CHILLICOTHE – Sometimes career paths take very unexpected turns – to curly hair.
“I was very quiet, but a little normal,” Carrie James assessed. “It was my dream to become a veterinarian until I started attending the local vet when I was in middle school.
Today, James is the owner and curl specialist (and cheerleader) of Making Waves Hair & Color Studio.
“I started Making Waves in the fall of 2021,” she said. “Everything happened so quickly. That was at the end of September and she opened for business in November. It was definitely a whirlwind!
“I’ve always wanted to create a professional, supportive, and loving environment,” she continued. I love supporting the girls! I’m not competing with them, just myself. I have enough hair, skin and nails for all of us to get through. I want us all to succeed!”
James grew up in Chillicothe, graduated from Zane Trace in 1997, and 20 years later worked for a pharmaceutical company before graduating from Ohio State School of Beauty.
“I actually started down this career path out of my love for makeup and nails,” she said. She “soon after graduation trained under Lacey Wale in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she learned various balayage techniques and fell in love with her hair.”
“Then later in my career,” she added. I’m proud to be her only Devacurl certified stylist in Southern Ohio. “
Her clients appreciate her skill.
“Carrie’s salon is great,” Paige O’Dell said. “I sought out Carrie as a curly gal. I drive from the Portsmouth area to her salon. Her attention to detail is impeccable. My curly hair has never looked better Almost 50 years later I realized I was doing everything wrong for people with curly hair.My granddaughter and daughter-in-law are also Carrie’s clients.She is amazing !
Another “long-time guest”, Jan Greene, agreed.
“Carrie is an excellent stylist, a smart businesswoman, and a wonderfully fun person,” said Green. “I always leave the store with a smile on my face.”
“I couldn’t be happier,” Skaggs replied. “Seeing my guests’ faces is everything to me. Curly hair is my passion!”
Making Waves Hair & Color Studio is located at 76 East Main St. in Chillicothe. For more information, call 740-701-6404 or visit us on Facebook.
About the series
Aces of Trades is a series focused on people and their jobs. Unusual jobs, fun jobs, or people who make ordinary jobs special. If you have suggestions for future profiles, please let us know at gaznews@nncogannett.com or 740-349-1110.
