The ability to apply one’s skills in delivering quality service in the high-fashion industry is no mean feat, and when it comes to the competitive cosmetology field, no ‘short-cuts’ (pun intended) are acceptable. St. Lucian hair stylist and cosmetologist, Debbie Khodra-James has a fervent desire to excel in her field, and she definitely has what it takes to succeed. On her way to becoming a skilled professional, Debbie has had to follow a rigid training and educational regimen, which necessitated learning how to cater for varying styles and tastes. What she offers her clients is not just another hair salon but a service of class.
As a young woman Debbie had several career options to choose from, but her foremost passion was for hair designing. Over the past 15 years she has mastered the art of hair design with a certain touch of finesse. She has also taken an integrated and holistic approach by offering her clients a blend of nutrition and style that leaves them very satisfied.
This 30-something year-old entrepreneur is the owner of JAZ by Debbie Hair Salon. She is quite proud of the business which has been very successful. She caters to varied clientele, from the high-fashion jet-setters to the average female patron, and also men.
She admits that though hairdressing was always a passion of hers, initially she didn’t see it as being her career. After graduating from high school, Debbie worked for a while in her family’s electronic store but soon realised she was not cut out for that field.
“My other passion was for interior designing, but I realised there was not much scope for it here,” said Debbie.
Her husband Darren is a businessman and a freelance pilot. His frequent flying stints required them to be travelling and moving about quite a bit. After their marriage they moved to Jamaica in 2001 where they resided for three years. They have since settled down in Saint Lucia in order to allow Debbie to operate her business.
JAZ by Debbie, located at the Bois D’Orange business complex, underscores the strong bond that exists between Debbie and her family; the title bears the first letter of her daughters’ names, namely nine-year old twins Janina and Zaida and six-year old Anushka.
Debbie completed her schooling in Barbados in 1997, and then returned home where she worked for a short stint at the Le Sport Hotel, managing the salon.
Whilst at school in Barbados Debbie obtained a certificate in cosmetology with honours. With her sights set on enhancing her knowledge of the art of exquisite hair fashion and style, she attended hair shows in Trinidad & Tobago and also travelled to the USA where she participated in ‘New York hair shows. In Jamaica she worked with a prestigious hair salon. Upon her return to Saint Lucia she established her business, which she has managed astutely for the past 10 years.
Debbie is now poised at the pinnacle of her career as a cosmetologist. Her salon offers a full suite of services such as massaging, waxing, manicures and pedicures, plus a whole range of other services, including hair treatment. However, she admits, “My passion for hairdressing is really in the areas of hair-cutting and hair coloring.”
But what does Debbie think it takes to be rated as a good cosmetologist, and what makes her business stand out from the competition? The feedback she gets from her clients is very important, she says. “Generally, I think it is the environment, the service that we offer and we are very professional. Most people have attached a stigma to salons as being a place where you come to gossip, but that is a no-no. It does not happen here. We have clients from different backgrounds; professionals, teenagers, grown-ups, a wide range of clients, and we also cater for men. I also keep up to date with the current trends and styles by educating myself through courses and attending various hair shows.”
Cedilia, the spa manager, makes for an affable assistant, and she and Debbie complement each other and work together as a team. A high level of professionalism is essential to run a successful business and Debbie is delighted to have achieved that status.
Professionalism is the key. That is top priority and, of course, we have our reputation to maintain,” she declares. “We do not have clients waiting for hours before they get service, since we adhere strictly to a timely appointment schedule.
How much does her business operation impact on her social life? It does play a part in her social relations and general outlook, she admits: “It is quite nice to find that everywhere you go people commend you and they introduce you as ‘the best hairdresser.’ It is quite a compliment.”
Debbie emphasizes that furthering her education was a ‘stepping stone’ to achieving her goals, as well as being a ‘stickler’ for good health and hygienic practices.
Combining top-quality hairstyling with good hair nutrition is vital to the sustainability of the business and she openly admits that she offers critical advice and tips to her clients. She also recommends essential hair products. However, when a client shows signs of serious or extreme hair and skin conditions, she dutifully refers them to an expert nutritionist or dermatologist.
“It is a combination,” she says. “You cannot have one without the other. It is obvious that you need to eat properly to have healthy hair, and it is an enhancement because your skin, nails, the environment and the conversations that you have, all these impact positively or negatively on your persona.”
Debbie has catered for several high-end clients, including offering her services to a Miss Universe show, a television show and other stakeholders. With a potentially booming career on the horizon, she is looking to expand business outfit. For the time, she does not want to let the cat out of the bag, stating instead that, “… we do intend to expand and offer a range of different things.”
Dazzle would like to wish Debbie all the best in her future endeavors and may she keep striving for excellence!
