From Behind the Chair to Building Influence: Jessica Woods on Social Media, Authenticity, and Growing a Hair Business

In a world where follower counts and filters often steal the spotlight, stylist and educator Jessica Woods brings the beauty industry back to what really matters: relationship-building, consistency, and authenticity.

With 27 years of experience and 10 years of social media growth under her belt, Jessica joined The Mirabella Mindset Podcast to share how she built a thriving business online — not with viral videos or fancy filters, but by showing up as herself, every single day.

Social Media Completely Changed Her Career — And It Can Change Yours Too

“Social media has completely grown my business 100%.” – Jessica Woods

Gone are the days of walk-ins and print ads. Today, if you’re not visible online, you’re invisible. Jessica built her clientele using organic Instagram posts, meaningful content, and a purposeful digital presence. She now coaches stylists on how to do the same — especially those intimidated by the digital shift.

It’s Not About Followers — It’s About Trust

“Don’t look at your followers and think that is how much money you're going to make.”

Jessica reminds us that follower count is not your paycheck. A stylist with 500 engaged, local followers can out-earn an influencer with 100,000 disengaged ones. What matters is connection and conversion — and that starts with trust.

Build Trust by Telling Your Story

Jessica’s framework for social success is simple and powerful:

• Who are you?
• What do you do?
• How does it solve a problem?

“Trust is built through your story — not your sales pitch.”

From Awkward to Authentic: Getting Comfortable on Camera

Jessica admits her early posts were “awful.” She over-edited, lacked photography skills, and didn’t know what to say. Her turning point?

“I started talking to the camera like I was talking to a friend — and everything changed.”

Social media is a relationship. Treat it like a conversation, not a commercial.

Post with Purpose — Not Just for Attention

Jessica doesn’t “post and pray.” She posts with intention:

• Educate your audience
• Solve real problems
• Share your client results
• Speak to your target market's lifestyle

“If your clients love brunch, dogs, and weekend getaways — post content that speaks their language.”

Reminder: Your skill has to match your marketing. Good marketing makes a bad product fail faster.

Stay Humble, Keep Learning — Especially from the Next Generation

“I learn from every young person I can get my hands on.”

It’s not about ego — it’s about evolution. Staying relevant requires openness, curiosity, and a willingness to get uncomfortable.

Professionalism Still Matters — Online and Offline

“Show up your best self wherever you’re at.”

Jessica emphasizes that professionalism doesn’t end with a great Instagram feed. Clients notice:

• Your personal grooming
• The cleanliness of your salon
• The way you present your work online

Even the background of your photos matters. She uses a “4D lens” to assess lighting, angles, and aesthetic details in every piece of content.

Tech Tips: How She Captures and Shares Her Content

• Uses the iPhone Cinematic setting to focus on the hair and blur the background
• Immediately airdrops photos and videos to her clients so they can post and tag her
• Keeps editing to a minimum — she's a “no edit type of person”
• Prefers video over photos for building trust and showing real results

Real Engagement > Vanity Metrics

Jessica treats every comment and DM as an opportunity to connect.

“If you don’t respond to people, you become the ‘mean girl’ on social media — the one who’s too good to care.”

Pro tip:

Thank your followers. Every single one. The algorithm won’t forget it, and neither will they.

Prepare for Social Media to Disappear

Jessica isn’t naive about the volatility of platforms. She collects emails and phone numbers regularly.

“What happens if Instagram goes away tomorrow? What do you have?”

Imposter Syndrome Is Normal — But Post Anyway

Jessica still feels fear, doubt, and vulnerability when posting. But she does it anyway.

“You’re always ahead of someone. You owe it to them to show up.”

“The fact that you still feel imposter syndrome means you’re still growing. Post anyway.”

Final Thoughts: Be Yourself — Consistently and Confidently

Jessica Woods proves that you don’t need viral moments or influencer fame to build a six-figure styling business. What you need is:

• Consistent posting
• Authentic storytelling
• Purposeful engagement
• Humility and hunger to grow

“Social media is not your whole business — but it can be the door that opens everything.”

Want to Connect with Jessica?

📩 DM me “JESSICA” and I’ll send you the info for her coaching and support programs — especially for stylists who are ready to get confident online.