Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer (Lainey) Aprile.
Hi Jennifer (Lainey), please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I attended the career center in high school with two hopes one to break out of school for a bit and two to follow my great grandfathers footsteps by becoming a cosmetologist/ salon owner. He was the owner/ barber of the Clemson House Barber Shop where he was known as Shorty Laye. Never in a million years did I think 24 years later I would still be behind the chair. My first salon was located at Hair @ Hendrix on Clemson university’s campus. Then I relocated to Greenville SC and that’s where my clientele grew. I worked at Aveda and soon found myself venturing out into a salon suite. I loved creating my own space and had a passion for learning. I’ve traveled all over the US attending hair shows and continuing my education. That’s the fun part of the beauty industry evolving. I’ve had seasons where I specialized in wedding hair and makeup, color corrections, hand tied extensions, balayage, blonding, precision cuts for curly hair and now scalp care at Greenville Head Spa where we specialize in educating our guest with scalp disorders or simply pampering and encouraging natural products to promote health and hair growth. I still work behind the chair two days a week servicing my VIP guest but have found joy in stepping back and taking on a coaching/ teaching role as my team expands. I still love what I do all these years later and I still believe I have one of the best jobs in the world! Some of my highlights while being in the industry – being nominated and voted Best Stylist by Best of The Upstate, nominated Best Salon, working with Guy Tang, Martin Parsons, Candy Shaw, being featured in Short Hairstyles Magazine, being featured in Inspire Magazine (an international magazine) & meeting/ serving the people! I truly believe when you’re doing what you’ve been called to it doesn’t feel like work but more like an opportunity to use your gifts to inspire, serve others!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would love to say it has been a smooth road but it has definitely had its share of bumps in the road. That’s the beauty of growing some seasons require you to stretch, which can be extremely exhausting and uncomfortable but if done right also helps you spread your wings and ultimately refines you, building character and allowing you to grow. The industry is constantly changing. When I started we didn’t have social media and highlighted using a cap and needle, look how far we have come! That’s the exciting part of my industry constantly changing and having the ability to stop hit reset and redefine yourself. You never know what you’re missing if you don’t step out of your comfort zone and try! Some times you win some times you fall flat on your face but think of all the opportunities I would have missed if I would have stayed complacent!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In this season of my career I have decided to specialize in creating/ cultivating a ritualistic experience using the brand I am an ambassador for, Oway. We use biodynamic hair care accompanied with a microscope to see your scalp and its condition as well as your hair strands to educate you on how to take care of both within the comfort of your home. This promotes healthier, thicker hair while giving you time to renew your spirit in a tranquil setting. We all need to hit reset in this busy/ chaotic world we are in. I am super proud of the space I have created, our custom treatments, the luxury experience and results that leave our guest feeling empowered, relaxed and ultimately healthier.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I would consider myself a risk- taker! Being raised by a single grandmother I was taught early on in life that if you want something you have to work for it and not every hand your dealt is fair. Not everything is handed to you and when you fall (suck it up buttercup) stand up, dust yourself off, learn from your mistakes and try again. I don’t believe in failures if you are trying. I do believe however that life lessons help us to stay humble, teaches us grace and sets a bar of who you are and who you want to be despite life’s challenges. The biggest win is committing to the process despite the outcome and not being defined by either. I would think it would be sad to die with a dream so I have chose to step out in faith, work my ass off and “why not you”?!
Pricing:
- 135 45 minute Head Spa
- 155 60 minute Head Spa
- 175 90 minute Head Spa
- 200 2 hour Facial & Head Spa
Contact Info:
- Website: Greenvilleheadspa.com
- Instagram: Thegreenvilleheadspa
