Dream guest klaxon!! This week on Working Hard, Hardly Working, I’m speaking to the incredible Jen Atkin, the founder of OUAI and one of the world’s most influential hairstylists. She started out as a young stylist who moved to LA with $300 dollars in her pocket, and has since transformed the hair and beauty industry with her innovative approach and celebrity clientele. From styling stars like Chrissy Teigen & The Kardashians to building OUAI, a beloved haircare brand with a huge focus on incredible product, Jen’s journey is a masterclass in how to get to the top of an industry, and create true, long-lasting success. Whether you’re a beauty enthusiast, aspiring entrepreneur, or just love a good success story, this episode is for you!
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CHAPTERS
0:00 – Introduction
2:14 – Working Hard or Hardly Working?
5:20 – Growing up Mormon
7:43 – Moving to LA with $300
10:30 – Getting her first job in a salon
13:28 – What set her apart
16:54 – How she worked her way up
22:08 – How she used social media
25:18 – Her biggest pinch me moments
26:40 – The original idea for OUAI
29:20 – Running a brand for the first time
32:10 – Risking everything for OUAI
35:45 – The best decisions for OUAI’s growth
38:28 – Rethinking after a business disaster
44:10 – Starting Mane
46:23 – Building a team in 2015 vs 2023
52:37 – Jen’s daily routine
55:52 – How to juggle everything
58:40 – Kris Jenner’s advice
1:01:35 – The best piece of advice she’s ever recieved
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JEN:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jenatkinhair/?hl=en
OUAI: https://theouai.co.uk/
MANE: https://heymane.com/
BOOK: https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/jen-atkin
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MY LINKS: https://gracebeverley.komi.io/
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RETROGRADE, SHREDDY, TALA and THE PRODUCTIVITY METHOD are my own businesses, therefore any mention of them – whilst not being a sponsorship – is monetarily endorsed. As usual, sponsorships do not change my opinions nor my honesty, but I will always disclaim to make sure motives are clear 😊