Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessi Suminski.
Hi Jessi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve had a passion for hair and makeup for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until my early 30s that I took the leap and went to beauty school. After a lot of soul-searching, I made the difficult decision to leave a stable career in the medical field to pursue a dream that had always lived quietly in the background. I moved to Portland, Oregon, and enrolled at Paul Mitchell The School to explore my interests in cosmetology.
It was there that I had my first eye-opening experience with curly hair. I was assigned a guest with gorgeous, long curls. The haircut itself went smoothly, but when it came time to style her hair, I was completely lost. I turned to every instructor on the floor for help, and none of them had a solid answer. Eventually, they suggested I ask another student who had curly hair herself. Her advice? “I just put mousse in it.” As you can probably guess, that didn’t quite do the trick. The guest kindly explained this kind of thing happened to her all the time. She pulled her hair into a braid and told me she’d restyle it at home. I felt completely defeated—but also determined.
That night, I went home and began researching everything I could about curly hair. That’s when I discovered the magic of Ouidad.
My journey with curls truly came to life when I moved to Ft. Lauderdale and started working at the Ouidad Flagship Salon, By Chadwick & Igor. Being surrounded by stylists who specialized in curls of every type was transformational. It was a space where curly hair was celebrated and cared for in a way I had never seen before, and I knew I was hooked for life.
Once I moved on from the Ouidad salon, I continued building my expertise by working with brands like Phyto and Oribe (who, at the time, was just launching their curly hair line.) Each opportunity deepened my understanding of curls and expanded my knowledge of the tools and products that truly make a difference.
In 2019, I decided to go independent and began working behind the chair in Jacksonville, fully dedicating my craft to curly hair. Helping clients not only embrace but master their natural texture has become one of the most rewarding parts of my career. There’s nothing like seeing someone light up when they realize their curls can be healthy, defined, and beautiful just as they are.
I’m incredibly grateful for every person who has trusted me with their hair. My clients have allowed me to grow, evolve, and continue doing what I love most: empowering others through education, transformation, and genuine connection.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey hasn’t always been easy. One of my biggest struggles has been finding acceptance for my vision within the local hair industry here in Jacksonville. When I moved here about six years ago, there were very few stylists visibly specializing in curly hair online. I was told repeatedly that if I didn’t take all hair types, my business wouldn’t grow fast enough, and that I’d struggle to succeed.
That lack of belief in my direction made it hard to find the same support or community that other stylists around me seemed to have. When I began to succeed on my own terms, it felt both validating and isolating. I wasn’t part of the “in crowd,” and at times, it was clear I wasn’t being included simply because I chose a different path.
But despite that, I’ve always believed deeply in serving the curly hair community, Especially because they’ve so often been overlooked. I knew there was a need, even if it wasn’t mainstream. So I’ve stayed true to my mission, even when it hasn’t been the most popular choice or meant standing alone. And in the end, that’s what’s built the trust, loyalty, and growth I’m most proud of.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a curly hair specialist and independent stylist based in Jacksonville, and I work exclusively with natural texture. I focus on curly cutting and custom color techniques that are tailored to each client’s unique curl pattern, density, and lifestyle. Education is a big part of what I do. My goal is not just to style hair, but to empower my clients to understand and care for their curls at home.
What I’m most known for is creating a comfortable space where people with curly hair can finally feel seen and understood. Many of my clients have spent years being told their hair was “too difficult” or “unmanageable,” and it’s deeply rewarding to help them shift that narrative. I’m most proud when a client leaves my chair with a sense of confidence and clarity they’ve never felt before.
What sets me apart is my commitment to truly listening. Not just about the hair, but to the person. I take my time, I ask questions, and I never apply a one-size-fits-all approach. I also stay deeply rooted in continuous education, especially around curl specific products, techniques, and evolving textured hair trends.
At the heart of it all, I’m here to serve a community that has long been underserved, and I take that responsibility seriously. It’s not just about hair. Its about self-expression, healing, and feeling whole in your natural self.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something that might surprise people who know me now or follow my work, is that I didn’t grow up believing I could be a hairstylist. In fact, I went to college and held several professional careers before ever deciding to take this turn. I spent years working in PR, Marketing, and the medical field before I ever picked up a pair of shears professionally. For a long time, I prioritized what felt “safe” or practical over what truly lit me up. It wasn’t until my early 30s that I finally gave myself permission to follow the creative path I had always loved from afar.
Another thing people may not realize is that I’m actually an ambivert. While I love connecting with my clients one on one and creating content that educates and inspires, I often need quiet time to recharge. I think that helps me bring a calm, grounded energy into my space. That’s something my clients really value.
At the end of the day, my brand may be bold and specialized, but at my core, I’m just someone who took a big risk to live more authentically, and that’s a journey I’m still on every day.
Pricing:
- Luxury Specialized Service
- Personalized Tailored Results
- High End Curly Cutting/Coloring
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abeautyenthusiast
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abeautyenthusiast
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@abeautyenthusiast?_t=ZT-8x4A64GfJwQ&_r=1
