Our spotlight shines this week on Jess Gonsalves, owner of Maven Salon. Gonsalves, a self-proclaimed Jersey girl at heart, made her mark on the East Coast before landing in Southern California. With the launch of the new business, Gonsalves and her team are bringing laid back luxury vibes and hair expertise to Golden Hill.
“One of my favorite things in my career is to train someone from the ground up and watch them grow into a successful stylist!”
Jess Gonsalves
Expertise is an art and owner, Jess Gonsalves brings over 14 years behind the chair. She is an acclaimed National Artist with L’Oréal Professionnel. She has been a stylist in Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York City. Most recently, Gonsalves worked for Maven Salon’s sister location, Rinse Salon, in North Park.
Since launching in March 2022, Maven Salon offers hair styling, hair coloring, and haircuts from their glamourous new salon. Specialty services include Yoko straightening, hand-tied extensions, and the ultra-trendy balayage. Large group requests, such as for a wedding, are available by consultation.
Wondering what to expect at Maven? Think mid century modern flare, big garage doors for starters. Maven is outfitted within a historic A-frame style Texaco car garage. Guests will see the original 1970’s stone wall and mosaic tile in the reception area.
Gonsalves explained that the former Texaco station, located in the “You Are Here” building at 811 25th Street, was a major draw for her business. The unique character of the space lends itself to the type of artistic vision Gonsalves had for Maven Salon.
But choosing Golden Hill was about more than an exciting storefront. Gonsalves enjoys the vibrancy of 25th Street and the opportunity for growth as Golden Hill continues to redevelop.
Gonsalves appreciates that businesses in Golden Hill have such a close relationship to their customers. She recognizes how tight-knit the Golden Hill community is, so she developed a customer service model to match.
“When guests walk into Maven, we want you to feel right at home and experience our version of laid back luxury,” says Gonsalves. “Our stylists will spend time getting to know you and your hair so that we can create a look that is as natural and as unique as you.”
I asked Gonsalves what advice she would give a young entrepreneur. Gonsalves smiled and said, “Find a mentor you look up to and want to learn from.”
Gonsalves knows the value of mentorship, which is why she has made mentoring others a cornerstone of her career. “I truly wanted to build a strong team and watch them grow!” she exclaimed, “One of my favorite things in my career is to train someone from the ground up and watch them grow into a successful stylist!”
Maven Salon is located at 811 25th Street #105. They are open Tuesday – Friday: 10am – 8pm, Saturday: 9am – 6pm. You can reach them at (619) 483-8977 and by email mavenhairsalon@gmail.com. Check them out online at www.mavensalonsd.com or on Instagram @mavensalon_
