all while showing kindness, compassion, and humor. Once my team embraced this approach, we were off and running. Sales began to climb, customers returned happy, and referrals poured in. What amazed me most was that the biggest draw for new guests wasn’t the value pricing—it was the personal connection. Talking with someone who cares and listens mattered then, and it still matters today.
In 2010, I decided to put my theory to the test and spread my wings. It remains one of the scariest yet best decisions I’ve ever made. I left corporate salon management and opened my own mini salon within Salon Lofts, where I’ve happily been for over 14 years and counting. I love having a private space where I can work one-on-one with guests, create their look, discuss life’s ups and downs, and, most importantly, provide a welcoming, safe space for them to be themselves.
In my salon, I specialize in balayage, a hair coloring technique where color is hand-painted onto the hair’s surface, creating a soft, natural effect with varied levels of contrast. Beyond painting hair, I’ve also worked as a balayage educator for nearly 10 years, traveling throughout the state and region to teach other hair professionals the technique.
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?
Looking back, the road has been relatively smooth, though not without its occasional bumps and detours. The journey hasn’t been easy, but is there any creative business that is?
One of my biggest ongoing struggles, like many others, is managing money. I believe this is something most people, business owners or not, wrestle with daily. I often wish beauty schools would incorporate personal and business finance fundamentals into their education. Had I understood this better from the start, it would have saved me and my business a lot of time, tears, and energy. My biggest piece of advice to beauty professionals starting their own business is to get a strong grasp on your finances—both personal and business—especially your tax obligations. Find a trustworthy accountant or CPA, or use the many free resources available online to teach yourself this critical skill.
Another challenge I’ve faced, and one that I’ve observed many other stylists grappling with over the years, is imposter syndrome. This pervasive negative thought pattern is common in many creative industries and can take a significant mental toll. For this I have found staying inspired through education to be helpful, taking time for whatever self care looks like to you, and not pushing yourself to burnout. My biggest recommendation is create a strong support system of family, friends and industry colleagues who can relate to your lifestyle as a beauty pro and share ideas and inspiration.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In my salon studio, Jason Caldwell Hair, my work is all about creating joy, simplicity, and connection through the art of hairstyling. I specialize in balayage and low-maintenance hair color—techniques that allow my clients to embrace their natural beauty while adding a touch of creativity and personal expression. Balayage, in particular, is my passion—it’s a technique where color is hand-painted onto the surface of the hair, creating a soft, natural effect that can range from subtle sun-kissed highlights to dramatic contrast and dimension.
What truly sets me apart is my commitment to a personalized, one-on-one salon experience. Every guest who walks through my door receives my full, undivided attention in a private environment—no assistants, no distractions. This allows me to connect with each client, understand their unique needs, and create a look that not only enhances their appearance but also makes them feel confident and happy.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the annual hair camp I founded for graduating high school seniors in Cosmetology. This event equips young stylists with the skills, tools, and confidence they need to succeed in the beauty industry. Education is a huge part of what I do, and over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring countless stylists across Ohio, helping them perfect their craft and find their own creative voice.
What sets Jason Caldwell Hair apart from others is not just the quality of the hair services, but the experience as a whole. My salon is a safe, inclusive, and unpretentious space where clients can relax, have fun, and leave feeling uplifted. I believe that hair shouldn’t be a source of stress—it should be a source of happiness. That philosophy is infused into every strand I touch and every guest interaction, making Jason Caldwell Hair a place where beauty, creativity, and joy collide.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The biggest lesson I learned during the pandemic was how to sit with the unknown. It taught me patience—learning to navigate fear with hope as my only guide. What truly humbled me during this time was witnessing the incredible generosity of my guests. These amazing souls sprang into action, ensuring I was taken care of during the most uncertain of times. Their kindness literally kept food on my table and prevented my business and life from financial ruin, all without expecting anything in return.
This experience reaffirmed that I chose the right career. The compassion and support from my salon guests spoke volumes, and I knew without a doubt that I am exactly where I’m meant to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jasondoesmyhair.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/jasoncaldwellhair
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/jasondoesmyhair
