MENU
SEARCHAlyson Reck wanted a salon that understands her family is a priority and she found that at The Salon By InStyle.
Alyson Reck worked first at a “super high end” salon and then at a budget salon and neither felt right. After starting her family, she discovered The Salon by InStyle and found the perfect fit.
Immediately after beauty school, Alyson Reck (@alyreckxo) took a job at a super high-end salon. “It was beautiful,” she remembers. “One of those places where they serve you champagne.” But in her heart, Alyson knew it wasn’t the right place for her. Next, she went to work at a salon that catered to walk-ins with limited service options. “That wasn’t right either,” she remembers. Then she got pregnant and her career was put on hold.
I’ll ALWAYS BE A MOM FIRST
A few years later, after taking a break to start her family, Alyson was ready to get back to work. But with two young kids, she needed flexibility and support from her salon. She found it at The Salon by InStyle inside JCPenney in Maumee, OH, where she is a Senior Designer. “I’m a mom first,” she says, “and they care about my family. If I need a day off for my son’s birthday my managers say, ‘It’s cool. You’re covered. Have an awesome time.’”
ON THE CUTTING EDGE
Yet as a serious-minded and ambitious stylist, Alyson is also looking for professional support. Again, she found it at The Salon by InStyle where training is ongoing. Stylists learn the latest techniques and brush up on fundamental skills in readily-available, free classes. “They’re really good at making sure you’ve mastered the basics, as well as helping us keep up with the newest trends,” she says. “That’s important because it’s your business to make sure you can provide your clients with the latest styles.”
BEST OF ALL THE WORLDS
At the Salon by InStyle Alyson also found a perfect business model for her life and her goals. “I always thought I wanted to be a booth renter, do my own thing,” she explains. “At the Salon by InStyle, you have the benefits of being a booth renter, only better. Once I hit the Master Designer level, I can control my hours. I can go home to my kids at 3 o’clock or come in late to help a client. It’s truly a wonderful program.”
CORPORATE PERKS
There are many other perks associated with working for a company like JCPenney, like paid time off, insurance and a 401k. As a young mom, Alyson especially values the store discount. “It helps so much!” she says. “Kids’ clothes are expensive and my kids are growing so fast! And as a stylist, you have to make sure your clothes are in fashion. That’s another advantage to our discount.”
WHY I BELONG @THE SALON BY INSTYLE
“I have a whole corporation behind me! The girls in the front of the store send their customers, the advertising is awesome. JCPenney supports us. I started with very few clients and in a very short time, I was promoted to Senior Designer. Now my goal is Master and I know it’s possible. I will never be done growing!”
Learn more about the people and opportunities at The Salon by InStyle.
Visit jobs.jcp.com and check out @salonbyinstyle on Instagram.
More Salon by InStyle associates share their #IBELONGinbeauty stories:
Able to create a shag with gorgeous texture on anyone, Stephanie Carrillo has found her calling within the beauty industry. Now she teaches shag cutting techniques herself, inspiring countless other stylists to fall in love with creating the popular look.
When you think of Stephanie Geib, think bold color. Think beautiful dimension. Think...your hairstylist best friend. As a 2017 Honoree of the MODERN SALON 100, Geib is the perfect example of being a positive force in the beauty industry, advising that being kind to others and sharing your knowledge is the real success.
Hannah Mejia believes lasting success comes from mastering your craft, embracing lifelong education and trusting that the career you dream about is within reach. A stylist, educator and content creator, Mejia has spent 15 years building a business rooted in creativity, communication and continuous growth.
Katy Samuels has spent 14 years proving that creativity thrives when you stop searching for the "right" way and start trusting your own instincts. Known for her creative color work and signature Headband Prism technique, Samuels encourages beauty professionals to embrace mistakes, refine their craft and develop a style that's uniquely their own.
Erin Munoz has spent 17 years building a thriving business behind the chair while proving that success doesn't have to come at the expense of life outside the salon. A color specialist, content creator and salon owner, Munoz believes beauty professionals should treat their careers like businesses, embrace change and make room for both financial growth and personal fulfillment.
North Carolina-based hairstylist Tyler Plemmons wants you to know one thing: Positivity and perseverance will get you everywhere. This MODERN SALON Artist Connective Member and 2018 MODERN SALON 100 Honoree is known for beautiful balayage, gorgeous vivids, and soft pastel hair color.
For Angelica Tanta, success has always come down to one thing: practice. Originally from Romania, Tanta credits an online mentor from Ukraine—despite never meeting in person and communicating through Google Translate—with inspiring her to perfect her bridal artistry through relentless repetition.
Angela Orozco believes long-term success in the beauty industry is built on trust, consistency and genuine human connection. A stylist at The Nest Salon in Brea, California, Orozco has spent 14 years cultivating a reputation for dimensional brunettes, precision haircutting and authentic relationships that have fueled her career.
Erin Mills believes beauty professionals deserve more than a successful career. A hairstylist turned multi-salon owner, Mills has spent 17 years growing her business while helping her team create lasting impact.
For Mish Jolie (@meltedbymish), success isn't measured by how busy you are, it's measured by how fulfilled you feel. The Connecticut-based stylist, educator and MODERN SALON 100 honoree has built a career around balayage, lived-in brunettes and razor cutting.
Amanda Harsche has built her career on two simple beliefs: never stop learning and never stop connecting.
Whether it's social media, fashion, film, art, or culture, Chaz Dean advises stylists to stay aware of what's inspiring people. Take the elements that make sense for you in these five lessons learned through a life in beauty.
For Jessica Domoney, building a successful career isn't about saying yes to every opportunity, it's about protecting your time, investing in yourself and creating an experience clients won't forget.
Transformation artist Melissa Dawn has spent more than two decades building a career that's equal parts creativity and business strategy. Dawn is known for dramatic transformations, creative color and a philosophy that encourages beauty professionals to keep learning, set healthy boundaries and define success on their own terms.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked artists what made them niche down and select a specialty. Amelia Fugitt (@ameliahairmakeup) says choosing to focus on transformations has transformed her career.
In this content series, we're focusing on artists who found a niche that really speaks to them and work for their career. Henry "Tribes" Amoloja (@theweightedcape), is based in Dallas, TX, and practices sensory-friendly barbering.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked artists what made them niche down and choose a specialty. Texas-based artist Kimberly Michelle has always loved focusing on healthy hair and scalp, and headspa rituals was a natural evolution.
