Beauty, Psychology, and Education
If you were to ask Janete about the genesis of her journey in the world of hairstyling, she'd eloquently speak of art-the art of living, the art of cultivating a sense of belonging, and the art of capturing the unique essence within each individual, manifesting it through the medium of hair.
As a contemplative young woman, the topic of existence perpetually tapped into her consciousness. "A good day, for me, is when I can instill confidence in someone," she shares. Before embracing her calling in hairstyling, Janete embarked on a soul-searching voyage of education and self-discovery.
Originating from the vibrant landscapes of Brazil, she grew up in what she describes as a "vivid, beautiful, yet humble place." Her educational journey unfolded in Brazil, where she eventually graduated with a degree in psychology in 2019 from the University of Queens College. Before venturing into hairstyling, Janete worked as a journalist at a Brazilian television station and later migrated to New York City to pursue acting. Despite her initial passion for performance, the magnetic allure of the beauty industry drew her in. It was during this exploration that she encountered Wella, a discovery that reignited her childhood fascination with color, reminiscent of admiring her mother's artistic prowess in Brazil.
The 1980s witnessed a flourishing beauty industry, particularly in New York City, amidst the punk-look revolution. It was during this transformative era that Janete found herself aligned with the revolutionary spirit at Sebastian. Reflecting on the dazzling tone of 1980s New York, she fondly recalls, "Everyone had their own sense of identity in the industry. The spikes, the punk—it depicted the time we were living in. Those were the trendsetters; they were the best."
Seeking to broaden her expertise in the world of color, Janete immersed herself in the formulas of renowned companies like Matrix, Goldwell, Clairol, Paul Mitchell, Evolution of the Color, and Majirel. Each collaboration added to her knowledge, fueling her desire to specialize in color pigments and the fascinating technology enabling customized colors for each client.
"Working with various companies helped me create my own identity as a colorist, appreciating the unique approaches and chemists behind each formula," Janete emphasizes.
Embarking on a Path of Artistry and Education
As her journey unfolded, Janete transitioned into an educator within the industry, accumulating protégés over the years. The joy of teaching, for her, is an honorable endeavor, an opportunity to impart knowledge and expertise while making a meaningful impact on the lives of budding stylists and colorists.
In 1998, propelled by a desire to explore new avenues of human expression, Janete enrolled in Queens College for Speech Therapy. Having already dedicated 3 ½ years to volunteering at Astoria Hospital (now Mount Sinai), guiding patients through physical therapy, she felt compelled to apply her knowledge of compassion, understanding, and tolerance to the health and beauty industry. This led her to infuse a scientific approach into her own business, adding another layer to her multifaceted career.
In 2003, Janete's Hair Studio opened its doors in Astoria. Shortly after, she challenged herself in a new artistic venture—a one-night-only show titled "The History of Hair throughout the Times." The show featured twenty-one models, each representing the hair and fashion trends of different decades, from Coco Chanel's early 1940s elegance to the Elvis Presley rock and roll era, culminating in reflections on the early 2000s encompassing everything from fashion to globalization, computers, and politics.
Janete's journey in hairstyling has evolved into a narrative that intertwines the realms of psychology, education, and artistic expression. Her studio, established in 2003, is not just a space for crafting beautiful hair; it's a sanctuary where warmth and sophistication coalesce seamlessly. In every strand she touches, Janete brings forth a commitment to excellence that transcends beyond aesthetics, embodying the transformative power of sophistication within the art of hairstyling.