Meet Jessie Santiago | Salon Owner/ Hairstylist/ Artist

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

Hi Jessie, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
After two decades of being a hairstylist on the autism spectrum, masking became nearly impossible for me anymore. I worked in dozens of hair salons in states all around the country. I always hoped to find my salon home but all I ended up finding was toxic work environments that encouraged unhealthy habits, little to no practice of ethical touch, gossip, and cliques. I found myself becoming more and more mentally and physically ill. I knew I couldn’t go on much longer. But, it is all I had ever done and all I thought I was capable of. Without a college degree and after barely graduating high school, I was convinced that I would end up unable to support myself.

I met my partner shortly after and gave him a haircut. Being transgender, he’d never felt comfortable getting his hair cut professionally. He was so blown away by the experience and pitched an idea. What about a hair salon with a focus on the LGBTQIA+ community. I wasn’t convinced because I had challenging feelings about my sexuality and didn’t feel like I was capable of holding space for a whole community. My thoughts were that I needed to be at peace with my own identity, especially concerning my mental health, before I could do anything further with my career. His encouraging words forever changed my life. He said, if that remains the truth for the queer community, our youth will never have the representation they/we desperately need.

I began to think to myself, if my best isn’t good enough for everyone, can it be at least good enough for me? I’m the kind of person who lives with integrity above all. My moral compass and my truth are what guide me. That truth challenges people and sure, I have some “haters” but ultimately, I can only be me and continue to find ways to become a better version of myself. I opened my hair salon to help people like me, the ones who may need a little extra care around being touched by strangers. You know, the queer weirdos who are often misunderstood. Those are my people. I want to attract people who want to talk about subjects with substance, people who want to be challenged, people who aren’t scared to deepen their knowledge and understanding of themselves. Essentially, I want a place where people can come as they are and leave a better version of themselves. If folks can’t hang with who we are/ WHO I AM, find another place to be. Creative careers allow you to infuse your authenticity and your belief system with art or trades in hopes you can financially support yourself by doing what you love. I hope other queer people, especially queer women of color, read this and know, that you can do this. Find your values, live by them and open a company that represents your uniqueness. It’s not going to be easy but, you’re brave, you’re strong, and you ARE capable of being happy in this life. Queer happiness is revolutionary!! Let’s show them how it’s done.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I want people to know that opening a business isn’t for the faint of heart. We always hear the “rags to riches” story but we never get to hear about the emotional toll of the process. There are going to be people that think they can do it better than you. There are going to be people who break your heart wide open. You may lose yourself and find yourself again a number of times. It’s vulnerable, uncomfortable and sometimes it feels impossible to continue on. Focus on the people who believe in your mission and want to rise with you. Be willing to let people go you once thought were your friends or allies. Trust yourself. Trust your gut. When you fall (because you will) cry, laugh, yell; do whatever you need to do. Feel your feelings and don’t be ashamed. You’re a human who is changing the world. Know, you will piss some people off- deal with it. Learn to self investigate and forgive. Trust me, you’ll have to do that a million times over. Use your voice. Know your city council people and your local politicians. Above all- TAKE CARE. I mean it. Only do what no one else can do in your company. If someone else can do it, delegate it. You must preserve your health at all costs. If your business is the death of you… (mind, body, soul) You have missed the point. Remember, find your personal values and use that as your North star. Finally, bring people with you. This is NOT a solo journey. Lift up as many people as you can along the way. Do it for your soul, not your ego. Do it because it’s the right thing to do. The more we have, the more we ALL have. Love yourself, love each other.

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.
Bixby knolls, Wrigley, 4th street, Portfolio coffee, Queen Mary

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Leadership long beach and Sean Devereaux to be specific. Sean has been a friend, mentor and advisor to me. In the short time we’ve known each other, he has allowed me to unapologetically feel my feelings about being a marginalized entrepreneur, while guiding me, challenging me and affirming my dreams and goals. I was invited by Sean to apply to an amazing program for leaders in the Long beach community. I never would have thought of myself as a valuable leader if it weren’t for him. He sees something in me that sometimes I cant see in myself and reminds me every time he has a chance. Everyone should have someone like Sean in their corner. I am blessed to know him. Of course, my partners. I couldn’t have done any of this without their support. I love you forever and always.

Website: Salonbenders.com

Instagram: salonbenders

Yelp: salonbenders