From Aspirations to Accomplishments: Jesse’s Path from Aveda Student to Barbershop Owner

Jesse Andrus’s Story

Jesse has always felt a special connection to Aveda. Growing up in Twin Falls, his family owned Escape Salon, an Aveda salon.

Spending his afternoons surrounded by the familiar scent of Aveda products, it was only a matter of time before Jesse’s path led him back to the brand. His dream of becoming a barber began at just 15 years old, though opportunities were limited locally.

The Seeds of Jesse’s Barbering Passion n the Family Business

Much of Jesse’s inspiration came from his family’s salon.

With his uncle as the owner, another uncle as the main stylist, and his grandma managing the front desk, the salon was a second home. After school, Jesse would hang out, watching haircuts and absorbing the lively atmosphere. It was an early and informal education that would set the stage for his future career.

How Aveda Became Jesse’s Launchpad

Fast forward to January 2020. At age 25, Jesse found himself at a crossroads. He had moved away, started a family, and worked various jobs.

But when Aveda Twin Falls reached out, it felt like destiny calling.

“I was at a high point in my life, making good money and enjoying my job, but I couldn’t ignore the opportunity to follow my dreams,” Jesse says.

He enrolled in the first-ever barber program at Aveda Institute – Twin Falls – a choice that would shape his future in ways he couldn’t yet imagine.

Jesse had saved enough to cover his bills and tuition, allowing him to dive into his barbering education headfirst.

Mastering the Craft: Transformative Journey at Aveda

Aveda Institute – Twin Falls didn’t just teach Jesse how to cut hair; it gave him the confidence and skills to thrive in the industry.

“The school showed me how much I didn’t know and how much time and effort it takes to be great,” Jesse admits. Beyond the technical skills, Aveda instilled in him the importance of showing up every day, staying focused, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what he could achieve.

Jesse built lasting relationships with his instructors and fellow students, some of whom now work with him at his own barbershop.

These connections, combined with the knowledge and experience gained during his time at Aveda, have been invaluable. “Two of the people who work in my shop also graduated from Aveda. The connections we made there have helped us build a strong team,” Jesse notes.

Journey of Growth and Learning by Overcoming Hurdles

Transitioning from school to a professional environment came with its challenges.

For Jesse, one of the biggest hurdles was understanding that success takes time. “At school, they taught us to market ourselves, to post consistently, and to build habits that would lead to success,” he shares. Even during slow periods, Jesse relied on these foundational tools to keep pushing forward.

The most valuable lesson he learned? Consistency.

Whether it was showing up every day or continuously learning and evolving, Jesse highlights the importance of persistent effort. “Aveda taught me that showing up is huge. It’s about doing the little things consistently that build up to bigger successes.”

Turning Aspirations into Milestones

Reflecting on his journey, Jesse is proud of how far he’s come.

“I remember just hoping to make $600 a week when I first started. Now, I own my own barbershop,” he says with a smile.

He appreciates the strong foundation Aveda provided, from practical skills to business insights. “If you had told me four years ago that I’d be here, I wouldn’t have believed it.”

Jesse’s accomplishments extend beyond financial success.

He values the impact he has on his clients, especially young ones. “Seeing the confidence I can help build in teenagers through a haircut or a conversation is incredibly rewarding,” he says.

It’s clear that for Jesse, barbering is more than a profession—it’s a passion and a way to make a positive difference in people’s lives.