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Exploring Life & Business with Jamie Ferren of Opal & Onyx Salon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Ferren.

Hi Jamie , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I didn’t get here overnight, this has been built over nearly two decades of hard work, consistency, and learning as I went.

I’ve been in this industry for almost 19 years, and from the beginning, I’ve always had a strong work ethic and a drive to create something bigger for myself. I worked long days, often across multiple cities, building my clientele and my reputation one client at a time.

Over time, that dedication turned into something more. I opened my own salon and created a space that reflects the level of service and experience I believe women deserve. From there, everything continued to grow naturally, my education platform, my beauty line, my apparel brand, and writing my first book, with a second currently in the works.

None of it was handed to me. It came from showing up consistently, putting in the work even when it was hard, and staying committed to the bigger vision I had for my life and my business.

Now, I’m in a position where I not only get to do what I love, but also help other women grow, whether that’s through my services, my training, or simply sharing what I’ve learned along the way. That’s what makes it all worth it.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. The beauty industry is incredible, but it can also be very challenging.

Over the years, I’ve experienced long days, burnout, and moments where I was stretched thin trying to manage everything at once. Building something from the ground up comes with a lot of pressure, and there were times where I had to push through exhaustion and uncertainty just to keep going.

I’ve also learned that not everyone you meet along the way will have the same intentions as you. That was a hard lesson, but it taught me the importance of setting boundaries, protecting my energy, and being very intentional about who I allow into my space, both personally and professionally.

Those experiences shaped me. They made me stronger, more focused, and more confident in my vision. Looking back, every challenge played a role in building the business and the mindset I have today.

As you know, we’re big fans of Opal & Onyx Salon. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Opal & Onyx Salon is a luxury, appointment-only beauty space built on intention, experience, and elevated service. We specialize in advanced nail services, including both acrylic and structured gel enhancements, with a strong focus on precision, longevity, and overall nail health.

What sets us apart is not just the quality of the work, but the environment we’ve created. Every detail, from the aesthetic to the service flow, is designed to feel elevated, calm, and exclusive. Our goal is for every client to feel taken care of, seen, and valued the moment they walk through the door.

This business means so much to me because it was built from years of experience, including lessons learned the hard way. I’ve had other business ventures in the past that taught me what not to do, how to structure things properly, how to protect my energy, and how to build something sustainable. Opal & Onyx is the result of that growth. It’s a business built with intention, clarity, and a strong foundation.

In addition to the salon, I’ve expanded into education, offering advanced training for nail techs who want to elevate their skills and build long-term careers. I’m also in the process of developing my own beauty line and apparel brand, all rooted in the same core values of quality, consistency, and empowerment.

What I’m most proud of is that everything connected to my brand has been built from the ground up. It’s not just a business, it’s a reflection of years of work, growth, and a commitment to doing things differently and doing them well.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that the right mentor won’t just give you answers, they’ll challenge you, push you, and hold you accountable.

Early on, I didn’t always have direct mentorship, so I learned by observing, asking questions, and sometimes figuring things out the hard way. Over time, I realized that mentorship isn’t always one specific person, it can come from multiple people, experiences, and even mistakes if you’re paying attention.

When it comes to networking, what has worked best for me is being genuine and building real relationships. I’ve always believed in collaboration over competition. The beauty industry can be incredibly supportive when you surround yourself with the right people, but that also means being intentional about who you allow into your space.

My advice would be to look for mentors who align with your values, not just their level of success. Pay attention to how they treat people, how they run their business, and how they handle challenges. And just as importantly, be willing to invest in yourself, whether that’s through classes, education, or putting yourself in rooms where you can grow.

At the end of the day, mentorship is a two-way street. The more you show up, stay consistent, and apply what you learn, the more you’ll get out of it.

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