Meet Jessica Montenegro | Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist

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

Hi Jessica, how do you think about risk?
I can honestly say I enjoy taking risks within my career and my life. I don’t think I’ve always been this way, but I’ve enjoyed the journey.. It’s not always easy but I find it to be very worth it.

I recently moved to Texas from California with no clientele and barely knowing anyone. Moving was a huge deal for me as I was leaving a whole life and clientele behind.

I find that if you’re not willing to take risks, you’re not willing to grow. I believe in challenging yourself every opportunity you get. Whether or not you like your outcome, I believe you can always see it as a growing/leading opportunity.

but because I took that risk, I now have a bigger clientele than ever and am booked out 12+ weeks with an active waitlist. Taking this risk, moving and starting over completely pushed me to work harder than ever. And for that, I’m forever grateful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think something that sets me apart from others is my intense drive, and caring personality.

I have a deep desire for love and connection with people and I think that really helps when I’m speaking to each client in my chair. I’m intentionally listening to them , caring about that they want / have to say as that’s how I would want to be treated.

I think something I’m most excited and proud of is I was chosen as one of the stylists within my company to participate in makeover day for the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders (for DCC making the team tv show)
It’s a show I’ve watched since I was a child and now getting to be apart of it is something beyond my wildest dream’s

I think I was able to get to where I am today professionally through my dedication and drive. My job and clients are extremely important to me and I take what I do very seriously. I truly love my job more and more each day and I enjoy going to work. So I think that’s something that has helped me throughout the years.

It was not always easy and I’ve learned many lessons along one.. and I think one of the most important things I learned was to be fully transparent and honest with every person who sits in my chair. I think it helps to set realistic expectations and really just helps our overall communication. I believe it helps to set the tone of the relationship going forward. With me, what you see is what you get.

I’ve made a lot of mistakes. but i don’t like to think of them as mistakes.. I like to think of them as learning opportunities or opportunities to grow. It’s never a win or lose situation.. I believe you either win or your learn. Keep your head up and try again.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite places to eat & drink Sixty Vines in Plano
J Theodore in Frisco
Lala Kind Cafe in Dallas
Katy trail ice house
George coffee and provisions in Coppell

Favorite places to hang:
Bishop arts district, Dallas TX
Downtown McKinney , TX
Uptown Dallas, Tx
Magnolia market in Waco, TX
BarnHill vineyards in Anna, TX

One of the most interesting places to hang out is:
Room 111 in downtown McKinney. It’s a speak easy that pops up only on the weekends, with a roaring 1920’s theme and prohibition inspired cocktails.

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 would say I would dedicate my shout out to my family.

I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them. They have always pushed me to pursue my dreams and taught me the value of a good work ethic.

I was always taught you don’t get anything you don’t earn and I fully believe that to this day.

Website: https://tangerinesalon.net/jessica-montenegro

Instagram: @By_JessBrown