Young Entrepreneur Leading A New Wave of Hairdressing
With Jessica Renee Walters From Jane Edward Hair
At just 22 years old, Jessica Renee Walters is a business owner and thriving. Based in Mackay, Jessica built her hair salon, Jane Edward Hair, from the ground up on a foundation of loyal clients who believe in her power to make women feel beautiful.
Specialising in creating beautiful, customised blonde looks and flawless tape-in extensions, Jessica found her niche blending technical expertise, creativity, and attention to detail to ensure each client leaves with hair that looks natural and, importantly, feels healthy.
Her vision was to create a relaxing, client-centred salon, where every appointment is one-on-one, and every service tailored thoughtfully to each client’s individual needs and style- whether they seek a listening ear, a laugh, or a ‘quiet appointment’ - an option given at booking, where you can truly take a moment for yourself. Whether you want to enjoy a book, get some work done, or simply scroll on your phone, there’s no pressure to make conversation.
Hair appointments, for Jessica, should be a cherished pause in a client’s busy schedule, a time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the experience. “Early on, I realised that being a hairdresser isn’t just about the end result, it’s about being part of someone’s life in small but meaningful way,” Jessica says.
“That sense of purpose is what drew me in and kept me here.”
Jessica has been working in hair salons since the tender age of thirteen, leaving school after Year 10 to begin her hairdressing apprenticeship. School was a challenging place for Jessica.
“I often struggled to fit in,” She explains, adding “It was somewhere I truly dreaded.”
Following her dreams to be a hairdresser wasn’t an immediate pay off – training is tough, it takes hard work and resilience.
“Those years were filled with late nights, early starts, blood, sweat, and many, many tears and they taught me resilience, dedication, and the value of hard work and that what you want doesn’t just fall in your lap.”
Taking the huge leap to take charge of her own career, Jessica has now landed amongst the stars.
“Some of my personal highlights include having the opportunity to work alongside some incredible people in the industry, seeing my work in magazines, and even on billboards in New York,” she reminisces.
“These moments have been incredibly inspiring, reminding me that hard work, dedication, and
commitment truly pay off. All of these little milestones are for the little girl who was dreaming of
becoming someone, someday.
“My family, both near and far, are incredibly important to me. They have always been my
biggest supporters, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their encouragement and
guidance.
“My mum, Amelia Jane Walters and Dad, Raymond Edward Walters, made countless sacrifices, like moving from Coffs Harbour NSW to Mackay to give my sister and I more opportunities, and their unwavering support has shaped who I am both personally and professionally.”
Jessica named Jane Edward Hair after her mum and dad; she says the business carries not only their names, but everything they stand for.
“It’s a tribute to their sacrifice, their incredible work ethic, the values they instilled in me, and their belief in always showing up, even when it’s hard,” she says.
“Being a young woman in business has taught me that this industry can be intimidating and confronting, and sometimes important people will take advantage or try to walk over you. Learning to set boundaries has been challenging, but I’ve grown stronger, more confident, and deeply grateful for the people who truly care about me.”
What is one piece of wisdom you learned the hard way?
Burnout is not a badge of honour. You can’t pour from an empty cup, self-care is not optional.
