Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Winstead.
Hi Julia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a licensed cosmetologist who began my career shortly after graduating high school. From a young age, I was drawn to the energy of the salon environment — it always felt like such a positive, creative, and inspiring place to be.
Building a career in this industry is not easy, and my journey included working in several salons before finding my forever home at Jon Chelles Day Spa and Salon. It was there that I was introduced to AVEDA, which completely transformed my perspective on both beauty and business. The products, education, training, and opportunities for personal growth were unlike anything I had experienced before. AVEDA not only elevated my technical skills, but also changed the way I approached leadership, wellness, and success.
This July marks 22 years with the salon, and in 2021, I proudly took the next step in my career by purchasing the business. Becoming an owner felt like a natural progression after years of dedication to the salon and the industry I love. Today, one of the most rewarding parts of my role is mentoring my team — helping them grow their confidence, expand their skill sets, and build successful careers of their own.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Growing up, I was always creative, hardworking, and drawn to positive, energetic environments. I loved being around people and was fascinated by the confidence and happiness that beauty and self-care could bring to someone. Even at a young age, I knew I wanted a career where I could express creativity while helping others feel their best.
My journey, however, was not always a smooth road. The beginning of my career was challenging, and I quickly realized that passion alone was not enough. I lacked the technical skills and proper guidance needed to truly achieve my goals. Everything began to change when I fully committed myself to education and continuous learning.
The former owner of the salon became an incredible mentor and inspiration to me. She taught me not only about the beauty industry, but also about professionalism, confidence, and leadership. One of the greatest lessons I learned was that education is truly the key to success. The more knowledge and training I gained, the more confident I became in my craft and in my value as a professional.
Another important lesson was learning not to discount my work. That was one of the hardest mindset shifts for me early in my career. Over time, I realized that people are willing to invest in quality work, expertise, and a great experience. Believing in my value changed both my career and my business for the better.
As my career grew, I also had to learn how to create balance in my personal life. Being a salon owner while also being a wife and mother has taught me the importance of time management, boundaries, and being present for the people who matter most. Finding that balance has not always been easy, but it has shaped me into a stronger leader, business owner, and person. It has also taught me that success is not only about career achievements, but about building a meaningful life both professionally and personally.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As the owner of Jon Chelles Day Spa and Salon, I wear many hats every day. I am a licensed cosmetologist, salon owner, mentor, and leader who is passionate about helping both guests and staff feel confident and empowered. Behind the chair, I specialize in creating personalized color and hair services that help each guest look and feel their best while maintaining the health and integrity of their hair.
Over the years, I have become known for my dedication to education, professionalism, and creating a positive salon culture. I truly believe that the salon experience should be about more than just beauty — it should be uplifting, relaxing, and inspiring for everyone who walks through the door.
What I am most proud of is the team and environment we have built. Watching my staff grow in confidence, skill, and success is one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Many of our team members have developed into incredible professionals, and being able to mentor and support them along the way means everything to me.
What sets me apart is my commitment to continuous learning and growth. I never stop investing in education for myself or my team because the beauty industry is always evolving. I also lead with heart — I genuinely care about the people I work with and the guests we serve. I believe that authenticity, passion, and consistency are what create long-term success in this industry.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was always creative, outgoing, and drawn to people. I loved environments that felt energetic and positive, which is one of the reasons I was so fascinated by salons from such a young age. I loved watching the transformation that happened — not just physically, but emotionally. Seeing people leave feeling more confident and happy always inspired me.
I have always enjoyed creativity and self-expression, whether it was through beauty, fashion, or simply connecting with others. At the same time, I was very hardworking and determined. Once I set my mind to something, I wanted to give it my all. Even at a young age, I knew I wanted a career where I could work closely with people, be creative every day, and build meaningful relationships.
Personality-wise, I have always been caring and motivated, but also someone who values growth and learning. As I got older, I became even more passionate about leadership, education, and helping others succeed. Those qualities have shaped not only who I am as a business owner, but also the culture I strive to create within my salon every day.
Pricing:
- Hair cuts start at $50-$75
- Baylage start price at $130-$150
- Hair color start at $50-$75
- Highlights start at $100
- Mens Haircuts start at $25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jonchellesspa.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonchellesspa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonchellesspa/photos_by/
