Today we’d like to introduce you to Jami Gust.
Hi Jami, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I actually grew up around the fashion and beauty world from a really young age. I was in pageants as a child, and my aunt was a model with Kim Dawson Agency back in the 80s, so I was constantly around photoshoots, styling, and that whole creative environment.
But even though I was surrounded by it, I realized pretty quickly that I didn’t love being in front of the camera. That just wasn’t where I felt most like myself. What I *did* love was being behind the scenes—watching the transformations, seeing how hair and makeup could completely change how someone felt. I became really drawn to the idea of helping other people feel beautiful and confident.
That’s what led me into the beauty industry. Over time, that passion grew into building **Gypsy Rose Salon**, where I’ve created a space centered around not just great hair, but confidence, education, and community. We specialize in things like curly hair, blonding, extensions, transformative, and vivids services, but what really sets us apart is the experience and the culture we’ve built for both our clients and our team.
The journey hasn’t always been easy—there have definitely been challenges along the way—but those moments helped shape me as both a business owner and a leader. They pushed me to think bigger, expand into education, and started developing new ventures like our extension line and boutique.
At the end of the day, everything I do goes back to that little girl who realized she didn’t want the spotlight on herself—she wanted to create it for others. And that’s still what drives me today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. My journey has had some really difficult seasons that have shaped both who I am and how I run my business today.
One of the most defining moments in my life was losing my dad. That kind of loss changes you. It forced me to slow down and really reflect on what I was building—not just as a business, but as a life. It gave me a deeper sense of purpose and made me more intentional about the impact I want to have on the people around me.
On top of that, I’ve faced my own health challenges. Trying to navigate that while still showing up for my team, my clients, and my business was incredibly hard at times. It taught me how to let go of control, trust the people around me, and start building something that didn’t rely solely on me to function.
And then COVID hit—which was another major turning point. Like so many in the beauty industry, we were forced to shut down, pivot, and completely rethink how we operated. It was a time filled with uncertainty, financial stress, and a lot of unknowns. But it also pushed me to get creative, to strengthen my leadership, and to really lean into my team and my community. We came out of that season stronger, more connected, and with a clearer vision of who we are as a brand.
All of those experiences—loss, health struggles, and navigating a global shutdown—taught me resilience. They shaped the culture inside my salon. I lead with more empathy now. I value balance more. And I’ve built a business that’s not just about growth, but about sustainability, support, and real connection.
Those challenges didn’t break me—they refined me. And they’re a big part of why I lead the way I do today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My professional journey has really been a blend of creativity, leadership, and building something bigger than just myself. I started in the beauty industry with a passion for helping people feel confident, but over time that evolved into a desire to create a space where both clients and stylists could truly thrive.
That vision became **Gypsy Rose Salon**, a name inspired by Gypsy Rose Lee. I’ve always been drawn to her confidence, individuality, and the way she owned her presence—and that energy really reflects what I wanted the salon to feel like: empowering, expressive, and unapologetically unique.
From the beginning, I was intentional about creating more than just a salon—I wanted an environment centered around education, growth, and community. We’ve built a team that specializes in curly hair, blonding, extensions, and transformative services, but what I’m most proud of is the culture. We focus heavily on developing our team, creating opportunities for them to grow, and helping them build sustainable, fulfilling careers.
As I’ve grown in my career, I’ve stepped more into an educator and mentor role. I love helping other stylists elevate their consultations, build confidence behind the chair, and use social media to attract the clients they truly want. That’s led me into creating courses and expanding into education as another arm of my business.
I’m also continuing to grow the brand through new ventures, including the launch our own hair extension line and building out a boutique experience inside the salon. For me, it’s about creating a full experience and multiple streams of income while staying true to our identity and placing team members in growth and ownership positions.
At this stage, I really see myself not just as a stylist or salon owner, but as a business builder and mentor. Everything I’m creating is rooted in helping others feel confident—whether that’s a client in my chair or a stylist building their own dream career.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
This is a great question—and honestly, mentorship and networking have played a huge role in my growth, but maybe not in the traditional way people think.
For me, the biggest shift was realizing that mentors don’t always come in one perfect package. I’ve learned to take pieces from different people—whether it’s someone who’s amazing at business, someone who excels in education, or someone who has built a strong culture. Instead of waiting for one person to guide everything, I’ve built my own “board of mentors” by learning from multiple sources.
What’s worked really well for me is putting myself in the right rooms. That’s meant investing in education, attending classes, connecting with other salon owners, and not being afraid to introduce myself or ask questions. Some of the best opportunities have come simply from being present and open.
I also believe networking works best when it’s genuine. It’s not about what you can get—it’s about building real relationships. I’ve focused on supporting others, celebrating their wins, and creating community, and that always comes back around in the best way.
Another big piece is social media. It’s been such a powerful tool for connecting with people outside of my immediate area. I’ve built relationships, learned from educators, and even created opportunities just by showing up consistently and sharing what I’m doing.
And honestly, don’t be afraid to reach out. So many people are more open than you think. Some of the connections that have impacted me the most started with a simple message or conversation.
At the end of the day, I’d say: stay curious, stay humble, and be willing to invest in yourself. The right mentors and connections tend to show up when you’re actively growing and putting yourself out there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gypsyrosesalon.net
- Instagram: gypsyrose.salon
Image Credits
Lacey Carroway
