Want to know more about our stylists and their specialties? We think it’s best to visit us in person, but here are a few morsels to whet your appetite…
Jen – The Ring Leader
In 2007, Jen came across a tiny little space in West Seattle that she felt would be a perfect corner of the universe to call home for her and her clients. Thus was born the first Pinup Salon, and what has been growing out of that has been a spectacular journey every since.
Jen’s career began years ago in a corporate cubicle, with all the American dream promise of a title and stable paycheck that would follow, but Jen felt disenchanted by the daily grind of corporate life and left in 2005 to pursue her dream of working with hair. The shocked responses she got upon the news that she had left her successful career to go to “beauty school” only further validated her decision, and she became determined to create a business she could be proud of, and one that would support other women in the industry.
Jen loves the diversity she gets to experience working behind the chair. Every client has a different story and different identity they want their hair to evoke. She’s honed her active listening skills to really gather understanding of what her clients are looking for. She is self-described as a “non-artiste”, whose first priority is serving her clients needs, not her own ego.
Jen hails from Michigan and considers herself a fish out of water on the west coast at times, but she’s made her home in West Seattle for the past 4 years and has fallen more in love with it every day. If you want dynamic, open conversation about anything and everything under the sun, and a salon where they genuinely care about you as a person, Jen’s your girl and Pinup’s your place.
Jane – The Does It All
Jane’s passion in the industry began with her 3 year apprenticeship at Vain in downtown Seattle. She discovered early that hair, makeup and fashion were definitely going to be part of her career path. She first met Jen at Seattle Vocational Institute School of Cosmetology, where Jen was one of her instructors. They became closer the quarter before Jane’s graduation, when Jen asked Jane to consider an internship with her, helping primarily with wedding and photography hair and makeup styling. Jane was excited for the opportunity, as she’d been considering moving to Los Angeles to study makeup more in depth. Jen showed her some of the ropes and in a very short time, Jane became a force to be reckoned with in not only the photography world, but also in her client services behind the chair.
Jane has such a passion for this industry and really strives to make sure every detail of her work is given the utmost care. Her specialties are makeup and hairstyling, especially for fashion events, photography and weddings. She also loves hair cutting and helping her clients find the right look to suit their persona and lifestyle. Also a great conversationalist, we bet Jane will surprise you with her vast knowledge of every topic ranging from political and social events to motocross racing, to the juiciest of pop culture gossip. She is like a walking People magazine, and we mean that in the best way!
Jane started her career at Pinup, and can’t imagine being anywhere else. She feels like part of a family here and is thankful everyday for the opportunities she’s been given in this amazing industry.
Jefflin – The Curl Mistress
Jefflin grew up in the beautiful rolling hills of Missouri (yes that does make her a hillbilly). When she was still a young barefoot girl, she left home to come to the big city. She always knew she was meant for bigger things than dirt roads and trailer homes.
Jefflin worked in the corporate world for many years, but never felt like it was right for her, so she decided to to take her love and talent for art and put it to good use. She became a hairstylist about 5 years ago and has never looked back. She loves the connection she gets to make with people, being a friend, confidant and having the pleasure of making them look and feel beautiful! She has a specific passion for cutting and styling curly hair! She takes the time to listen and understand the fears that curly haired people have about getting their hair done. She knows that finding the right style to work with natural curl isn’t always easy and it thrills her to give these frustrated clients a great cut that can make them fall in love with their hair.
Jefflin is one of the newest stylists at Pinup Salon and is thrilled to be part of such a dynamic and loving team. She hopes if you haven’t checked us out yet that you will very soon. You won’t be disappointed!
Madison – The Blonde Princess
Madison specializes in both hair color and haircutting, and with her artistic vision and impeccable listening abilities enjoys working with clients to come up with styles individualized to their needs. Madison started in this industry as a receptionist and has worked her way up with the assistance of some very talented mentors.
After cosmetology school, Madison took one year of advanced training with the Aveda Salon in Seattle. It is her priority to constantly educate herself on new styles, products, and techniques to be abreast of constantly changing trends. She has seven years experience in the beauty industry, but even more, she is a fun sincere hairstylist who has a passion for all people from all walks of life. There isn’t a head of locks Madison can’t tackle, oh and if you happen to love being blonde, you will find Madison’s skills a valuable asset!
Mollie – The Other Brunette
Mollie grew up in Vancouver WA where she attended a 7 year arts based school with her focus in the visual arts. With a passion for illustration and all things crafty she knew that sitting behind a desk wasn’t going to be the job for her. After trying out college, illustration, and fashion design, she landed in the hair world – and loved it! After attending the Gene Juarez Academy she decided to further her hair education by becoming an apprentice at Derby salon, where she continued afterwards as a stylist.
Lindsey – Extension Goddess
Lindsey’s our most recent Pinup addition, but her and Jen’s history goes way back to the days of beauty school. They’ve stayed in touch and enjoyed a fair amount of late night karaoke over the years, 0bserving each other’s careers flourish until one day Lindsey reached out to Jen about teaming up. With her vast experience with Hair Dreams and Great Lengths extensions, Jen was thrilled with the idea of having Lindsey join us. Since starting at Pinup, Lindsey has found the smaller, more private salon atmosphere to be perfect for her and her clients.
In addition to being amazing with keratin bonded extensions, Lindsey is also a DIE HARD blonde and has thus perfected the art of the perfect bleach and tone. She loves doing other colors too, especially red heads, but the Marilyn is her true specialty. She’s a bubbly and outspoken gal, who won’t hesitate to give you her opinion when asked for it (maybe even sometimes when not asked!). Check her out at our West Seattle location. You’ll be glad you did!
Melissa – Creative Brainpower
Melissa and Jen’s history in friendship and business go back more than 10 years, having met during their days of corporate sales and planning at Wizards of the Coast. Being cubicle neighbors, Jen and Melissa became close friends, nerf war battle buddies, travel companions, and trusted co-workers. After Jen’s departure from corporate life to pursue her beauty school dreams, Melissa held down the corporate fort for a few more years before venturing out on her own (with Jen’s encouragement) to start her own marketing company for small businesses.
Melissa has been Jen’s right-hand woman through both salon openings and the most recent expansion. Melissa’s focus on all things marketing include strategies for client acquisition, retention, satisfaction, and grass-roots marketing. She enjoys coming up with creative ideas and solutions that pair nicely with Jen’s boutique salon approach. She also has been seen around the salon as a painter, gardener, videographer, photographer, personal assistant, and of course, faithful client.
Melissa is a self-proclaimed cupcake connoisseur, expert Priceline negotiator, world traveler, music fanatic, vintage jewelry collector, and extreme carnivore. When not working, she can probably be found riding her scooter, most often in high heels, to go catch a movie or a concert downtown Seattle.