Hannaih Jean - Cheers to one year!
In 2019 I was living in sunny California. I grew up in Massachusetts, but who doesn't want to experience Cali? After some time, I started thinking about making my next move to New York, where I hoped to really get serious about my career.
July 29th, 2019 I came to visit Long Island for the first time. I remember I was on the train heading into Manhattan, sitting to the right of my friend. I had this indescribable feeling in my stomach. I could feel the opportunity in the air. My intuition and gut was telling me this is where I needed to be. To further validate my feelings, I read my horoscope that day on the train. Believe it or not, my horoscope was spot on and it all lined up with how I was feeling. It was exactly what I needed to hear and gave me the reassurance I was searching for. While exploring the city, about to cross the street, I just paused and looked up at the big buildings. Everything became slow motion and in that moment, I took a deep breath and said to myself “New York is the place for me”. I felt inspired, I could feel the opportunity, the hustle, the success.
My New York trip was over, back to real life. Sitting on my bedroom floor in Los Angeles, I had never felt more lost in my life. I had graduated from the Makeup Designory School a few months prior. Although I had intended to stay in LA to try to start my career as a makeup artist, it was not working. I was distraught and so unhappy, everything felt wrong. Los Angeles was not the place for me. In my prayers I kept asking God to please just put someone in my life who was willing to give me a chance. I knew I had it in me to be successful and to thrive as an artist. I just needed someone willing to give me that one shot to prove myself.
August 3rd 2019, I messaged Jessica about a job position with Bridal Rush, based out of Long Island. A month later we had a facetime interview. I remember sitting on my bed wearing a light pink shirt and my heart was racing. She said to me “I like to start off interviews by allowing you to ask your questions for me.” I literally had no idea what to say.. the only thing that popped into my brain was “You travel for weddings right?” (already knowing the answer was yes). Jess was wearing a sweatshirt and I remember she just looked so cool to me. I could feel her aura and good energy through the phone. I told Jessica if she gave me the job I would move from LA to Long Island to work for her. At this time Jessica offered me a position as her personal assistant and a receptionist at her salon for extra hours.
Fast forward to January 2020, I made the move to Long Island to start my career with Bridal Rush & Bounce. Although there was a three month hiccup and global pandemic I still can say I have had the best year of my life.
My job title with Bridal Rush and Bounce has formed into many many things. I find myself now assisting at the salon, working extra hours behind the scenes for both businesses, working on social media marketing, personally assisting Jess and traveling for weddings as an artist, both hair and makeup. I am also enrolled in cosmetology school at night during the week. Jessica and I are also creating something right now, that I cannot say what it is yet, but this has always been something I've wanted to do. My dreams are becoming a reality.
The relationships I made in the salon this year have been nothing less than beautiful. Every single one of these women has taught me something valuable. I know Courtney lives off Starbucks and loves gnomes. She taught me how to give a really good shampoo. Mrs. Laura always wears the best jeans, Levi if you were wondering. She taught me how to be kind but not take any shit from anybody. Gina is just perfect. She taught me that if you work hard anything is possible. Alana is so spunky, fun and a talented makeup artist. Jenna gives the best blowout I have ever seen in my life. Melinda is so knowledgeable about the science behind hair. Nicole knows how to give a consultation like no one's business and random but she loves nails with nice cuticles. Rosanne is one of a kind, she tells the best stories, knows how to make you laugh and loves cooking for everyone. Tania gives the best massages. Giovanna just laughs at everything. Dana is the most reliable person and always answers the phone in .2 seconds. Jessica, the woman behind it all, she is so wise has the kindest soul.
Since moving to New York, and in twenty twenty my relationship with Jessica has become so much more than just an assistant. I feel so at home and happy when I'm at Jessica's house...it feels like I’m with family. I love her three girls. Ava, Vivi and Ella. Little Ella has a smile that just makes you smile. Vivi is so stinkin cute, loves cake pops and loves going to “bacon and gouda” (which is actually Starbucks). Ava is so smart, kind, and thoughtful. Pete is so fun to laugh at but is such a good girl dad and very thoughtful. Jessica is someone I look up to as a strong woman, business owner, mom, and overall kind hearted person. My mentor.
The year twenty twenty...my first year in New York with Bounce and Bridalrush brought so many amazing people in my life, laughs, memories, and opportunities. Although it was a crazy year, twenty twenty was one of most memorable years of my life. One of my goals moving forward, is to continue to grow as a person and artist, and just try to be the best version of myself. I am working on making my dreams come to life.
Happy twenty twenty one & cheers to the new year, Hannaih Jean
