Meet Jennifer Karugapadam | Dry Cutting Master stylist and Scalp Specialist

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

Hi Jennifer, what role has risk played in your life or career?
My journey has been a dynamic balance between embracing risks and seeking stability to regroup. Before I became a hairstylist, I enjoyed a thriving career as a professional dancer—a world that required constant risk-taking. From weekly auditions to chasing opportunities with no guarantees, I leaned heavily on my talent and rigorous training. I relied on a confident mindset to navigate the unpredictable nature of the industry, balancing the highs and lows with resilience.

Similarly, my career in the hair industry has been marked by dedication and bold choices. Over the past 13 years, I’ve honed my craft with precision and passion. Attending the prestigious Aveda Institute laid the foundation, and the first eight years of my career were spent training under some of the nation’s most skilled hairstylists. These experiences gave me the confidence to take a leap of faith—starting my own salon and relocating my business from Los Angeles to Newport Beach.

At first, the idea seemed impossible. I had just welcomed a newborn, and the thought of moving my well-established clientele after 12 years in LA felt like an insurmountable risk. However, I had spent two years searching for an upscale yet accessible space to call home for my clients, and nothing in LA felt right. When the Newport Beach opportunity presented itself, I couldn’t ignore the nudge.

The move was challenging, no doubt. Starting fresh in a new city while balancing motherhood wasn’t easy. But looking back, it was the best decision I could have made for my salon True North 61, and my clients. Taking that risk not only transformed my business but also reignited my passion and creativity.

Faith has always been my compass, guiding me to trust my instincts and embrace the unknown. I’ve learned that while risk-taking can feel daunting, stagnation often carries an even greater risk. Each bold decision—whether in dance, hair, or life—has brought me closer to my purpose and allowed me to grow in ways I never imagined

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At True North 61 Salon, my work is a blend of art, precision, and storytelling. My approach to hair is deeply rooted in creating styles that are as unique as the individuals who sit in my chair. With thirteen years of experience as a stylist—and a previous career as a professional dancer—I’ve always been drawn to artistry that tells a story. Whether through movement or hair, I’ve learned how to use my craft to empower others and bring their visions to life.

What sets me apart is my focus on customization. I specialize in what I coined as Bespoke Haircuts—tailored styles that take into account every detail of my client’s face shape, hair texture, density, lifestyle, and goals. To me, a haircut is more than just a style; it’s like designing a custom Tom Ford suit or an iconic gown by a beloved designer. It’s about curating something that fits perfectly, feels effortless, and enhances the wearer’s natural beauty.

One of the pivotal experiences in my career was being a part of the team at Spoke and Weal their mentorship gave me a solid foundation in precision cutting and elevated my craft. The skills and knowledge I gained there remain a cornerstone of the stylist I am today, and I’m forever grateful for that experience.

Transitioning from a professional dance career to hairstyling was not without its challenges, but it was a decision I embraced wholeheartedly. I’ve always believed in approaching everything with excellence, which meant seeking out the best training and immersing myself in the art of hair. Over the years, I’ve worked with luxury brands like Carolina Herrera, Donna Karan, and Vogue during VogueFashion Week as well as many more, which gave me an incredible understanding of fashion-forward hairstyling and attention to detail.

The lessons I’ve learned throughout my journey have shaped both my craft and my philosophy. One of the most important is the power of authenticity. Staying true to my vision and values has been my guiding light. I’m deeply committed to offering my clients more than just a haircut—I provide them with a partnership. I help them achieve their #HairGoals with a plan of action that includes proper care, a clean product regimen, and education on why scalp health matters.

