Meet Jessica Kim Eldredge | Hair Stylist and Floral Design

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

Hi Jessica Kim, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Integrity and kindness.

My name in Korean is Hyunji. Hyun(현) Ji(지) means to be a benevolent person who helps the world with integrity. I feel like that’s pretty much my core value/ principle. Of course, I’m only human so there’s days where I just can’t be bothered by people or certain situations but I always try to remember that I’m not the only one going through something at the moment. A little bit of putting myself in someone else’s shoes goes a long way in saving me a lot of mental stress.

Another value I’m pretty big on is gratitude. A good friend of mine once asked me what the point of being grateful was if we never expressed gratitude. I really had to think about that. People by default are so quick to complain about others and their circumstances and I just wanted to break that habit by acknowledging the people/things in my life that I’m thankful for.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I actually have two professions, hair and florals.

Hair will always be my first love and I’ve done it the longest. My style is finding a look that blurs the line between classic and creative, modern hairstyles. I want a client sitting in my chair to leave the salon feeling like they have a trendy, up-to-date style that is also natural and easy to maintain. It’s always a challenge because that means I need to really listen to what my client is asking for during our consultation. Most of my work may look classic but I’m constantly thinking about how I can approach the haircut or color in a different way for the client to wear it more comfortably.

I started florals as a way to self care after the pandemic. As my clientele continues to grow, I want people to look at what I’ve designed and feel the same joy flowers give me. I want florals to be a therapeutic element for people as it is for me.

I get a lot of ‘You’re so lucky you get to do what you love as your job’ and I am. It isn’t easy though. It was challenging in the beginning because taking risks and putting myself out there isn’t in my nature naturally. I had to really work for it to maintain get to where I am in my career. A lot of extra hours put in without days off and the rockiness of not being financially stable was definitely a challenge. It still is difficult at times. I think I just wake up every day thanking God I have another day to try my best. I believe hard work pays off as cliche as that sounds.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m honestly a simple girl. Good food and good coffee.
I’d probably just drive people around taking them to do food crawls.
Two areas I’d definitely take people to is the 626 Arcadia/ San Gabriel area and Koreatown.
626 has all the good Vietnamese, Chinese, and boba spots. For a foodie like me, I can’t resist.
I also love Korean food so Koreatown is a must. I’m always trying to introduce my non Korean friends to new Korean dishes.

Oh, and also tacos.
Just a whole day dedicated to tacos.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Where do I begin?

My mom for sure. Always has been my number one support system. I wouldn’t have gotten into hair if it wasn’t for her recognizing that I would love it even before I had it in my radar.

I credit a lot of my work ethic and style to my mentor Tom Brophy. He really expanded my knowledge of Sassoon techniques which gave me the structure I needed to curate my craft.
Emma Seitz or Leta Verbena, who is my floral mentor is also just the best.

My childhood friends and church friends have been a big pillar of support and encouragement.

Most importantly, God. I couldn’t do anything without the Big J.

Instagram: @jke.studio.hair

Other: Instagram floral account @hyangki.florals

Image Credits
Sunmin Park Rachel Artime