We had the good fortune of connecting with Janine Jarman and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Janine, how do you think about risk?
I am a jump first ask questions later kind of gal and basing my biggest career move to date on the success of a NEW perm concept definitely was a risk from outsiders looking in. Although so many laughed and teased about the idea and overall hatred for perms in general, I knew what clients have been begging for for years: hair freedom and hair that can air dry to perfection. Clients want to look great by doing less and have a look that is created for them. That was my quest; to solve this burning desire and I know that when we solve for clients actual needs instead of just telling them what they need, we capture hearts and change lives.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Traditional perms haven’t evolved much since the 80s and I decided it was time to do something about that. Working with a chemist and laboratory in Italy, we created an all vegan, sulfate surfactant and paraben-free line that leaves hair shiny and healthy with less mess, less stink and in less steps than perms from the past. I also created retail products that can be purchased directly through curlcult.com that support all-natural curls and textures as well as perms. I’m here to bring the perm back, but better than ever. It’s been a battle every step of the way: from getting a chemist to believe my vision of creating soft and healthy permanent texture, to securing backing and distributors, to simply taking a chance on my idea. Plus, I have fought hard for clients to trust me enough to do it and I will continue to do so. My goal is to help reshape the message we have around texture and curls, as well as the accessibility to offer it at every and all salons.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Downtown! We would start off with breakfast at Home Girl Cafe then head to Santee Alley for some shopping. I love getting fun going-out clothes and over the top accessories at the wholesale meet swap meet, classic. Lunch in Little Tokyo at the Shabu Shabu inside the Little Tokyo Plaza. Next we’d stop at Pop Killer for some cool vintage deadstock items. We’d then head to the Japanese American Museum to see what’s on display. Then dinner at Wurstküche in the Arts District nearby and finish with some bar hopping on that same street.
Day 2: HOLLYWOOD! Hike at the Griffith Observatory, breakfast tacos at Home State, check out WACKOS bookstore across the street as well as some thrifting at the Goodwill right there and Crossroads just down the street. Get my hair and nails done at HAIRROIN salon. We’ll do dinner at GWEN and I’m going straight for the champagne cocktail and charcuterie platter. Then we’d head over to the Roosevelt for a night of bowling in the SPAREROOM, which is a fabulous small vintage bowling alley.
Day 3: MALIBU! Heading straight to Paradise Cove for breakfast at Paradise Cafe then renting one of their private beach loungers for the day. Early dinner at Nobu on the way back and drinks at Bungalow in Santa Monica.
Day 4: Glendale/Pasadena! Breakfast at Portos, then head over to the Rose Bowl Swapmeet for a bit. Go to Huntington gardens for the rest of day and lunch in their Asian Tea Garden Cafe. Dinner at Lil Sheep Korean Bbq in Pasadena and a movie and drinks at the IPIC.
Day 5: Mid City! Breakfast at Cafe Gratitude, a trip to LACMA , shopping and lunch at the Grove and more shopping on Melrose. Lastly we’d have dinner at Crossroads.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Definitely my entire team who I couldn’t have launched Curl Cult without. Melissa Orr, who’s my business partner and then of course the rest of my core team including Elvira Cardenas, Lauren Knoche, and Linda Peña. These ladies do an incredible job keeping everything moving and I’m honored to have such a rockstar team of women that make this dream possible. I’d also like to give a shoutout to Donna Federici and Allison Rivera my life long mentors and friends who always have my back but give it to me straight.
Website: www.curlcult.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/curlcult
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/curl-cult/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Curl_Cult
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CurlCult
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6LYv7_pe0nTix7Ep1cOX2Q