The Valley Ledger’s primary goal is to shine a spotlight on the best of what the Lehigh Valley offers. We pride our self on sharing the amazing people, places and things that make the Lehigh Valley a great place to live.

This week our contributor Janel Spiegel had the opportunity to interview one of the Lehigh Valley’s most talented stylist.  Meet Joe! He is smart, funny and one of the Lehigh Valley’s most creative talents.

Janel: Joe please tell us about yourself. 

Joe: I am a kind guy with such a big heart but I do have a little stubborn side and that’s because I know the world can be a better place. People are the ones who chose what and how to do and say things, so I get hard headed because I want to be the best I can be in helping people, and I cannot see how others do not want to be like that as well. I am a person who loves to make people smile and laugh yet be a lending ear and offer as much advice and help I can give. I am a spiritual person and a vegetarian. I like to enjoy my time by creating art, listening to music, and dance and sing as well. I like to dabble in everything that is creative. I love horror movies and have many shows that I watch. But most of the time when I am not at work, I like to burn some candles and aromas such as incense or oils and just write, paint, draw, meditate and visualize my goals, my dreams, my thoughts and feelings. This makes my heart smile.

Janel: What made you want to be a Stylist? 

Joe: I wanted to become a stylist because I loved fashion so much and I was originally in school for nursing but it wasn’t me! I tried several different college programs but my heart felt I needed something more! As a kid, me and my cousin played hairdresser, I fixed the clothes and hair for my sister’s Barbie dolls and always was looking at music videos, movies, magazines and more and admired the fashion and beauty world. I thought of doing vo-tech in high school but that was a no for my mother so I let it go. When I broke down because I didn’t know where to go it was 3 a.m. Thursday morning and I saw on the television a commercial with fashion shows and runway models and the hair and makeup, clothes, photographers I knew my calling. I went online filled a survey and the next day I got a call to go into the beauty school on Friday; I decided this was it with my mom’s approval and guess what? I started that following Monday! While in beauty school I worked, went to beauty school in the day and finished my college courses at night. In between all this I went to acting and modeling school because I wanted to know the experience in and behind the chair, plus I like the whole concept of it all!  

Janel: Who are some of your professional influences?  

Joe: I can honestly say I have no professional influence because everyone and everything is an influence to me. From music, to movies, to nature, to people, objects, places, aromas and all, this is an artist’s true answer because art is life to me. Art is the mind’s eye, the captured soul, the movement of existence.  

Janel: What advice would you offer to people who are creative?  

Joe: I would say if you are creative, don’t be afraid to stand out, don’t be afraid to be you, be honest, be courageous, be daring, stand your ground but keep everything fun! If we are talking career wise, I would say always have a backup plan, have as steady job and do your crafts on the side until you can make it a full time living. For students, I would say major in something where you will always have a job but minor in something you are passionate about in the artist world. Always have a backup plan, always! Then there is the saying do what you love you never feel you worked a day in your life and the money will follow. Then there is work a job for the money and you might not find happiness, that’s why I say have back up plans, two degrees, or a stable job and do your craft on the side, because if you do something you hate, you’ll feel depressed and get old faster so that means you’ll be sitting in my chair a lot trying to keep your youth up!  

Janel: Please tell everyone where they can contact you? 

Joe: I work at a Holiday Hair salon owned by Regis Corporation. The location I am at is in The Lehigh Valley at 5510 Crawford Drive Bethlehem, Pa 18017. I am good with everyone and any gender, my chair is a no judge zone! I work with you, let you know what is possible and what is not, I let you know what will work and won’t work, it is all about communication, give me a try and see where it goes, you will not regret it! The salon phone number is 610-954-9412, call for availability and we do accept appointments! 

 

 For more from Janel on The Valley Ledger Click Here

 

 

 

 

 

---