Education
Get To Know RTeam Member Janai Hartt
Professional haircolorist and social media superstar Janai Hartt is taking the hair industry by storm as one of the newest members of Redken's RTeam. Read on as Janai talks to The Break Room about her journey to the top and shares advice for other up and coming pros.
1. What is the best advice you have ever received? How has this advice helped you excel in your career?
The best advice I ever received was to only be in competition with myself. In this industry, it is hard not to compare yourself to others and their successes, especially now with the world of social media at our fingertips. However, comparing your career to that of another is like comparing apples and oranges. Their path is not the same as yours. Always focus on filling the shoes right beneath you rather than sizing them up to the person next to you. This mindset has helped me in my career as it has always pushed me to be better than I was the day before. It has always motivated me to strive for more within myself as opposed to the debilitating thought of 'why can’t I be that stylist over there?'
Keeping the focus on your career successes helps motivate you to become a better you and let’s face it, being YOU is really the only option you got! So go ahead and be the best you can be!
2. What advice do you have for other salon pros who are just getting started and want to succeed?
My advice for salon pros just entering the industry would be to always work harder than you did yesterday, to stay consistent and never burn a bridge. In this industry, although it may seem larger than life, the circle always revolves.
3. When did you first know that you wanted to become a stylist/colorist?
I always knew that I wanted to be a colorist as I am a third generation stylist. Growing up alongside some of the most influential people in the industry I ALWAYS thought hairdressers were the most amazing group of professionals out there. But I’ll never forget one day in my 11th grade English class, we were filling out college applications and it was as if an epiphany slapped me upside the head. I couldn’t sit in another general education class to save my life! My hands and mind were craving creativity. So I jumped up, walked out of class, called my mom and told her...'I’m going to Cosmetology School!' My mom wasn’t as surprised as I was- I guess it’s true that moms really do know us the best!
4. What has been the most exciting moment of your career so far? Tell us about it.
My most exciting my moment! Can it be 100 of them? Living with this career is a dream of mine so choosing just one is so hard! But if I had to choose I would definitely say receiving the email to work with Redken as a member of the RTeam. I actually attended a Redken Cosmetology School so naturally I have always been a HUGE fan of the company. I can’t even begin to describe the way I felt on the day it became official. It was as if all my prior steps had set me on the right path and I was exactly where I was born to be.
5. What is your #1 tip for succeeding on social media and growing your following on social media?
Social media is tough as it is an ever changing industry. My advice would be to stay on top of the game. Do your research, and as I mentioned, stay consistent with your content and strategy. Engage with your followers, be relatable and likable. Lastly, always share your knowledge. People want to follow someone they can learn something from. At the end of the day, a picture of pretty hair is just that, a picture they could probably find anywhere! But when you give them a tip to add to their toolbox, now that they will remember and keep them coming back for more!
