How long have you been involved with professional beauty and what was your first job in professional beauty?

I started my first job in the industry as a hairdresser in 1980. I only worked behind-the-chair for 3 years before starting on the product side as a full time educator for Redken. So, I’ve been in the industry for 33+ years now.

What’s so great about professional beauty and why?

From a financial perspective, it’s a stable industry to be in. Some call it “recession- proof”, but I prefer to call it “recession –safe”, meaning we can handle recessions with less negative impact than other industries. I like to say that even when the stock market isn’t growing, hair still is! The beauty industry also provides great quality of life fulfillment. It’s creative, exciting, heart-warming, challenging and never, never boring!

What one trait do all successfully awesome stylists share?

Constant , never-ending pursuit to better their craft and knowledge. Just look at the stylists who attend the most intensive, high level education programs in the industry…they are already great at what they do, yet they never stop trying to be even better.

What one trait do all successful salons share?

Awesome customer service.

What does your typical workday look like?

Lots of collaborative meetings with marketing, creative, communications, education and sales where we evaluate our business, look for ways to improve and plan for the future. I also spend a good deal of time with our stylists in the test salon “playing” with hair as we evaluate potential new product introductions.

I’m somebody who wants to do your job. What’s the most important thing to know?

Be a good leader. Have a vision that your company understands and supports. Know that your best asset are the employees who bring their passion and talents to the organization.

If you could give one piece of advice to new hairdressers out there, what would it be?

Become an expert at using social/digital media to build your business….it’s the future.

What does Sara Jones do to relax?

Golf and attend exercise classes.

You live in Los Angeles. What do you think is the biggest misconception people have of L.A.?

That we’re all “celebrity obsessed”. Not true, perhaps we are more celebrity aware, but it isn’t an obsession!

You’re driving down the road, traffic is great, the sun is shining and the windows are down…what’s on the radio?

I’m almost embarrassed to admit this, but it’s Howard Stern.

What is one thing your work friends don’t know about you?

That I love Broadway musicals.

We hear that you’ve recently “gained a son”. How has the first year being a mother-in law been?

He’s an absolute gem., although I don’t see them much because they live in Hawaii. He ’s in the military, stationed at Pearl Harbor. But I know he’s taking care of my little girl and that’s all that matters to me!

Personal Motto?

Adopt a solid balance between work life and personal life in order to enjoy a long, happy career.

What are your JOICO “must-have, can’t leave home without ‘em” products and why?

KPAK Color Therapy Shampoo, Kpak Revitaluxe Treatment and KPAK Color Therapy restorative oil: This combination keeps my hair looking healthy and youthful! I get amazing shine and movement with these products.