MEET THE OWNER

Southern Roots, Blonde Ambitions: How Jess Brought Luxe Hair Color and Hospitality to St. Pete

In the sun-drenched city of St. Petersburg, Florida, there’s a salon that feels more like a warm Southern welcome than just another beauty appointment. At Balayage Blonde Salon, hospitality meets high-end color, and at the heart of it all is founder and lead stylist, Jess—a visionary, artist, and tastemaker with over 16 years behind the chair and a lifetime of passion for beauty.

Jess’s journey began in a small Southern town in northern Florida, where afternoons meant tagging along with her grandmother to the local beauty shop. That cozy, familiar space became a second home—a place of transformation, connection for women, and belonging. It wasn’t long before Jess found herself working in salons, eventually earning her license and launching a career that would take her far beyond the borders of her hometown.

With a deep-rooted love for color and a signature touch for blonding, Jess quickly made a name for herself in the industry. Her portfolio grew to include commercial styling for print, television, and red-carpet events. She’s styled and colored celebrity clients, country music artists, and TV personalities, with points in her career spent on location, traveling for shoots, shows, and glam sessions.

But despite the glamorous work and fast-paced schedule, Jess always knew she wanted something more personal—something lasting. Over 14 years ago, she planted her roots in St. Pete and began building a loyal local clientele, many of whom have been with her since day one. She brought with her not just an expert hand for hair, but a fresh perspective on what a salon experience should feel like: effortless, elegant, and above all, welcoming.

That vision came to life with Balayage Blonde Salon, a space dedicated to modern hair color, timeless beauty, and unmatched guest care. “I wanted to create a salon where women feel like they’ve walked into an old friend’s home,” Jess shares. “A place where they can relax, be themselves, and feel completely taken care of—from the first hello to the final reveal.”

Every detail of the salon—from the curated team of handpicked artists to the refined yet inviting design—is infused with Jess’s signature blend of Southern hospitality and elevated professionalism. Her team includes stylists from across the country, each chosen for their technical skills, passion, brand alignment and presence. “It’s not just about the hair,” Jess says. “It’s about how we make people feel while giving them their dream color.”

Balayage Blonde Salon has quickly become a pillar in the St. Pete beauty community, offering an elevated alternative to cookie-cutter experiences. Known for its personalized consultations, flawless blonding techniques, and genuine client relationships, the salon has earned a devoted following among women of all ages who want their hair color to enhance their natural beauty and last beyond the trends.

Jess is more than a salon owner—she’s a brand builder, a mentor, and a mother of two. She runs the salon full-time while raising her family, all while staying true to the mission that started it all: creating a space where women feel celebrated, seen, and confidently beautiful.

“I want this to be a place that lasts for decades,” Jess says. “Where generations of women come to relax, connect, and walk out feeling like the best version of themselves. Great hair, great conversations, and genuine care—that’s what we’re about.”

From small-town roots to big-time impact, Jess has turned a lifelong passion into a salon experience that’s redefining beauty in St. Pete—one flawless blonde at a time.