Breaking Barriers in the Beauty Industry | Jalia Pettis X Beauty School Bobbi - 1.5.26

In this episode of the Beauty School Bobbi podcast, Bobbi Powell interviews Jalia Pettis, a hair and makeup artist based in Phoenix, Arizona, who has recently been recognized in the 2025 top 100 of Modern Salon. Jalia shares her unique journey into the beauty industry, transitioning from a corporate career in human resources to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She discusses the challenges she faced, her experiences in beauty school, and her drive to compete and gain recognition in the industry. Jalia emphasizes the importance of following one's passion and the various paths one can take in their career, encouraging listeners to pursue their dreams regardless of age or background. In this conversation, Jalia Pettis and Bobbi Powell discuss the importance of empowering the next generation in the beauty industry, the challenges and opportunities presented by social media, and the significance of mentorship and authenticity. Jalia shares her journey as a session stylist and her aspirations for the future, emphasizing the need for personal growth and the impact of one's work in the industry.

 

Takeaways

• Jalia Pettis transitioned from corporate America to the beauty industry.
• She started her own business, 3Jay Productions, to support underrepresented talent.
• Jalia faced challenges in corporate settings that motivated her to become an entrepreneur.
• She emphasizes the importance of having a strong support system.
• Jalia's journey includes multiple entries into beauty school for different licenses.
• She encourages others to pursue their passions regardless of age or background.
• Jalia has won several prestigious awards in the beauty industry.
• Her experiences in corporate America shaped her approach to business and leadership.
• Jalia believes in competing against oneself to improve and grow.
• She highlights the importance of not comparing oneself to others in their career journey. I'm putting things in them, I'm hoping anyway, that I'm dropping seeds in them.
• If I really was caught up in people, I would have stopped a long time ago.
• You have to carve out space that feels most authentic to you.
• Social media is an amazing tool, but it's not the only tool.
• We have to quiet this noise somehow.
• If you lose, you don't get picked, that's not a failure.
• Everything doesn't have to be an announcement.
• You have to find another outlet versus feeling like you have to share.
• Be open to assisting.
• Know what you don't like.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jalia Pettis

02:55 Journey into the Beauty Industry

06:01 Corporate Background and Entrepreneurial Spirit

08:55 Overcoming Challenges in Corporate America

12:14 Transitioning to Beauty School

15:12 Pursuing Competitions and Recognition

17:57 Achievements and Future Aspirations

24:32 Empowering the Next Generation

27:57 Navigating Social Media and Authenticity

34:29 Career Insights and Session Styling

42:01 Future Aspirations and Industry Impact

 

www.beautyschoolbobbi.com

www.beautyandstylenetwork.com

 

Follow

Beauty and Style Network: @beautystylenet

Beauty School Bobbi: @beautyschoolbobbi

Jalia Pettis: @jaliadp, jaliapettis.com

3Jay Productions: @3jayproductions, 3jayproductions.com