John Rey Jamili is not just a name making waves in the hairstyling world. He’s a living inspiration for anyone chasing a dream that feels far from reach. Once stuck in a corporate routine, John Rey is now styling the hair of celebrities, beauty queens, and fashion models featured in top magazines like Mega. His transformation is more than a career change. It’s a bold leap into a life driven by passion and purpose.
A Spark from an Unexpected Place
John Rey’s love for hairstyling didn’t come from a classroom or a lifelong dream. It came from an unexpected place: his ex-boyfriend, a makeup artist in their province. At the time, John Rey was working in the corporate world with no plans of entering the beauty industry.
But being around makeup and styling backstage lit something inside him. He started helping with hairstyling during events and gigs, and the more he did it, the more he fell in love with the process. The joy of seeing someone smile after a hairstyle transformation gave him a deep sense of fulfillment. That spark eventually became the fire that fueled his career change.
Leaving the Corporate World Behind
It wasn’t easy to walk away from the security of a corporate job. But John Rey knew he had found his true calling. He made the brave decision to start fresh and dive into hairstyling full time, even though he had no formal training or industry connections at the time.
With passion as his guide, he began learning, practicing, and slowly building a name for himself. What started as a side hobby during gigs turned into a lifelong commitment to beauty and creativity.
A Blend of Art and Business
One of John Rey’s biggest strengths is how he blends artistic flair with business sense. His corporate background, instead of being a detour, became a powerful asset. It taught him discipline, professionalism, and organization—skills that now help him manage his own brand and grow a strong presence online.
Social media became his portfolio, his stage, and his community. Through Instagram (@johnrey_ph), he shares his hairstyling work, connects with clients, and reaches aspiring artists. His platform isn’t just about hair. It’s about self-expression and inspiration.
Big Breaks and Proud Moments
John Rey’s talent eventually caught the attention of big names. One of his proudest moments was styling a model featured in Mega Magazine, one of the most prestigious fashion publications in the Philippines. It was a full-circle moment for someone who started from scratch.
He’s also had the opportunity to style celebrities and beauty queens, something he once only dreamed about. These milestones are more than just career highlights. They’re proof of how far dedication and passion can take you.
Overcoming Challenges and Starting from Zero
The early days were tough. John Rey had to learn the craft, find his voice, and slowly build trust in an industry that’s both competitive and fast paced. He didn’t have a network or mentors at first, so he had to work twice as hard to be seen.
But he didn’t give up. He practiced daily, worked small gigs, and always showed up. Slowly but surely, opportunities started to come. His growth wasn’t overnight. It was earned through persistence and heart.
Focused on Growth and Community
Today, John Rey is focused on expanding his hairstyling skills and building a stronger presence in the beauty industry. He’s experimenting with new styles, from everyday glam to bridal and editorial, and sharing those looks online to inspire others.
He’s also working hard to grow his brand on social media. By sharing transformation videos, behind-the-scenes clips, and helpful tips, he’s creating a space where people can not only admire his work but learn from it too.
Future Goals: Influence, Teach, and Inspire
Looking ahead, John Rey has big dreams. He wants to become a well known name in the industry, not just for his styling skills but for the impact he creates. He hopes to work with more editorial teams, collaborate with beauty brands, and eventually mentor up-and-coming hairstylists.
His long-term goal is to be a hairstylist who inspires change, encourages creativity, and leaves a legacy of positivity in the beauty world.
Lessons Learned on the Journey
One of the most important lessons John Rey has learned is the value of patience and continuous learning. Hairstyling isn’t just about talent. It’s about understanding people, staying open to feedback, and always improving your skills.
He believes that every client deserves to be heard and every style should reflect their personality. That level of care and attention has become the foundation of his work ethic.
More Than Just Hairstyles
For John Rey, hairstyling is about more than looks. It’s about helping people feel good about themselves, express their identity, and leave the salon with confidence. That human connection is what keeps him going.
He wants to be remembered not just as a hairstylist but as someone who made people feel seen, beautiful, and empowered.
Advice to the Next Generation
If he could talk to his younger self, John Rey would say, “Be patient. Don’t rush success. Mistakes are part of the process, so learn from them and keep going. Believe in your creativity and trust your journey.”
He reminds everyone starting out in any creative field to stay passionate, enjoy the small wins, and never forget why they began.
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