I’m also incredibly proud of the holistic approach I bring to haircare. I believe in using products that are not only effective but also safe for our health and the environment. That’s why I’ve fallen in love with the Arete line, which meets the highest European standards for clean beauty. I’m passionate about educating my clients on the importance of what we put on our scalps and how it affects not just our hair but our overall well-being.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that True North 61 isn’t just a salon—it’s a space where art meets intention. It’s a place where stories are told through hair, confidence is built, and my clients’ natural beauty is celebrated. I’m proud of the journey that’s brought me here, and I’m excited for what’s to come as I continue to create, grow, and inspire through the art of hair.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friends were visiting, I’d make sure they experienced the perfect mix of adventure, great food, and iconic LA charm. Here’s how I’d plan an unforgettable week:

Day 1: Embracing the Great Outdoors
We’d kick things off with a hike in Topanga Canyon. The lush, scenic trails offer a peaceful escape from the city buzz. Another must-do is the hike to the infamous Wisdom Tree behind the Hollywood Sign. The view from the top, overlooking the sprawling cityscape, is absolutely breathtaking—a true LA moment.

Day 2: Rooftop Dining with a View
When it comes to food and ambiance, LA never disappoints. I’d take them to two of my favorite rooftop spots. The Perch, with its lush greenery and Parisian vibe, is perfect for brunch or cocktails, while 71Above offers unparalleled, sweeping views of the city from its stunning downtown location. Both places truly capture the magic of LA dining.

Day 3: A Taste of Italy in Beverly Hills
For dinner, we’d head to Il Cielo in Beverly Hills. From its romantic, beautifully lit outdoor patio to the authentic Italian cuisine, dining here feels like a trip to Italy. It’s one of those spots that’s as much about the atmosphere as the food—a full sensory experience.

Day 4: Escaping to Malibu
To get away from the city hustle, we’d escape to Malibu Wines for a relaxed afternoon of wine tasting and stunning coastal views. There’s something so refreshing about the vibe there—it feels like you’ve been transported to a completely different world.

Day 5: Beach and Boardwalk Vibes
No trip to LA is complete without some beach time. We’d spend a day in Venice, exploring the quirky boardwalk, boutique shops, and iconic canals. Then, head to Santa Monica Pier for sunset—an ideal way to wind down.

Day 6: Arts and Culture
For a bit of culture, we’d visit The Getty or LACMA for an afternoon immersed in art and history. Both offer stunning architecture and exhibits.

Day 7: Downtown Delights
We’d wrap up the trip with a food tour in Downtown LA, visiting Grand Central Market for its vibrant food scene and ending the night at a speakeasy-like The Varnish for cocktails.

This itinerary reflects everything I love about LA: its natural beauty, incredible food, artistic energy, and the ability to feel like you’re traveling the world without ever leaving the city.

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?

I’m so grateful for the incredible people and experiences that have shaped my journey. First and foremost, I want to shout out to my husband, Rahul. His unwavering support, love, and belief in me—especially during those pivotal moments when I’ve had to take risks—have been my anchor. From starting my True North 61 salon to balancing the demands of being a mom and entrepreneur, he’s been my greatest cheerleader.

I also owe so much to the early mentors and teams that shaped my career, especially the team at Spoke & Weal. I had the honor and privilege of being one of the founding five members of Spoke & Weal Los Angeles. The team took a risk on me when I was starting out, and they gave me a launching pad to grow into the cutting stylist I am today. Their trust and belief in my potential meant the world to me, and the experience I gained there has been invaluable.

My faith has also played a significant role in my story. It’s been my source of strength, helping me trust in timing and lean into opportunities that felt right—even when they came with uncertainty.

I want to give a special thank-you to Crystal Virgen at Social Mag Agency. She has been a great force behind me, helping bring my brand and vision to life. With her expertise and guidance, I feel more confident than ever about the future, and I know that the best is yet to come.

To my close friends and family who have stood by my side and championed me through every season—you know who you are—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in me have meant more than words can express

Finally, a huge thank-you to my clients, both in Los Angeles and Newport Beach. You have trusted me with your hair and stories, and yourloyalty has been the foundation of my career. Their encouragement has fueled me to grow, take risks, and create a space like True North 61 that feels like home.

Every chapter of my journey has been enriched by these incredible people and experiences, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

Website: https://www.truenorth61.com

Instagram: @truenorth61salon

Facebook: Jennifer Karugapadam

Yelp: True North 61

Youtube: True North 61

Image Credits

Black and white Bride in the picture is Chelsey Rose @chelseyrosehealth
Model: Lucy Amscej : @lucyamszej
Photographer for Photo #7: Blair Going @blairegoing