Juvencio Jimenez-Valdez has a quiet way about him that commands attention. I wasn’t surprised to learn that he has established himself as one of the most creative and sought-after stylists in Los Angeles. Featured in magazines such as Allure and Vogue and placed on lists of “L.A.’s Best Salons,” his client list includes A-list actors as well as top industry professionals in entertainment, business, fashion and art. He has accomplished all of this with curly blue hair. Apparently, anything is possible. Especially in La La Land.
Glenn
How long have you lived in Los Angeles?
Juvencio
Since 1973.
G
What brought you to Los Angeles’ east side?
J
This is where I grew up.
G
Tell me about the 80’s punk scene you were involved in.
J
I wasn’t really involved in the punk scene, I was more involved in the club scene. I worked the door at Plastic Passion, an underground party place in downtown LA. We were the original ravers at places like Plastic Passion and Dirt Box.
G
What are your thoughts on how the neighborhoods changing?
J
I believe that we are finally becoming a true metropolis due to the fact that it’s not just a party environment anymore. Now with Wholefoods, Urban Radish, and soon to be Trader Joe’s, we’re truly becoming a place to live. That being said, we’re finally a sustainable neighborhood. Gentrification has a negative connotation, but for the type of business I’m in, it’s a good thing.
G
Why do you like living/working in this community?
J
I gravitate towards urban areas where there is hustle and bustle. I like gritty neighborhoods. I lived in Silverlake in 1985 when it was still grimy, moved to Rampart in 1991, I moved to mid-city in ‘96, and then moved downtown in 2010. The attraction for me is being part of a place where you can be part of the action.
G
Do you own or rent your home?
J
Rent
G
What are some of your favorite local spots?
J
The Down N Out is my watering hole. For dining – Blossom, Coronados. And if and when I have a pretty penny to spend, I like to go to the Pacific Dining Car for brunch.
G
Why did you become a Hair Stylist? Is that the correct title.
J
Cosmetologist. I became a cosmetologist in 1983 when a barber was making $4 for a hair cut and a hair stylist was making $8 for a hair cut, so I chose the higher earning, and basically, that’s it. That’s the rate being charged in San Gabriel Valley, I had no clue until after cosmetology school that Hollywood rates even existed.
G
Tell me about your business. Tell me about the contemporary art gallery and your part in the local art scene.
J
So after 30 years in the business, my niche has become, as my website says, a master hair cutter and master color artist, and I cater to people from the Hollywood industry, but I’m not a celebrity stylist. I work in a salon environment, whereas celebrity stylists do primarily house calls.
Since 1996, Dionicia Essence Boutique, the salon/gallery/afterhours I had in Beverly Hills, I wanted to be able to bring in all my friends, artists in one way or another, to show their work when galleries wouldn’t show their work because they had to have some sort of representation. I wanted to showcase their work and give them a venue. I continued that mission with the contemporary gallery here in downtown, which has grown into a viable force in the downtown art scene. I still stand by my decision to feature artists who may not be shown anywhere else because of lack of representation
G
Tell me about your clients. I know Johnny Knoxville …
J
Throughout these years, because of the network and relationships I’ve built, they call me the industry world’s best secret. I’m blessed to be the go-to stylist of Johnny Knoxville, Marg Helgenberger, Amber Heard, Paula Malcolmson, Meghan Ory, Diane Marshall-Green, Breanne Racano, many up and coming young actors, and a number of people I can’t name drop.
G
Can anyone get an appointment with you – what’s the waiting list look like?
J
Anyone can come and see me. My waiting list is anywhere between 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on the season.
Learn more: www.juvenciojimenez-valdez.com
548 S Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90013
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qLfxulozvE
