Ep.105 What It Takes To Be The Best In Your Industry with Jen Atkin
Sep 16, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, Jen Atkin, founder of OUAI and a leading hairstylist, shares her inspiring journey from moving to LA with just $300 to revolutionizing the beauty industry. She discusses the pivotal role of Instagram in transforming personal brands into successful businesses. Jen reflects on the challenges of building a brand, the importance of mentorship, and navigating the social media landscape while maintaining mental health. Her insights offer valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and beauty enthusiasts alike.
Jen Atkin's journey from humble beginnings to industry leader exemplifies the power of determination and hard work in achieving success.
Her creation of OUAI highlights the importance of listening to customer feedback and leveraging industry connections for brand growth.
Atkin emphasizes the necessity of self-care and boundaries to maintain personal well-being amidst the demands of entrepreneurship.
Deep dives
Jen Akin's Early Journey and Inspirations
Jen Akin, an influential hairstylist and founder of Way, started her career with humble beginnings. Moving to LA with just $300, she was inspired by transformational makeover scenes in pop culture and was driven by a dream to enter the beauty industry. Throughout her formative years, she faced the challenge of not seeing female role models in hairstyling, which fueled her determination to pave her own path. Jen’s early experiences, including conversations with celebrities, solidified her passion for beauty and set the stage for her remarkable career.
The Importance of Hard Work and Attitude
Akin's success is rooted in her strong work ethic and positive attitude, cultivated during her years as an assistant in prominent salons. She emphasized the importance of showing gratitude, never complaining, and being the first to arrive and the last to leave at work. This dedication allowed her to learn from industry leaders and build essential skills while developing a reputation for reliability. Her focus on customer service and genuine care for her clients helped her establish crucial connections in the celebrity sphere.
Building Way: The Launch of a Brand
The creation of Way, Akin's haircare brand, stemmed from her desire to offer high-quality, aesthetically pleasing products that resonate with consumers. Drawing upon her extensive experience in the beauty industry and insights from her social media following, she aimed to fill gaps she identified in existing products. Akin's approach involved listening to customer feedback while leveraging her celebrity connections for brand visibility. The successful launch of Way can be attributed to her strategic planning, customer engagement, and unwavering passion for the beauty sector.
Navigating Challenges in Business
Throughout her career, Akin faced numerous challenges, including setbacks with product launches and brand growth. She learned that adaptability is crucial and highlighted the importance of being able to pivot and respond to market feedback. Akin also acknowledged her willingness to embrace failures, viewing them as opportunities for growth and improvement. By fostering a culture of transparency with her customers, she maintained a strong relationship based on trust and accountability, ultimately enhancing her brand's reputation.
Work-Life Balance and Personal Growth
Balancing her successful career, family life, and personal well-being became essential for Akin as she expanded her responsibilities. She recognized the significance of self-care, meditation, and managing expectations to reduce anxiety and overwhelm. Akin's commitment to maintaining boundaries around work hours was integral in helping her stay grounded amidst the demands of entrepreneurship. By focusing on gratitude and personal reflection, she found a healthier perspective on success and fulfillment in both her professional and personal life.
Dream guest klaxon!! This week on Working Hard, Hardly Working, I’m speaking to the incredible Jen Atkin, the founder of OUAI and one of the world’s most influential hairstylists. She started out as a young stylist who moved to LA with $300 dollars in her pocket, and has since transformed the hair and beauty industry with her innovative approach and celebrity clientele. From styling stars like Chrissy Teigen & The Kardashians to building OUAI, a beloved haircare brand with a huge focus on incredible product, Jen’s journey is a masterclass in how to get to the top of an industry, and create true, long-lasting success. Whether you're a beauty enthusiast, aspiring entrepreneur, or just love a good success story, this episode is for you!
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