Meet Jacqui D, Hair Stylist & Owner of Beauty By Jacqui D.

Located conveniently at 61 E City Ave, her salon

specializes in dimensional color. Check out her Special Promo that is

featured in our City Ave New Year New You Guide! (View it Here)

  • What made you open and create Beauty By Jacqui D?
    • I had worked at a handful of other salons that just didn’t feel like a great fit. I worked at 3 different salons that closed and reopened under new ownership, which left me feeling like I was always riding someone else’s waves. Once I realized I could rent a private suite and work for myself, I ran to the opportunity and never looked back! I also took an online course to actually offer a new service, and I needed to learn the difference between gel and acrylic nails in case my client requested it.
  • What is your role at Beauty By Jacqui D?
    • I am the whole operation. I work solo so I perform all customer work including hair coloring, styling, reception, scheduling appointments, bookkeeping, and marketing.
  • Before working at Beauty By Jacqui D, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
    • My very first job was as a telemarketer. We had to convince people to take music surveys.
  • How has Beauty By Jacqui D helped you in your career development?
    • Working for yourself is interesting. I found myself and my footing being in charge of how I want things to look and run. I became more in touch with my “why” and what success means to me.
  • What are 3 words you would use to describe Beauty By Jacqui D?
    • Simple, cozy and personal
  • How has Beauty By Jacqui D changed since initially opening?
    • When I first started, I followed ideas from old bosses and co-workers. Once I got my footing, I realized I can make this way more tailored to what I want my salon experience to feel like: Laid back and simplistic while professional and relaxing.
  • Do you have a favorite service or product offering at Beauty By Jacqui D?
    • I love dimensional coloring! Adding in multiple tones to create a balanced overall look is my favorite. I also love my Triasola split ends sealant! It’s a quick service sealed with the flat iron that helps protect fragile ends from breaking. It has been a real game-changer for some people!
  • What is your favorite part about working at Beauty By Jacqui D?
    • I love having a private, safe environment for myself and my clients. Being located inside Phenix Salons has been amazing because I can do my own thing for myself and my clients but I have also made really great connections with my salon neighbors to keep the community vibes. 
  • What is your proudest moment at Beauty By Jacqui D?
    • I had the opportunity to provide hair and makeup services for Andrea Kramer when she was being inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame. She is such a fun and sweet gal! The thing I’m most proud of is having had the courage to open in the first place, and to still be standing throughout this pandemic. Working with top cosmetic makeup manufacturers has allowed me to offer my clients high-quality products that enhance their natural beauty. My lease agreement partners, Antonella and Paul, have always been so helpful and supportive throughout every wave of life.
  • Do you recall any embarrassing moments at work?
    • I forgot to wear deodorant once. Having a small private salon is great until that happens! I always keep a spare around now, just in case.
  • Favorite travel spot?
    • I love visiting Ocean City, MD once a year. Small town vibes always leave me feeling so relaxed and refreshed. Plus, there’s live island music at some bars! I love live music especially if it’s something that you can really move your body to!
  • How do you define success?
    • This is something that has evolved with time. To me, success is defined by balance. There’s heath, friends and family, personal and professional areas of life. When I’m feeling like I have had a nice healthy dose in these areas, I’m feeling like I’m on top of the world. And to me, that’s success.
  • If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
    • Breakfast! Specifically waffles with chicken, side of fruit, maybe a little bit of eggs, and turkey bacon….. you know what… I need this now.
  • People would be surprised if they knew:
    • I am shy! I’m totally an introvert who enjoys playing an extrovert. But at the end of the day, I need my peace and quiet.
  • What book did you read last?
    • I just finished up “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom. I highly recommend it if you’ve never read it. It’s a special one.
  • What did you want to be when growing up?
    • I have always wanted to be a hairstylist. Even when I was a kid and people would ask the question, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” The answer was always the same. I’m basically living the dream!
  • What do you always want to try and never did?
    • Skydiving!
  • What is the first concert you attended?
    • Destiny’s Child.
  • What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?
    • An island.
  • What is your favorite thing to do in the area? 
    • I love sitting outside, eating food, and people watching. I love that there’s so much in walking distance. It really brings in all kinds of people! 
  • What places have you lived in?
    • I grew up in Delco, first Upper Darby then the Drexel Hill. Now I am over in Roxborough. 
  • What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
    • Maybe a stylist on a cruise ship so I can travel!
  • You’re happiest when?
    • My life feels balanced.
  • Is there anything special about City Ave that you can share?
    • I love the mix of people! There’s a lot of people who are from here and lots who are not, yet there is still a strong sense of community and connection. It is special. 

Want to be featured in the next issue of Faces of City Ave? Email Briana at cityave@cityave.org.