About

Jackie Simmons – creative, hairstylist, Bloomington, Indiana.

Hi. Thanks for coming.

My name is Jackie Simmons. Pursuing my bachelor’s of fine arts at Indiana University in 2001 brought me from my tiny hometown of Shipshewana, Indiana, to Bloomington, where I remained like so many do. I then decided to follow my mother’s footsteps and earned my cosmetology license at the since-closed Hair Arts Academy. As is best practice in my field, I sought out an apprenticeship to learn the nuances of the trade. I shadowed every salon that could fit the bill, and one owner stood out to me.

Claire Pendlebury accepted me as her apprentice, and we couldn’t have been more different, which in turn meant she couldn’t have been more perfect for my young impressionable career. She was fast, commanding, and funny, where I was slow, subdued, and serious. I learned to become a hairstylist in the basement of 213 South Rogers, and for that, I am grateful.

That salon went through multiple owners, stylists, and locations but remained my home for the next 17 years. In that period, I dedicated my time to becoming the best stylist I could. I took every opportunity presented to me and every class I could walk, drive or fly to. Immersing myself in education ( you can access a non-exhaustive list of educators I’ve worked with here) eventually leads to becoming an educator myself and interviewing heavy hitters in my field through an online publication called The Hair Nerds. My talent lay not only in my innate artistic ability but my constant curiosity to understand the fiber of hair.

It’s that curiosity that keeps me in the industry 18 years later. Two years ago, I joined a new salon only a block from my first apprenticeship. Returning to my roots in this laid-back location has allowed me to execute the elements of hairdressing that are the hallmark of an experience with me.

• Guest Experience
• Meeting/Exceeding Expectations
• Consultative hair goals based on what’s suitable

I’m fortunate that I’ve amassed a community of clients that keep my schedule full, but I don’t want to close the opportunity of working with new guests. I utilize a cancellation list for all new client inquiries that you can access here.