A New Chapter in Beauty: Meet Jaimie Harbit of New Era Beauty
In Downtown Kenosha, a new era in beauty and self-care is taking shape — one style at a time. At New Era Beauty, owner and stylist Jaimie Harbit has created more than just a salon — she’s built a warm, welcoming space where stylists can let their creativity shine and clients always leave feeling a cut above the rest.
In this inspiring conversation, we comb through the story behind New Era Beauty and hear firsthand about the passion, dedication, and vision Jaimie pours into every snip, style, and smile. Get ready to be inspired by a journey rooted in hard work, community spirit, and a love for helping people feel and look their very best.
What inspired you to open New Era Beauty, and how did the idea evolve from concept to reality?
Jaimie: Honestly, what inspired me the most was seeing my good friend Amanda open Hush Beauty Lounge. I was in a place in my career where I was yearning for change, and seeing what she created and talking with her really fueled my fire to want to do something bigger with my life. It all started with a long conversation with her one afternoon, and the next thing I knew, I was renting a chair from her a week later and looking for a space to call my own. Little did I know that that space would be a block away from Hush.
Can you describe the moment you found the perfect space in downtown Kenosha and how it felt to bring your dream to life?
Jaimie: After driving past this space for weeks and seeing that it was for lease, my curiosity got the best of me, and I just had to see it. So, I scheduled a showing with my realtor and the owner at the time. When I tell you, the second I walked in, the immediate feeling of wow was overwhelming. All I saw was potential. Every inch, I had a vision for. When the previous owner saw how interested I was, he asked me if, instead of leasing, I was interested in buying. The thought of buying freaked me out initially, but after seeing the space and basically falling in love with its potential, we started the buying process almost immediately. The craziest part was that I got the accepted offer on the anniversary of my father’s death, which to this day is so special to me because I am confident that he played a giant role in all of this.
What does the name “New Era Beauty” mean to you personally and professionally?
Jaimie: When trying to come up with names for my salon, I just started by naming off words that signified change, and after being at my previous salon for over 12 years, that described everything I was looking for and feeling at the time. To me, New Era means leaving my past behind me and starting fresh. I was starting a new journey in my life, and I wanted the name to signify that.
What first drew you to the beauty industry? Was there a defining moment when you knew this was your path?
Jaimie: Being in the beauty industry was never part of my “plan” growing up. After high school, I attended UW-Milwaukee for a year, and after completing that first year, I came home and really didn’t have a clue about what I wanted to do with my life. The Salon Professional Academy had just opened in Kenosha, and playing around with hair was something that I always messed around with but never thought of as a potential career path. I ended up touring the school and enrolling right away. Turns out hair was my calling—who knew!
Where did you get your training, and what was your early experience like as a stylist?
Jaimie: I attended The Salon Professional Academy in 2009 and graduated from their program in December 2010. As a young stylist, I thought I needed to go to a bigger city and get out of the Kenosha bubble, so I toured a lot of salons in the surrounding areas like Milwaukee and Chicago. Those were all great and exciting, but I lived here, so having a commute was a challenge.
My first salon was located in Downtown Milwaukee, and it was a brand-new salon, so it was just myself and maybe three other stylists. It was a lot of working on mannequins, walking around the city handing out cards, driving, and very few clients. Needless to say, that didn’t last long. After reflecting on what I was really looking for and talking with a friend who is a stylist here in Kenosha, I realized that maybe it was in my best interest to work in a salon in town surrounded by people I knew because I would have an easier time building a clientele. Turns out that was the best advice I could’ve gotten as a young stylist, and that is where I ended up starting my career and really thriving for the next 12+ years.
Do you remember your very first client? What was that experience like?
Jaimie: I don’t recall my very first client, but I do remember when I met my longest client I’ve had—and still have—today. She was a color client, so I saw her quite often while I was at TSPA. Then she followed me (begrudgingly) to my Milwaukee salon, and when I came back into town, she’s been with me consistently for almost 15 years. Love you, Kelly!!
What challenges did you face when you were just starting out, and how did you overcome them?
Jaimie: My biggest challenge when I first started was just that waiting game of when am I going to be busy?Something I was taught at my previous salon was to be consistent and give an amazing service. From start to finish, you had to deliver—not only a great haircut or color, but you also needed to be personable and create a relationship with each client. As time went on, I really honed in on that and got to know everyone who sat in my chair. To me, the biggest part is creating those bonds. Clients will stay with you for a lifetime if you can not only do good hair but also get to know them.
Were there any mentors or role models who made a lasting impact on your journey in the beauty world?
Jaimie: When I officially started my career in 2011, I really looked up to my then-boss and the senior stylists at that salon. Being around so much success made me want it for myself even more. I am confident that I wouldn’t be where I am now without having spent that time at my previous salon, and I’m eternally grateful for all of the opportunities it gave me.
Now, as an independent hairstylist and owner, I look to other salon owners who have a setup like mine. The support you get from those women is something I had never felt before. We all love to boost each other up, and there’s no competition, which was unfamiliar to me. Everyone just wants to see everyone else succeed, and we all know there are more than enough clients to go around. I think that’s so cool and something to admire—especially in another salon owner.
How have your early experiences shaped the way you now run New Era Beauty and mentor others in the industry?
Jaimie: After leaving such a large salon that was such a force and filled with so many opportunities, then going independent, it really gave me perspective on what is important to me. I am a mother to two young girls, and not only did I want to show them that their mom can do big things, but I wanted to show them that you can do anything you set your mind to. I took a huge risk by leaving my previous salon, and as scary as it was, I didn’t let it stop me from achieving my new goals.
