Life as a hairdresser is no walk in the park. Amid the glitz and glamour of the hair industry, Jacqueline Chang reveals that, while her days can be long, she perseveres.
“People used to tell me that to do something I love, I must first make money from something I don’t love. But my husband and I believe that we can thrive better when we love what we do, and that’s exactly what we’re doing now,” said the 46-year-old.
With over two decades as a professional hair stylist in the hair industry, Chang furthered her studies by earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Hertfordshire. Although she took a different route, she felt happier to be able to pursue what she is most passionate about.
Today, Chang is an award-winning hairdresser and a mother of two daughters. In an interview with Sarawak Tribune, she shares the ups and downs of her life as a hairdresser.
Q: How long have you been a hair stylist?
A: I have been a hair stylist for more than 25 years. Including the years I spent as a part-time assistant in a hair salon during my secondary school, I also worked at salons in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore while pursuing my studies. When I was in the UK taking a course with Toni and Guy, I would cut my friends’ hair for eight pounds! At that time, it was a lot of money — and I saved up to open a salon in Kuching with my now-husband at Jalan Keretapi.
Why did you decide to become a hairdresser?
I worked part-time in a hair salon during my early secondary school years as an assistant. However, I stopped after Form Five because I wanted to further my studies in business and obtain a qualification. After graduating, I worked in a hotel, but I didn’t like the job — I preferred working with hair. Initially, I worked a day job at the hotel and at the salon after hours. But over time, I found it exhausting, so I decided to quit my day job and become a full-time hairstylist. My mother was against it, so I had to persuade her to let me follow my passion. Eventually, she allowed me to pursue what I wanted to do.
Setting up a hair empire in Kuching, what were some of the struggles and challenges that you and your husband faced?
After we returned to Kuching for good in 2000, we used all our savings to open a salon at Jalan Keretapi. It was just a small space with four chairs and two washbasins. By the end of 2010, we had five salons and one academy, with a total of 40 staff. However, it did not come without struggles. We were burdened with loans and debts; it took us seven years to settle them. During those days, each day before going to the salon, I prayed hard to God. It was unbearable, but I managed to stay strong.
Throughout the struggles, what are some life lessons you have learned?
Don’t be greedy! Now, we’re back to basics. With only two salons operating — Cutting Edge The Premium and Essentials Hairdressing at Jalan Song — we work by appointment. It is better for us, and we can control the quality more effectively. My principle now is to ensure that every client leaves satisfied. Every haircut must be well done, and quality cannot be compromised. Despite everything we’ve been through, I am still here as a hairdresser — I love what I do, and that’s what matters most.
With emerging trends in hair, how do you ensure that you stay up-to-date with current fashion trends?
Every year, I would travel to see different hair trends. As an alumna of Toni and Guy, they send me the latest hair collections from London Fashion Week. I also fly to London and Italy every two years to attend their classes. Another country I visit is Korea, one of the best places to learn hairdressing techniques. Additionally, my husband and I are trained as trainers by Toni and Guy and Vidal Sassoon.
What about your future?
When I am older, I aspire to reopen our academy to train new hairdressers. I hope to see my legacy in this industry continue. But that is for the future. For now, I still want to continue what I am doing.
