Jen is a talented hairstylist and founder of J Wade Studio, a hair salon located on the north side of Chicago. In a season of deepening her personal why and exploring how she could bring more of herself into her work, Jen reached out to GATLING to help clarify the vision needed to not only properly brand her successful studio but to be able to find the clarity needed to direct it to the beautiful horizons to come. During the early stages of the Vision Compass process, we discovered that Jen wanted to shift the way beauty is perceived, taking us from the physical to the philosophical. And about where we landed, let’s say Plato wouldn’t be mad.
Strengths
Meaningfully Defiant and Community Crafter
Jen is a hairstylist with a unique ability to connect deeply with others. She creates an atmosphere that invites clients to become friends and even family. Her commitment to serving others and building a community is what makes her work meaningful. Jen stands out with her deep conviction and passion for life. She has charted her own path, demonstrating resilience and an unwavering commitment to manifest her vision.
My Tribe
The Fear Forsakers
These are the individuals who have powerful challenges and choose to confront them head-on and want to do so with grace. They are searching for their truest selves. They don’t desire to only look beautiful but to be beautiful—by embracing the spirit they choose to live by. They want to enjoy, empower, and express themselves. They are determined to strive for the most fulfilling life they can imagine and need the spiritual benefits of an honest community to do so. These are the warriors who seek to love and fight their way into an unforgettable life and will not let even themselves hinder their progress.
My Enemy
Isolation
Isolation prevents people from living fully in their purpose. It disconnects them from themselves and others, making them vulnerable to invisible battles. Without the support of family, friends, or faith, even the strongest individuals can be broken.
Life is best when individuals embrace their authenticity, fulfill their purpose, and resist the negative influences of others. However, we cannot achieve this alone. We need one another to bring out the best in ourselves and each other. The most beautiful aspects of life are found in our connections with others, and isolation prevents us from reaching them.
Brand Vision
A world where anyone can understand their beauty
To enrich and reflect the spirit through hair
To support the pursuit of what is most meaningful in life
Purpose
Why the world will be improved by this vision
To support the pursuit of what is most meaningful in life
Mission
The chief action needed to fulfill the vision
To enrich and reflect the spirit through hair
Vision
A view of the world in its most imaginative and fulfilling state
A world where anyone can understand their beauty
Brand Identity
In our journey to gain a wider and truer view of beauty, we realized it wasn't a look at all, but an aim—an aim toward what is true, good, and lovely. Anything that holds beauty points us toward a place worth going, be it humility, bravery, or recovery. Beauty is larger than a look; it's what we look to and reflect in all aspects of life. It's the highest way of living.
If beauty is a journey, then hair is a gateway. With this understanding, we set out to create a new brand identity that reflected the studio's core mission: to reflect the spirit through hair. Inspired by the beauty found on nature's trails of discovery, we chose a rich, earthy color palette and flowing typography to mirror the graceful orientation of hair they encounter daily.
Services Included
Vision Compass
Brand Strategy
Creative Messaging
Logo Design
Visual Identity
Brand Photography
Website Design
