Meet Jalie Palko | Hairstylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jalie Palko and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jalie, why did you pursue a creative career?
I choose to pursue a creative career because I felt like I had so much to offer! I originally planned on pursuing physical therapy but after taking a year of classes I couldn’t imagine doing that for the rest of my life. I decided to drop out of college and take the risk of going to cosmetology. Which I can fully say was the best decision I have ever made! Pursuing a cosmetology license has given me the opportunity to be the most creative I have ever been! I get to be creative with hair, makeup, photo shoots & my social media accounts that I use to promote myself! When I was in cosmetology school I entered the American Beauty Show contest in Chicago and I ended up placing 2nd in the student category! Not only do I get to be creative in this industry I get to make and impact on women everyday! Sharing my knowledge with them and uplifting and encouraging them in every way I can!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being a hairstylist you become so so much more than just that! You create such a bond with your clients they almost turn into friends! You go through everything with them! You get to hear about their date they went on and then next thing you know they are getting engaged and you’re doing their hair for their wedding! It is such an amazing career to have! We become our client’s therapist, their hype women, photographer etc. we get to be so much in this career and the opportunities are endless! Some of my relationships I have made with my clients are the most cherished thing to me!

When I decided to drop out of college and pursue cosmetology I got a lot of “oh why would you do that” and “you know hairstylist don’t make a lot of money” after my first year behind the chair licensed those statements were taken right back! I became so successful so quickly because I wanted to prove anyone and anybody wrong that doubted me! I believed that I could make this work and become very successful and I did just that! Don’t get me wrong it wasn’t easy and it was hard but I worked hard at it every day getting a little bit better every single day! My biggest piece of advice is never doubt yourself and don’t let other’s opinions sway what you want because it’s your life. If I continued with my original career path I absolutely know I would have not been happy and would have been looking for the next opportunity!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love exploring new places and supporting small businesses! We would definitely have to spend a day just at the historical Medina square! I would take them to visit small businesses heaven at The Common Grounds in Medina! It’s filled with over 50 small businesses from boutiques, artists, coffee shops etc.! One of my favorite things to do is take my pup on walks so we would definitely have to explore some of my favorite parks in Medina County! I would find some kind of concert or comedy show in Downtown Cleveland so we could explore the city! We would have the best week trying out all the things!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The list is never ending on who I can shoutout my success to! My family and friends for continually supporting me through school and now! My amazing team and leadership group at my salon for mentoring me into the stylist I am today! So much goes to them for believing in me always and pushing me to be the best. Always believing that my crazy dreams and aspirations are always achievable! Most importantly so much of success and support goes to my clients! Without them I couldn’t be doing my career! They show up for me like I show up for them! Always supporting me, letting me try new trends and techniques on them and sending their family and friends to me! So much of my career goes to many and I wish I could name them all and what each and everyone has done for me along this journey!

Instagram: @jaliep_hair