Other Women's Jobs // A Day In The Life & Career Of Jessica Vega

NAME: Jessica Vega

AGE: 34

INSTAGRAM HANDLE: https://www.instagram.com/hairbyjessicavega/

JOB TITLE: Creative Director at MIZU Beauty Salon in Abu Dhabi

MOVED TO THE UAE IN: November 2024

Jessica Vega is a 34-year-old hair colourist specialising in blondes and balayage with over eight years of experience in Los Angeles. Born in Mexico City to a Japanese mother and Mexican father, she moved to the US at the age of four. Her hair journey began at 23, inspired by her mother to pursue her artistic passions through hair. After establishing a strong reputation and clientele in LA, she opened her own studio in 2021. In late 2024, Jessica realised her ambition to move to the Middle East, landing a role as the brand ambassador for MIZU Beauty Lounge in Abu Dhabi. Notably, she also served as the lead hairdresser for a Miss America 2024 contestant during the pageant.

Let's discover a day in the life and career of Jessica:

7:00 AM – Waking Up to a New Day

I start my mornings early, waking up at 7 AM to set the tone for a productive and intentional day. The first thing I do is check my client appointment calendar. I like to know exactly what the day holds so I can start preparing mentally - what kind of services I’ll be doing, who I’ll be seeing, and what looks or treatments I’ll need to focus on. Knowing what’s ahead helps me feel organised and in control before I even step foot in the salon.

Then it’s time for my breakfast ritual. I always go for something light and nourishing - usually something clean like a protein bowl, eggs, or fruit - paired with my daily matcha. Matcha is non-negotiable. It gives me calm, steady energy and helps me focus throughout the day. I prefer it over coffee because it feels more balanced and keeps me clear-headed, especially when I know I have a long list of clients to care for.

Fitness is also a big part of my routine. I carve out an hour in the morning for weight training, which helps me feel physically and mentally strong. It’s something I’ve committed to not just for health, but also because being on your feet all day in a salon environment requires real stamina. That one hour grounds me and energises me - it’s my personal reset before the chaos begins.

Next comes my outfit. Choosing what to wear is one of the more fun parts of my morning. I dress according to my mood and the flow of my day. Some days I’ll go for something more playful or fashion-forward, and others it’s all about feeling polished and professional. No matter what, I love expressing my creativity through style. It's an extension of who I am, and how I show up for my clients and my team.

9:00 AM – Heading to the Salon

By 9 AM, I’m out the door and on my way to MIZU. The drive takes about 30 minutes, and I really enjoy that time. It’s when I mentally switch gears. Sometimes I’ll reflect on client looks I want to try, or run through my to-do list in my head. Other times I’ll listen to a podcast or just enjoy the quiet. That short commute gives me space to think, visualise my goals for the day, and get into the right mindset.

9:30 AM – Getting Ready for the Day

Once I arrive at MIZU Beauty Lounge, my first priority is to check the cleanliness of my station. I take this very seriously. A clean, organised space helps me think clearly and work efficiently, and it creates a welcoming environment for my clients. Cleanliness is also a reflection of professionalism - it sets the tone for the entire salon experience.

After that, I prep my tools and supplies. Everything from brushes and scissors to product combinations gets lined up and ready for the first appointment at 10 AM. If there’s time before my client arrives, I like to huddle with the team and go over the day’s schedule. We’ll talk through who’s available to assist, coordinate any cross-service opportunities, and make sure we’re aligned as a team. Communication is key in a fast-paced environment, and these quick check-ins keep things running smoothly all day long.

12:00 PM – Lunch Break

By noon, things are usually in full swing. My schedule tends to be back-to-back with little downtime, so lunch is often a quick, on-the-go moment between clients. I’ll usually have a salad or something light but nutrient-dense - just enough to keep my energy up without slowing me down. Sometimes I get a full hour to sit, relax, and reset, and other days it’s just ten minutes. But no matter how busy I am, I always make sure to take a moment to refuel. Staying energised and mentally sharp is essential when you're constantly giving your energy to others.

6:00 PM – Wrapping Up the Day

By late afternoon, if I’ve finished my clients early or have a small break, I’ll shift into admin and salon care mode. I make sure my station is spotless, my tools are cleaned, and everything is sanitised properly. Maintaining a clean environment is something I care about deeply - it’s part of the luxury experience we offer at MIZU, and it makes a big difference in how clients feel.

I also use this time to move out from behind the chair and spend a few minutes at reception. I like to personally engage with walk-ins and potential clients, especially if they’re looking for a consultation or exploring a new service. I think people really appreciate having that kind of one-on-one attention from a Creative Director - it shows that we care and are always available to guide them.

If I have extra time, I’ll also call the next day’s clients. I find pre-consultations incredibly helpful. It gives me a chance to understand their expectations in advance, prepare the right products or formulas, and ensure everything is set up for a smooth and personalised experience the next day.

8:00 PM – Closing and Reflecting

At 8 PM, I close the salon and start my journey home. The 30-minute drive back gives me time to reflect on the day - what went well, where I could improve, and how the results turned out. I always ask myself: Was I happy with the final look? Did I give my best energy today? That kind of reflection keeps me growing, both creatively and professionally.

I also use this quiet window to reply to texts and return missed calls. Most of the time, it’s just checking in with family - letting them know how my day went or catching up on theirs. It’s a simple habit that helps me stay grounded and connected to what matters most outside of work.

When I get home, I go straight to the shower. There’s something so calming about washing the day off - especially after a full schedule on your feet. After that, I prepared dinner with my loved ones. It’s one of my favourite parts of the evening. We get to reconnect, chat, and enjoy a quiet meal together, which is the perfect balance to a high-energy workday.

9:00 PM – Unwinding and Exploring

After dinner, my evening really depends on my mood. Some nights, I’ll settle in for a movie - just something light and entertaining to help me unwind. Other nights, I’m deep in scroll mode, checking out the latest hair trends, techniques, and creative inspiration on social media. Staying in tune with what’s trending globally helps me stay innovative and fresh with my own work.

I’m also a bit of a shopaholic, so online shopping is definitely part of my wind-down routine! Whether it’s fashion, beauty, or cute home finds, browsing online is a guilty pleasure and also a fun way to reward myself after a long day.

Sometimes, I’ll head out to explore the city a bit - trying a new restaurant with friends or grabbing a few drinks with family. Abu Dhabi has such a vibrant food and nightlife scene, and I love discovering hidden gems when time allows. It’s a nice way to stay connected with loved ones and enjoy the city beyond the salon.

11:00 PM – Wind Down and Self-Care

Before bed, I always prioritise my skincare routine. I layer multiple facial treatments depending on how my skin’s feeling - hydrating masks, brightening serums, or something soothing if I’ve been in the sun. It’s my way of caring for myself after a full day of caring for others. Glowing skin takes commitment, and this ritual is something I genuinely enjoy.

After that, I wind down completely, get cosy, and finally let myself drift off to sleep. A good night’s rest is the best way to reset, so I can wake up and do it all over again - with purpose, energy, and passion.