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Rockie Ondrey-Prete is a Master Stylist and Nail Technician at JCPenney Salon in Lonetree, Colorado. She’s also a former salon-owner who made the jump to JCPenney Salon after more than a decade in business for herself. Scroll to see what she has to say about styles that have come and gone, then come back again and more.
The Tease: How did you get into hair?
Rockie Ondrey-Prete: I got into hair at a very young age. My parents bought me a doll that was called a Tressy doll, and I would sit for hours doing hairstyles on this doll when I was about eight years old. Plus, my mother didn’t know how to do anything with hair, so I had no choice but to learn how to do my own.
I actually went to school to be a medical assistant and did that for about 10 years after high school. But my first love was always hair.
How Does JCPenney Salon support you as a stylist?
Ondrey-Prete: I’ve been in the business for a long time. I had my own salon for 11 years. It’s nice to know that JCPenney’s takes care of a lot of the stuff I don’t have to take care of anymore as far as scheduling and advertising and health insurance. So it’s a great place to work. There’s a lot of benefits here and that’s one of the reasons I stay is because of how well they take care of me.
Favorite thing about being a hairstylist?
Ondrey-Prete: My favorite thing about being a hairstylist is the interaction with the clients and their families. Sometimes you start out doing the child, and then before you know it, you’re doing the parents, and then if you do them long enough, you might be doing grandkids.
Silent or talking appointments?
Ondrey-Prete: I prefer the talking appointments. The silent ones make the appointments seem a lot longer. My clients are pretty interactive, so that, it just makes it a more comfortable situation.
Favorite hair trends right now?
Ondrey-Prete: I have noticed the style trends that are circling back. I was told when I was in beauty school that if you stay in this business long enough, everything comes back again. I think I’ve seen it like twice come back. Like, twice come back. Shags, hairstyles, I’d say overrated. Gemini hair, I’d say Mullets. I grew up in the 80s when mullets were really popular. I’d say they’re underrated.
What’s the best part about working at JCPenney Salon?
Ondrey-Prete: My favorite part about working here is the camaraderie that we have with my fellow workers. We’re like a big family. We actually socialize after hours. So, I like that.
Interested in learning more about a career at JCPenney Salon? Visit jobs.jcp.com!
