Jessica Jessica is apprenticing at Salon Della Vita, and that means total emersion into all aspects of being a stylist. You might see her shampooing, at the front desk, tidying up or doing hair. She says she’s happy to get hands-on experience, and benefit from Kim’s ten years in the business. Says Jessica, “The best way to learn is from other people, rather than in a classroom.” It helps, she says, that Kim is an encouraging mentor. “Maybe I’ll be nervous about something. But she’ll say, no it’ll be fine, giving me confidence.” Jessica’s current plan is to work toward Board certification as a stylist. But she’s got a laid back, very grounded attitude that makes her wary of casting too far ahead. “I want to be happy with what I’m doing at the moment, instead of focusing on something that may or may not happen.” A Vermont native, Jessica came to Savannah two years ago with her husband, who is in the military. She misses the Vermont fall and winters, and seasonal treats like maple walnut ice cream. But she says she’s no longer anti-grits, the Southern staple, after trying the “amazing” shrimp n’ grits at the Boar’s Head. Besides hanging out with friends, she’s into visual arts like drawing, collage and interior design.