I wanted to create that.

I’m Jess, the owner of this little beauty shop.

My husband and I like to travel and one of our favorite things is to find the perfect local coffee and book shop. You know the ones that are a little bit worn down and filled with cozy chairs and old books with good music playing in the background? There’s something so special about walking into a local gem that’s filled with history and love. Like you’ve just stepped back in time to a world of small delights and everyone feels this magical energy, like they’re in some kind of Narnia.

I LOVE that feeling. I wanted to create my own version of that feeling here in Upper Arlington.

I’ve been in the hair world for over 17 years. My favorite thing about the beauty industry is that while it is constantly changing and evolving, one thing always remains the same: the most beautiful thing about a person is being their most authentic and vulnerable selves. It’s not about hiding flaws or imperfections, it’s about finding the perfect way to make ourselves shine and come together in a work of art. I feel the same way about history and and old buildings. When the perfect little hidden gem with over 100 years of history in South UA became available, the vision for Polite Society came to life.

I have a lot of goals for the salon but my top reasons for opening are 1: to help people have their most authentic selves match from the inside, out. 2: to help other hairdressers realize their full potential. And 3: to do it in a cozy, welcoming space that feels both modern and vintage.

My own little Narnia.