Embracing Faith and a Vision: Meet J. Italia Salon

Jordan Italia always knew she was destined for the beauty industry. From a young age, she was captivated by the art of transformation—how a new hairstyle or a touch of makeup could uplift someone's spirit and redefine their confidence.

Jordan Italia | Owner of J. Italia Salon

But her journey from a passionate stylist to a proud salon owner wasn't without its challenges. Along the path to salon ownership Jordan had to embrace her true calling, overcome her fears, and trust in her vision for a salon that is not only a thriving business but a haven for creativity, growth, and community.

Jordan's love for the beauty industry began at a young age. As soon as she graduated from high school she enrolled in Athens Technical College for hair school while also working full-time at a salon.

She quickly realized that this wasn’t just a job; it was her calling. The joy she found in being able to transform someone's day, to help them feel beautiful inside and out, made her work incredibly fulfilling.

“You get to make people feel beautiful all day. That's what started it. Then I saw you can make like a really good living, too. But also have something that makes a difference. Because you meet so many people and you form relationships.”

Even with this passion, the thought of owning her own salon seemed daunting. Seeing other salon owners navigate the complexities of the business side of things made her hesitant to take the leap. Things changed when Jordan realized she felt a deeper calling—one that urged her to step out of her comfort zone and create something special.

“I felt like God really placed on my heart to just go for it. And he kept tugging at my heart, like, you need to step out of the boat and just go for it. I felt like he called me to do it.”

Despite the fear, Jordan knew she had to follow her heart, and she began her search for the perfect space. When she came upon a former pet grooming shop, it wasn’t exactly love at first sight—the day she first visited the air conditioning had issues, the smell of animals was far less than pleasant, and there was a rundown ramp out front. But her husband, a seasoned construction professional, saw the potential and encouraged her to look beyond the surface flaws. After praying together, they decided to take the plunge and signed the lease, knowing this was the start of something that was meant to be.

The next few months were a whirlwind of activity. Jordan and her husband both worked full-time jobs while raising two young children with a third on the way. But they still managed to transform the space into a beautiful, functional salon in just three and a half months. It wasn’t easy, but with faith, determination, and the support of her family, Jordan kept going. The challenges were many, including lengthy permit processes, licensing, and setting up the business infrastructure. But each hurdle was a learning experience that only strengthened Jordan’s resolve.

While planning to open her own salon she was still working at another salon, so she couldn’t advertise the fact that she was working to open her own place. On faith, Jordan got six chairs even though it was just herself at that time time. She trusted that the right people would come - and they did, very fast.

She always knew she wanted her salon to be in Monroe, which offered the perfect balance of a supportive community with small-town vibes, and an upward trajectory. "I like that in Monroe everyone has each other's back and is super supportive," she says, "I felt it from the get-go, a lot of the business centers said we're so excited you're coming to Monroe. Everyone was definitely uplifting. It's like a community. It’s also cute and trendy now!”

Jordan’s vision for her salon was clear: a space that was warm, welcoming, and stylishly refined. She carefully curated a design that blended neutral shades, feminine touches, and an inviting sense of luxury, ensuring that every detail reflected the experience she wanted to offer her clients.

“I'm definitely a neutrals girl. I loved like the softness it gave, but I definitely wanted it to still look feminine: soft, elevated, giving a little bit of luxury but still welcoming. Warm and cozy, but very clean. I like clean lines, because I know how messy a salon can get. Definitely light and bright, airy.“

When designing the interior she created inspiration boards online and relished Minerva Beauty’s resources, including Pinterest and Instagram feeds and inspirational salon stories with gorgeous imagery of real-world spaces. She loved seeing the salon equipment in the context of different salons because it helped her visualize which pieces she wanted for her own space

“I’m like wait, I can literally buy that chair or that station!” she said, describing the excitement of discovering the perfect products online. Jordan also visited the Minerva showroom multiple times to try out the equipment and feel first-hand how it combined aesthetics with ergonomics and functionality.

At the heart of her salon is a commitment to excellent customer service. Jordan wants every client to feel heard and understood. It’s also important that people feel confident and beautiful when they leave her salon. She has worked hard to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and valued, steering clear of the sometimes intimidating or overwhelming vibe of larger salons. For Jordan, it’s all about building relationships, and her salon reflects that ethos from the moment a client walks through the door.

“I want people when they come in to feel welcomed, be relaxed, be comfortable, and to have that experience whenever they meet their stylists, because it's scary going to a new salon—especially if you don't know the hair stylists at all. So I just want them to know that we're giving top of the line, everyone's super educated, is well rounded, diverse and all hair types.”

Understanding the needs of her stylists was equally important to Jordan. She decided on a hybrid salon model that offers both commission-based and booth rental options, giving stylists the flexibility to grow within the same space.
“I just feel the way the world’s going, so many people want to be independent, do their own thing: step out and be a booth renter or suite owner,” she explains. But she also understands that some stylists just want to work two or three days a week and not have to deal with running their own business—ideal for a commission model.

Whether a stylist prefers the ease of coming to work and having everything provided for them, or feels ready to take on more responsibility, Jordan's salon offers a path for professional development without the need to move from one location to another. “I can help them have a bomb career,” she says with enthusiasm. “That is my goal!”

As a hair stylist herself, Jordan loves building relationships with clients being there for them through changes in their lives and hairstyles.

“It’s an intimate thing. Because you really are one on one, you're rubbing their hair. Sometimes people cry in your chair, sometimes they are really upset and you can tell they're having a bad day. You really do grow these bonds. Sometimes a person just needs to cut all that hair off, start over. I feel like when someone does something big, I can tell them: Okay, you're gonna do big things. This is good release. I love that part of it.”

The beauty industry is ever-changing, and Jordan embraces this dynamic environment with enthusiasm. She loves the creative challenges that come with the territory and is already thinking about the future, including teaching color theory classes one day. For now, she’s focused on being the best salon owner she can be, balancing her role as a leader with the care and compassion she has for her team.

As a salon owner, Jordan admits the job can be a lot at times, saying, “Everyone goes to you for everything.” But she loves seeing her employees grow and create a space that they love. She values the experience of learning how to set boundaries and be professional while still showing people that you care about them. For Jordan, it’s important that her stylists feel they’re not just a number in the salon’s bottom line.

In retrospect, Jordan's journey to salon ownership has been one of growth, learning, and fulfillment. She’s discovered that being a salon owner isn’t just about running a business—it’s about creating a space where both clients and stylists can thrive. And while the role has come with its fair share of challenges, it’s also brought immense joy and satisfaction. If she could give one piece of advice to people thinking of opening their own salon it would be to have faith in your own vision and your ability to make it real.

“Pushing through it is really hard. It's stressful. You have to really use the resources you have. But I would definitely say go for it. I just didn't want to look back and not try at least.”

Jordan’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and faith. Despite the fear and the obstacles, she turned her dream into a reality, creating a salon that is more than just a place to get your hair done—it’s a community, a space for transformation, and a home for stylists and clients alike.

Her journey is an inspiration to anyone who has ever felt a calling to do something bigger, to step out of their comfort zone, and to trust in the path that unfolds before them. Opening a hair salon can be much more than just starting a business; it’s a labor of love, and the beginning of an exciting future.