The space I wanted to create was one of peace—letting go of the competitive side of the hair industry and just honing our crafts and doing great hair without the stress of needing to always do more. You can be successful just by being yourself, having great relationships with those around you, and focusing on what makes you happy—while also prioritizing work/life balance.
As a booth rental salon, how do you foster a sense of community among the independent stylists at New Era Beauty?
Jaimie: When starting New Era, I didn’t have a specific team in mind, but as time went on and I got in touch with various stylists who were interested in renting a chair from me, I realized that I was most excited about the fellow stylists who had been doing hair for a long time, like myself, and hadn’t yet gone independent or were looking for a change.
My main priority when building my team was that I wanted a group of stylists who wanted to be part of a team but also had the drive to build their own businesses within mine. We also got lucky because every stylist who has now ended up here—we’ve all known each other in some capacity, whether we worked together at a previous salon or have known one another in the past.
The dynamic between us is amazing because we all have a similar history and came together when we needed each other. We all really prioritize our families and home life, and when we’re at the salon, we come together and just have the best time. It makes it fun to come to work, that’s for sure.
What qualities do you look for when bringing new professionals into your salon family?
Jaimie: The qualities I look for in a stylist are someone who is friendly, fun, personable, a hard worker, a team player, and just genuinely loves what they do. I got really lucky with all of the stylists here because they all emulate that to a T.
How do you balance being a salon owner, stylist, wife, and mom? What keeps you grounded?
Jaimie: My main goal in life is to have work/life balance. When I started this journey, I knew it would take more of my time, but I’ve gotten very good at balancing all of my responsibilities.
When I’m at home, I am a mom and wife first, and my family will always be my top priority—but they also know that I own a business now, and they actually love that mommy has her own salon. They jump at the chance to come hang out there and help out. I’ve kept my same schedule behind the chair, so that helps, and when I have downtime with clients, you will generally see me working on things around the salon or running errands. When I’m home, I do tend to stay in work mode to an extent, but one of my biggest strengths is that I am very good at multitasking—so if I can make it all work, I will.
My kids, though, keep me the most grounded. Not only do they keep me busy, but making them proud is my biggest motivator to keep working hard. I want them to see that they can do big things too.
What sets New Era Beauty apart from other salons in the area in terms of services and client experience?
Jaimie: One thing we really pride ourselves on is the peaceful, homey environment we’ve created. We appreciate a calm, laid-back vibe while still keeping it fun. We also offer a wide variety of services — from hair to lashes and brows — and now, adding our new Head Spa service has truly set us apart.
How do you ensure that clients feel welcomed and cared for from the moment they walk in?
Jaimie: From the moment you step through the door, you’re greeted by friendly faces and a cozy, inviting waiting area stocked with complimentary beverages and snacks. When we were getting ready to open, one thing I said was, “I can’t wait to stock the fridge and find some yummy snacks!” It’s a small touch, but it’s part of making everyone feel right at home.
Can you share a memorable client transformation that embodies the mission of New Era Beauty?
Jaimie: We have several women who come to us while going through cancer treatments, asking for help either shaving their heads or styling their hair once it starts growing back. No matter how many times we experience that, it always touches us deeply. Being able to support them during such a vulnerable time and welcome them into a new era of their life is incredibly meaningful to us.
How has the Kenosha community responded to New Era Beauty since its opening?
Jaimie: It’s honestly been so overwhelming — in the best way! The outpouring of support has been amazing. Everyone has been so excited for us, and they love seeing the new space.
What role does community engagement play in your business model, and are there any local collaborations you’re proud of?
Jaimie: The downtown community here is such a strong force, and it’s so cool to be part of it. We love connecting with other businesses, whether it’s sharing each other’s social media posts or participating in raffles and giveaways. Being included and thought of means so much. Soon, we’re collaborating with Millie Bo Peep on a big Mother’s Day Giveaway — and I’m super excited about that!
What advice would you give to aspiring salon owners or beauty professionals looking to make their mark?
Jaimie: My biggest piece of advice is: you can do it too. A year and a half ago, opening a salon wasn’t even on my radar. But something inside me craved more, and I realized that if I wanted more, I had to build it myself. There are so many stylists and salons out there, but there’s only one you. We only get one life — if you want it badly enough, make it happen and don’t look back.
What are your favorite services to perform, and why do they resonate with you?
Jaimie: Personally, I love doing short haircuts and hair extensions. Creating a really funky short cut is so much fun, and the excitement people have after getting a fresh set of extensions — there’s just nothing like it!
How do you stay inspired and continue to evolve in the ever-changing beauty industry?
Jaimie: I stay inspired by following other stylists and seeing their work, whether they’ve been in the industry for decades or just a year. It’s amazing to see what people create. I also love taking classes, learning new techniques, trying new color lines and products — it keeps everything fresh and exciting.
Looking ahead, what are your dreams and goals for the future of New Era Beauty?
Jaimie: Eventually, I’d love to expand and create more space for additional stylists. I’d also love to incorporate a boutique feel into the salon, where people could shop while they’re here. Stay tuned!
Thanks to Jaimie Harbit’s vision, New Era Beauty isn’t just a salon, it is a fresh start for anyone looking to feel their best. Stop in, meet the talented team, and experience the difference for yourself! This truly is a new era in Downtown Kenosha!
Visit New Era Beauty • 5113 7th Avenue, Kenosha, WI • newerabeautykenosha.com • Instagram • Facebook
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