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Story & Lesson Highlights with Jess Gonzalez of North central Austin

Jess Gonzalez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Jess, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of work that brings me joy is my relationship with God and being active in my community. Both keep me grounded, give me purpose, and remind me to serve others with love and gratitude.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jess Gonzalez, and I’m a salon suite owner and hairstylist who’s passionate about helping people look and feel their best. My brand is all about confidence, authenticity, and self-expression — creating a space where clients feel beautiful, seen, and empowered. What makes my work special is the personal connection I build with every person who sits in my chair. It’s more than just hair; it’s about transformation, inside and out.

Right now, I’m focused on growing my brand, expanding my reach in the beauty industry, and giving back to my community. I want to inspire others to chase their dreams, stay true to their purpose, and know that faith and hard work can take you anywhere.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Bonds between people can break when trust is lost or when people stop listening to each other. What restores them is openness — the willingness to communicate, forgive, and grow. Real connection takes effort, but it’s always worth rebuilding when it’s rooted in love and respect.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there have definitely been times I wanted to give up — moments when things felt heavy, and I questioned if I was on the right path. But through prayer, faith, and reminding myself why I started, I found the strength to keep going. Every challenge has taught me resilience and shown me that God’s timing is always perfect, even when I can’t see it in the moment.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is real, but it’s just a piece of the whole picture. What people see is the confident, driven side of me — the part that shows up and gets things done. But behind that is also a woman who’s still growing, learning, and leaning on God through every season. Both sides are me — just different layers of the same person.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think some people might misunderstand my legacy as just being about beauty or business. But it’s much deeper than that. My legacy isn’t just about what I did — it’s about how I made people feel. I want to be remembered for the way I poured into others, uplifted my community, and showed that faith and perseverance can turn struggle into strength.

Contact Info:

  • Instagram: @hairplaystudiollc @thepixiejess

Image Credits
Jessica Gonzalez

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