Meet James Wilson | Los Angeles Hairstylist & Colorist

We had the good fortune of connecting with James Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision I’ve ever made was to switch careers mid-life. I had been in the acting industry for over 20 years and was still working full-time as a Manager at a tech company when I realized this was not what I wanted anymore. A friend and mentor, Kristen Shaw, a hairstylist and men’s groomer, convinced me to consider moving into the hair industry. She introduced me to Kyle Heinen who was enrolled at Paul Mitchell the School at the time to help me transition. After that moment, I enrolled as well and left my job behind! A year later I was taking clients!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Currently, I’m a hairstylist at Bradley Leake’s new salon Brdy Jay in Santa Monica, as well as continuing to build my current clientele to a larger roster of wonderful humans that I get the pleasure of working with every day.

My specialty is effortless cutting, men’s grooming and lived-in blonde hair color. Setting yourself apart in this field can be difficult. Anyone can learn to cut and color hair. I think it takes a true artist to sit and listen to a client’s needs and translate that into chic, effortless hair. This is my gift. Listening and translating. A simple haircut can be life-changing. There’s nothing more satisfying than helping others find themselves in transformation.

I had many challenges in this pursuit. This first was still maintaining a 60 hour work week with Managing a tech company while going to hair school at night. I was 42 and exhausted. The second challenge was that covid hit during a critical turning point for me and it almost killed my new career just as soon as it started. The third challenge, which I don’t talk about opening enough is that I had just started to go through menopause. My body was out of wack and trying to push through the aches and pains while in one of the most physically challenging careers really put my capability to the test.

I worked through these challenges by changing my lifestyle drastically. I had to eat, sleep and workout differently to help maintain proper levels of energy and healthiness. I searched for a menopause specialist to help with the rest of my body’s needs. As for covid, well… I had to leave LA for 6 months to work at a salon in North Carolina until LA opened back up. It was as if the universe did not want me to do this. I simply wouldn’t take “no” for an answer!

I don’t speak much of being proud. This is hard for me. I suppose I’m proud of how quickly I positioned myself in an extremely saturated field with many talented artists. I’m proud that I keep fighting for what I want and what I need in this world, as a human and as a woman. However, I’m most proud that I’ve kept a strong sense of self and connectedness with the people I love for they are my most cherished achievement thus far. I would not be where I am today without them or the drive to create something meaningful in my life.

A few things I learned along the way… perseverance is everything! You must keep telling yourself to keep moving forward or it won’t happen. No one else will motivate you more than yourself. No one else wants it more for you than yourself. You are the key to your own success. Believe in yourself, tell yourself everyday that no one can do it like you can and be kind to yourself!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite spots in the city… this one is hard due to so many closures from covid. Hmmm… If you came into town I would definitely take you to Cinespia’s movies in the cemetery. It is the best! You take a picnic, a blanket and chairs, and cop and squat on a patch of grass while listening to the DJ they have playing and eating, drinking and being merry. Then the movie starts! They display it on of the buildings there. It’s always a movie you know and being in the crowd with everyone shouting out movie lines is such a warm experience. For drinks, I would take you to Melrose Umbrella Co. on Melrose Avenue. It has an old timey feel to it with a lovely atmosphere and the tenders are amazing. The drinks have are as specialty as they come AND you can order food from next door if you need bites. For eats, I would take you to Checker Hall in Highland Park. It feels like you are stepping into another world. The decor and ambiance or so beautiful with a Moroccan themed vibe. The food is one of the best I’ve had in a long time. Every plate was spectacular and we ate everything! Just a few of my favorite things!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This shoutout will go to a number of people who helped me attain this massive career switch at 42 years of age. First, Kristen Shaw, who planted the seed of being a hairstylist. Second, Kyle Heinen, who was always there to talk me off a ledge when I couldn’t see the way through. Third, my group of ragtag friends who were always there when I needed support on this journey. Fourth, my partner, who encouraged me in the darkest moments. Fifth, my mother, who always thinks I can do anything. And, last, but certainly not lease, myself! If I didn’t believe in myself and had the strength to move past one of the most difficult transitions in my life I would not be where I am today.

Instagram: jameswilsonstyle

Image Credits
I have no names to credit