Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Barrington.
Hi Jessica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey into cosmetology actually started in high school, and it wasn’t necessarily because I always dreamed of doing hair.
At South View High School, we had a senior project where we were able to choose a mentor in a career field that interested us and spend time learning from them. I had always been really interested in makeup, and I was the person who would do everyone’s makeup for prom, so I initially thought that was probably where my path would take me.
When I started thinking about college and my career, I knew cosmetology would give me the opportunity to explore so much more than just esthetics. I decided to pursue cosmetology, and once I got into school, I completely fell in love with hair. Funny enough, I don’t even really touch makeup anymore!
The way I found my salon home at Leading Edge is one of those stories that makes me believe things really do happen for a reason.
While I was in cosmetology school, I worked at the Jersey Mike’s on the corner of Boone Trail. The owner of Leading Edge Salon would come in frequently, to the point that I knew her order by heart. We had these small interactions over time, and eventually I mentioned to her that I was in cosmetology school.
At the time, she was booth renting, and she knew that I was interested in eventually working in a commission-based salon. Even though I wasn’t working for her yet, she continued to keep up with me and follow my progress.
Then one December, she came in and started talking to me about an associate program she wanted to create at the salon. Her vision was to help younger, newer stylists grow and develop their skills rather than simply throwing them behind the chair and expecting them to figure everything out on their own.
That immediately caught my attention. I knew that was the kind of environment I wanted to start my career in, and I was completely on board with what she was building.
That’s ultimately how I ended up at Leading Edge Salon.
I’ve now been there for about seven years, and what’s really special to me is that I didn’t just find a salon where I could build a clientele. I found a place where I could continue to grow and eventually help other people grow too.
Over the years, I’ve developed my career behind the chair, especially with color, blondes, lived-in color, balayage, transformations, and fantasy colors. But my role has expanded far beyond being a stylist. I’ve become an educator, a mentor, and a manager, and I’ve had the opportunity to help newer stylists find their confidence and develop their own careers.
When I look back, it’s kind of funny to think that my career started with a high school project and a love for makeup and that one of the biggest turning points in my career came from working at Jersey Mike’s and getting to know the owner of a salon because she came in for dinner.
I don’t think I could have planned my career out the way it happened. There were so many little moments and decisions that led me here. What started as me simply trying to figure out what I wanted to do after high school turned into a career that I genuinely love and a role where I get to help other people find their place in the industry too.
And I think that’s probably the part of my story I’m most proud of. I didn’t just build a career for myself. I eventually got the opportunity to help create a path for the people coming after me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say it was both yes and no. Building confidence and building a clientele isn’t easy when you’re starting out, but having a strong support system made a huge difference for me. Having people believe in me while I was still learning to believe in myself helped me grow tremendously.
I’ve also learned that it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in this industry or how successful you become your road is always evolving. You’re never finished learning or growing.
About a year ago, our salon went through a major transition that really tested us. It was a difficult season, but ultimately, it brought the people who stayed closer together and made us stronger as a team. It reminded me how important communication, trust, and knowing the character of the people around you really are.
It also reinforced something I’ve learned about leadership: I can only help people who are willing to communicate with me. If someone is struggling or has a concern, I want to know. I can’t fix something I don’t know is happening.
I used to be a huge people pleaser, and I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about making everyone happy all the time. You can care about people and still have boundaries. Sometimes you have to protect the culture, the team, and everything you’ve worked so hard to build.
So no, the road hasn’t always been smooth, but I think those challenges have shaped me just as much as the successes have. You’re never finished growing not as a stylist, not as a mentor, and not as a leader.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work behind the chair every day as a hairstylist and colorist, and I’m especially passionate about blondes, lived-in color, balayage, and color transformations. But I think what I’m most known for is being honest with my clients.
I don’t believe in telling someone yes just because they want something. Sometimes it’s about keeping their hair healthy, sometimes it’s about whether a color will realistically fit their lifestyle, and sometimes it’s about what will actually complement their skin tone and face shape. I don’t want someone to leave the salon with hair they love for one day. I want to create something they can maintain, feel confident in, and truly enjoy.
I also take this career very seriously. I tell my associates all the time: you go to school to earn your license, but that’s where your career begins. This isn’t just a 9-to-5 job; it’s a craft and a career that requires continued education, investment, and genuinely caring about the person in your chair.
I’m also incredibly proud that I’ve built my career at Leading Edge for the past seven years. I’ve had the opportunity to grow with the salon rather than constantly looking for the next place, and evolving alongside the salon has allowed me to become the stylist, educator, mentor, and leader I am today.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Fayetteville is the sense of community. There are so many people and businesses here who genuinely want to see each other succeed. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with other local businesses like Sunshine Beauty & Bliss and Elan Med Spa, and I love being surrounded by hardworking people who support one another and want the best for our community.
If I had to choose something I like least, I would say that sometimes our smaller-city environment can come with a bit of a “small-town mentality.” There can be cliques, assumptions, and sometimes a lack of communication, which can create unnecessary negativity. I think it’s unfortunate because Fayetteville has so many talented and hardworking people, and I would love to see more people communicate directly, support each other, and celebrate each other’s success rather than competing against one another.
At the same time, I think that’s something we have the ability to change. The more businesses and individuals choose collaboration over competition, the stronger our community becomes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Leadingedgesalonnc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stylesbyjesshope_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jessica.Hope.Kennedy
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Stylesbyjesshope_?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=b6412cab-6082-468b-b301-26cf38206044
