Jen Gaia, owner of The Curl Specialist, is Trader of the Week. She transforms hair and teaches curl care.
She worked with mobile clients and in salons. She then trained other stylists and taught curly hair methods at her old college. It felt like a “full circle” moment for her, and she told of stylists also wanting to learn.
Jen’s family believed a salon would be a turning point. She opened her salon on Ashley Road in February 2025. Jen said this journey feels massive for her.
Jen transforms hair and teaches curl care. Clients can message her with questions later. Some people have long struggled to look after their curls, and this lack of knowledge spread through their families.
After an autism/ADHD diagnosis, Jen made her salon inclusive. It combats anxiety with calm colors and mirrorless options. Once a month, they offer “pay-as-you-can” days, and foster carers also get education there.
Jen is now refurbishing a downstairs space for therapy. The lower floor will represent inner peace, while the salon upstairs shows outer peace.
Jen is a finalist in two awards programs now, the Salon Business Awards and the Hair and Beauty Awards. She is up for textured stylist and best new salon. Jen said she feels like she already won.