Jacqueline (Jax) LaGrow-Gonzales
I’ve been a licensed cosmetologist for nearly two decades. I’ve built my career behind the chair, experienced salon ownership, educated in schools and mentored new stylists by my side as associates. I've celebrated the incredible creativity of this profession, and experienced firsthand both the opportunities and the challenges that come with making a living in the beauty industry.
Like many professionals, I spent years believing that if something wasn’t working, someone else would eventually fix it. But over time, I realized that many of the issues affecting our industry weren’t being addressed at all.
I watched talented people struggle to enter the profession because of the cost of education and the lack of skillset being taught. I saw experienced professionals trying to navigate changing regulations without a unified voice advocating for them. I saw independent stylists, salon owners, educators, apprentices, and students all facing challenges—often separately, when our interests are deeply connected.
Then I learned something that changed my perspective entirely.
In Texas, cosmetology is recognized as an apprenticeable occupation, yet apprenticeship currently does not provide a pathway to licensure. That contradiction made me ask a simple question:
Why aren’t we creating more accessible ways for talented people to enter this profession while maintaining the high standards our industry deserves?
That question became the beginning of this initiative.
The Mission
My goal isn’t to dismantle cosmetology schools or diminish the education they provide. Schools will always play an important role in our profession. Instead, I believe our industry should have multiple pathways to success—giving future professionals the opportunity to learn through traditional education, structured apprenticeships, or other high-quality training models that prepare them for long-term careers.
But this initiative is about much more than apprenticeship.
My vision is to build a strong, independent trade association that gives beauty professionals the representation our industry has been missing. An organization that advocates for sensible legislation, protects the integrity of our profession, supports education, promotes workforce development, and brings together professionals from every corner of the beauty industry.
I want this organization to become a trusted voice—not just in Texas, but eventually across the country. A place where stylists, barbers, estheticians, nail technicians, educators, salon owners, students, and apprentices know someone is fighting for the future of the profession.
Real change doesn’t happen because one person has all the answers. It happens because people who care decide to work together.
I’m simply taking the first step.
If you’ve ever believed our industry deserves stronger representation, more opportunity, and a seat at the table where decisions are made, I hope you’ll join me.
Together, we can build something that lasts for generations of beauty professionals to come.