Jamie Santana

Sixteen years ago, my hair stylist strongly urged me to apply for an Aveda natural talent competition to win a full scholarship to beauty school. At the time I was finishing my master's degree in Public Service and Dispute Resolution and hair was NOT on my radar. She had told me for a few years that she thought I'd missed my calling and that I'd be a great stylist. Here it was, opportunity knocking at my door. I figured I had nothing to lose and free education sounded great! A couple of months later I competed and won! I was presented with an over-sized sweepstakes style check and a path I would not have initially chosen for myself.  I finished my master's degree in December 2004 and began beauty school at Vici Park Aveda in Milwaukee, WI in January 2005. Fast forward fifteen years later to today...The last six years I have been on my own, renting a chair in an open concept salon.  Working in this industry has been a gift in so many ways. Hair is the conduit that has led me into hundreds of relationships with unique and amazing humans!  Without question, hair is a great way to make a living, however, it is these relationships that make me feel rich!I am always on the hunt for the next great educational opportunity.  I always joke that if someone paid me to be a full time student, I would jump right to it!  I love to learn and love to teach others the skills and knowledge that empower them to make the most of what they have and who they are. In recent years, my desire to grow and diversify my skill set has revealed that there are many more opportunities to uncover. One of the gaps I see in training is in diverse hair textures, both in beauty schools as well as post-school opportunities to grow.  I desire to be in a multicultural setting in which all hair fabrics are welcome.  I also believe this industry has a unique opportunity to create a rippling social impact through offering services to under-served individuals. Regardless of the situation, everyone deserves to be reminded of their dignity.  I have had several opportunities to serve in this capacity and watch as a person's face turns up a smile or their shoulders begin to relax. As we share our gifts to provide a meaningful and felt impact in individual's lives, we are the ones who receive the greater gift. I am passionate about seeing this area of our industry grow!