Three years ago when Jade Jeanmarie graduated from beauty school, she had no idea she’d be running her own business in fewer than five years.

But that’s exactly what she’s doing.

Jeanmarie opened Jade’s Hair House on Sept. 15.

"I needed to find a place to go and fell into this one," Jeanmarie said.

"Opportunity came knocking, and I took it."

Penny Simons and Heidi Maddox sublease space from Jeanmarie to cut and style hair.

Simons – who has 32 years’ experience in the business – specializes in chemical and color work. She took a hairstyling class in high school and knew it was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life.

Maddox – who has 23 years in the business – specializes in cuts. She worked at Great Clips for more than five years prior to joining the Jade’s Hair House team.

"I kind of fell into it," Maddox said about hairstyling.

"I needed a job that didn’t require college or sitting behind a desk for eight hours and was around people.

"I didn’t have a burning desire to cut hair but the more I did it, the more I loved it. I can’t imagine doing anything else now."

For Jeanmarie, cutting and styling hair is a "dream come true."

"I get to do new things every day and I like that," she said.

"I love coloring and styling … every aspect of doing hair."

Because she’s passionate about her career, Jeanmarie offers free advice to clients to keep their hair healthy and strong:

_ Fully dry hair before flat ironing

_ Use conditioner

_ Don’t expect to get your hair cut and styled and then be able to recreate the end result without using hair care products

_ Be careful with hair after a perm. Don’t shampoo for at least two or three days and avoid heating or pulling strands of hair.

Sequim water, warned Simons, has lots of minerals that coat hair and can ruin perms and prevent colorings from lasting.

"There’s nothing you can necessarily do, you just need to be aware of the trials the water poses," Simons said.

Jeanmarie encourages clients to bring in a photo of the hairstyle they want. If it’s not possible for that person’s face shape or hair, they will say so, she said.

A-line bobs are the most popular female hairstyle at the moment, according to Jeanmarie.

"They are a growing trend because there are so many variations," she said, citing Posh Spice of The Spice Girls, as the celebrity who made the ‘do popular.

Jeanmarie, Simons and Maddox are independent stylists and charge different prices. When clients call Jade’s Hair House, they are assigned to whichever stylist has an opening, unless customers specify which one they want to see.

Walk-ins are welcome but appointments – or calling to see how busy the salon is – are encouraged.

Above all, Jeanmarie said she wants to provide a "warm and friendly environment" for stylists and clients.

"I’m excited about the new location," Jeanmarie said.

"We are looking forward to seeing some new faces."

Ashley Miller can be reached at ashleyo@sequimgazette.com.

Get a new ‘do

Jade’s Hair House. 495 W. Spruce St., is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and by appointment.

Walk-ins are welcome,

but appointments are encouraged.

For more information, call 681-0499 and ask for Jade Jeanmarie, Penny Simons or Heidi Maddox.