Amanda Hodgson and Jaime Horbul started thinking about how they would run their own business if they were in charge years ago. What was then a hypothetical is now a reality.
Both former stylists and members of the leadership team at a bustling downtown studio and spa for years, they have gone out on their own to create a different kind of hair studio experience. The space at 5487 Inglis Street is small, has just two very comfortably large barber chairs and lots of feminine style. It even has a lazy boy sink where clients can recline, take a load off and sometimes even grab a nap.
It’s like stepping out of the city into a secret oasis—which was exactly what the co-owners were hoping for. “It’s so much calmer for the client. The vibe is so different from a big studio and people like that it’s not so loud and chaotic,” says Horbul. “I feel like we can take care of them and pamper them a little bit more.”
Hodgson agrees. “It’s so serene and relaxing; it feels like you’re coming home to get your hair done.”
How the studio came to be theirs seems like kismet. Horbul saw the space become available in December and decided that if it was still available after the Holiday break, it was meant to be. She told Hodgson about it when January rolled around as they carpooled to work and they decided to call right away to see if it was still on the market. It was, and JAM—a combination of Jaime and Amanda—just took off.
It’s a model Hodgson and Horbul are hoping to inspire more of.
Hair and beauty remains a very male-dominated industry—go figure—which makes breaking off on their own to create a spa owned solely by women so important in paving the way for other experienced stylists.
“It can be frustrating because it is still so male-dominated at the top, so making a difference as a woman can be hard in this industry,” said Hodgson. “Jaime and I are very determined to make a difference and get more involved in the association and break some barriers in terms of how women are treated in our industry. It is actually female-dominated, but it doesn’t come across that way.”
Like most industries, it’s predominantly women on the frontlines doing the work, while men run the business and make the management decisions. This doesn’t sit well with Hodgson or Horbul. Even in educator roles, they were not getting certain jobs because of their gender.
‘There are a lot of people across North America that are trying to improve the industry for women, like Instagram and TikTok groups that are trying to make a difference and break the glass ceiling in this industry,” said Hodgson. “And we received an incredible amount of support from the people at Goldwell hair products in getting us up and running.”
JAM opened in the beginning of March and business has been booming. The location is off the beaten path, with ample parking and lots of passing by dogs to wave at. The duo say the neighbourhood has welcomed them with open arms and lots of helping hands.
Most of their former clientele made the move with them—and then some. People were coming in for appointments before the sign was even on the door.
One of those is Carol Losee—who drives two hours each month for her monthly haircut with Hodgson. She has been a client for years at Spirit Spa and is so excited to see the women become their own bosses. She is loving the new JAM experience “It’s a lot calmer here, easier to park and there is so much other stimuli and news and chaos in a larger studio and this is just so serene.”
Book an appointment at JAM Hair Studio HERE.
