Hair Cosmetics Expert

by Jami Symons

As AG Hair Cosmetics' artistic director, Jami is the creative leader of AG's artistic team. He is the driving force behind the styles of AG's annual signature collections, creating the looks and techniques that are then shared with stylists in training seminars all over the world.
Jami has been in the industry for 18 years and has been the owner of the Jami Symons Salon in Calgary, Alberta for the last 12. He has traveled the world perfecting his craft and trained in Barcelona, London, New York, Los Angeles and Toronto, just to name a few. In 1994, when AG was first introduced to Alberta, Jami joined and has since seen the company grow rapidly, especially in the US where his skills are constantly requested at various high profile shows.
In his interview, Jami talks about how he got started, ranks his teaching methods and discloses what he expects for the future.

When did your interest in “under. ground fashion” begin? How has this affected your career?
My interest in the underground fashion scene started in the late 70´s when disco was in its heights. I was into magazines at the age of 10. All the celebrity and fashion rags. Then shoot right to 1985 — what a time to be of age. With all the gender bending fabulousness and the New Wave British Invasion. I had a lot of friends in the fashion scene and had to model and choreograph a lot of their shows.

What advice would you give to an indi. vidual new to the industry who is hop. ing to achieve your level of success?
My advice to the new army of hair. dressers is to be focused, be true to yourself. Don't let anyone sway you with negativity and always keep a posi. tive attitude. If you believe it, it will become a reality.

Who inspires you today?
Vivienne Mackinder. I had the oppor. tunity to work with her last spring and she is truly a craftsman. I learned a lot. But what I saw in her was noth. ing but pure genius. She also had this incredible positive energy and a great smile.

What teaching methods do you find to be the most effective? How would you describe your teaching style?
The teaching method that I find that works best for me is being down to earth in my delivery. Be human. Find some common ground like salon situa. tions that may apply to your technique or to that particular client. Laughter and jocularities always help. Be one of them. I would describe my teaching style as light.hearted and fun. Being boring or too technical is the kiss of death.

You have been in the industry for 16 years. What changes have you seen that are for the positive?
The positive change is the amount of good quality education. Not only far away, but in your own back yard.
There is no reason that in this day and age that we cannot hone our crafts. manship by taking a few classes here and there. It's there for the picking. We are held in a much higher regard. Clients are very wise to this. They seek the best.

For the negative?
Not enough passion. The issues facing the salons today is lack of passion. The new hairdressers, I find, want everything instant. ly, without paying their dues. It's humbling to go through the trials and tribulations that we have in the past. It builds character. Nothing´s worse than being a prima donna. I was never one and have a really hard time relating to one.

What do you hope to accomplish in 2007?
I hope to take my career to the next level. I want to go global. I believe that I can take AG Hair Cosmetics and my artistic team to new heights and create a huge following. We want to attract the like.minded hairdressers who really want to make a difference in this field. Who have passion for hair and the fun. damentals that go with it.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years, I can see myself and team AG being invited to participate in the Alternative Hair Show in London, England. Or collaborating on a full 6 page spread with Vivienne Mackinder for your magazine.

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