What inspired you and how did you get started?
I have been playing with hair as early as I can remember. Barbies, cousins, neighbors whoever – I was always happy when I was being creative. I remember in the early 90’s when I was about five, I saw a VH1 fashion week special, where hairstylists were working backstage – that’s when I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I went to school at the Aveda Institute Minneapolis and after working in Arizona for 5 years I apprenticed at Sally Hershberger Los Angeles. I later found Venice to be home and work at The Harlot Salon.
What is your favorite part of your job?
The daily experience of merging my passion with a clients lifestyle to achieve a beautiful experience for my clients in and out of the salon. I also love that beauty is ever evolving so it never gets boring.
Tell us one of the coolest things that’s happened in your career so far.
I have had a few huge moments in my career- most recently- would be working with the cast of “Game of Thrones” at Comicon 2013 in San Diego this past July. At that trip a few of the producers from the show actually recognized me from Gay of Thrones – that whole weekend was surreal from start to finish.
What’s coming up for you that you’re excited about?
I have some really great people I get to work with for the Emmy’s this year which is always a fun experience – award season is such a fun time to do hair. Also – really looking forward to doing Season 4 Gay Of Thrones recap with Erin Gibson and the gang at Funny or Die.
Tell us about your show, “Gay Of Thrones” on Funny or Die.
Gay of Thrones has been a really unexpected surprise in my life. I’ve always loved all things beauty and fashion. That being said – I’ve also always loved to make people laugh and preform in any capacity. After a dear friend and client who works as a writer/producer for funny or die and I had a fun color appointment – Gay of Thrones was born. Now I get to explore a whole new passion in my life as an actor/entertainer which is so exciting.
Who are your biggest industry influences?
If I had to say top 3 – Vidal Sassoon, Oribe and Sally Hershberger. These three stylists all changed the industry in their own way and all of us in the industry have learned a lot from all three of them.
What is one of your personal favorite hair styles?
Almost impossible to say! It’s all about an over all aesthetic – hair texture – and what a person will do to prep their look daily. Assuming all those things were in place – I live for a effortless long layer – I also love a bob of all shapes – and on the right person a fringe gives me life! One of my all time fave looks – is the one length bob with blunt fringe Alexa Chung was serving a couple years ago.
For more info:
Instagram: @jvn
Twitter: @thegayofthrones