Jen Atkin chatted about being a celebrity hairstylist, author, social influencer, and entrepreneur in the digital age.
Background on Jen Atkin
As a hairstylist, she has styled the Kardashians, Jennifer Lopez, and Katy Perry, among countless others.
Atkin has built an empire that includes a haircare line, an educational platform, and a digital magazine.
In 2016, Atkin launched her own haircare line, OUAI, where she serves as founder, and she owns the digital platform Mane.
Atkin is the author of the book “Blowing My Way to the Top: How to Break the Rules, Find Your Purpose, and Create the Life and Career You Deserve.”
What motivates you each day?
I’m deeply motivated by my community—my clients, my audience, and the people who use my products. Seeing someone feel more confident because of something I helped create, even in a small way, never gets old. That’s what keeps me showing up every day.
I am also motivated by building—ideas, teams and things that didn’t exist before. I love momentum, and I am at my best when I can stay focused on what is next instead of getting stuck in the logistics.
Having simple, reliable tools in place lets me put my energy where it matters most.
How does it feel to be an entrepreneur in the digital age?
Itʼs empowering! The digital age has completely changed how founders and creatives can build—everything happens in real time, and you’re able to connect directly with your audience in an honest way.
When I launched OUAI, I wanted to do something that hadn’t been done before, and being digitally native allowed us to build alongside our community instead of behind closed doors.
That experience taught me how powerful it is when creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship work together.
It also showed me how important simplicity is. When things move fast, having streamlined systems helps you keep up without burning out.
What do your plans for the future include?
I plan to stay focused on continuing to grow Mane and OUAI with intention, staying connected to our communities for feedback while pushing boundaries.
As a founder, growth isn’t just about scaling—it’s about building something that lasts and evolves in a meaningful way.
I’m passionate about supporting the next generation of founders who are shaping culture in real time.
Can you tell us about any partnerships?
Having the right tools and flexibility makes a huge difference as a business owner, which is why partnering with Capital One Venture X Business feels so aligned.
It allows me to stay focused on expansion, new opportunities, and building what’s next without losing sight of why I started.
Venture X Business genuinely understands founders like me. It’s premium but not complicated, and it gives you the flexibility, rewards and access you need as your business grows.
It felt like a natural fit for how I work. It works quietly in the background while I focus on my business.
How do you use technology in your daily routine?
Omg I use technology for nearly everything, from different calendars for all the companies, the family, the kids–even the dogs have their own cal–to staying efficient and connected via email, text, social media, to making moodboards for campaigns, relying on cloud and storage apps… I mean the list is truly endless.
I love tools that work seamlessly in the background, so Iʼm not spending more mental energy managing details.
I also use my Capital One Venture X Business card to simplify travel planning and budgeting for launches and events. When tech simplifies your day, it frees up creativity and so I lean in heavily on it.
Were there any moments in your career that have helped define you?
The first time I saw someone tag OUAI in their bathroom mirror instead of a red carpet was when it really hit me — we had built something that belonged to people, not just the industry. That changed how I thought about success.
Launching OUAI was a defining moment. Building something digitally, through real conversations with our community, taught me how powerful it is when creativity, technology and smart business tools come together. That experience still shapes how I work today.
What is your advice for hopefuls who wish to go into your field/line of work?
Stay curious, work hard and don’t over-complicate things. Focus on learning your craft, building relationships and setting yourself up with tools that support you as you grow. The simpler your foundation, the more room you have to evolve.
I didn’t grow up with investors or connections — I built everything through relationships, grit, and showing up. I always tell young founders: consistency beats perfection.
What would you like to say to your fans?
Some of you have been with me since my first messy bun tutorial on Instagram. I feel like we’ve grown up together, and that means everything to me Thank you for growing with me.
Your support, feedback and creativity constantly inspire me. Everything I build is rooted in community, and I’m so grateful to share this journey with people who genuinely care.
What does the word success mean to you?
Success used to mean awards and sales. Now, it means having the freedom to build creatively without burning out — and having tools that support that instead of draining me.
To learn more about Jen Atkin, follow her on Instagram and TikTok, and visit her official homepage.
