Getting to Know Jill King of Kids Cuts

Here at the Patch we really like to get to know our neighbors and readers. A few people had mentioned that Jill King over at Kids Cuts would be a great person to 'get to know' so off we went with our notebook and questions to learn more about this longtime resident of the community.

Lots of people know Jill either because she cuts someone in their family's hair or from her many years working at Wells Fargo. One thing everyone seems to agree on, including me after I met her, is that she has a great personality and is very friendly.

 This year, her salon won our Reader's Choice Award for the best Hair Salon with a whopping 84 percent vote; so it seems like she is doing something right!

Along with cutting hair, she also stays active within the community. For the holiday season she is supporting the community as a drop-off spot for both Toys for Tots and the Rohnert Park Public Safety Officer Toy Drive. So if you have toys you want to drop off, feel free to pop by and help fill her bins.

She has also been a sponsor for boys' baseball this last year.

So after a quick tour of her very nicely styled salon, I jumped into a chair and let her work her magic while learning more about the woman behind the scissors.

How did you get started in this business?

I made a bit of a big career change 10 years ago when I went to beauty school. I wanted to go to beauty school when I was 18 but then plans changed when I got married and had kids. Along with being a mom, I started working at Wells Fargo and was with them for a long time before I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to jump into this.

Why did you open a salon here in Rohnert Park?

When I first started it was with my sister who has a salon in Novato. But my kids were here in middle and high school and I live here in town. So I decided it would be better to open my own shop to be closer to the kids and available.

What is your favorite thing about this job?

I love working with the kids. They just say the cutest things. It is like being a kindergarten teacher where you get to keep enjoying little kids after your own are grown up (she has a 21 and 24-year-old). My kids aren't little and cute anymore (laughing).

Which is your favorite to cut, boys or girls?

Oh that is hard because I like them both, but I would have to say boys. They get their hair cut more often so I get to know them better because I see them more.

Who is more nervous, the parents or the kids?

The parents are definitely more nervous. They are worried that their kids won't like it or might have a hard time during the haircut. We try to get the kids in and out with as little fuss as possible to make it easy on them.

If you could meet anyone and have them in your chair who would it be?

I read the Patch a lot so I had a chance to think about this question! It would be JFK. He seems like he would be a very interesting man to talk to, he was handsome, and he had great hair.

What do you do in your free time?

I am really a home-body. I love to spend time with my dog which is a cute little pit-bull named Sandy. I like to spend time with my kids and also my husband. We will be celebrating our 3rd anniversary this New Year's.

What is your favorite thing about Rohnert Park?

I have lived here for 25 years and I really think it is the perfect place to raise families.

What is your favorite sport and team?

I like hockey and my favorite team is the Sharks. It is very fast-paced and exciting. I like baseball too and grew up in a baseball family.

What was your first car?

My dad hot-rodded out a 65 Chevelle station wagon. We use to cruise around Petaluma and go to the drive-in.

For those that aren't aware, Kids Cuts just relocated this last Labor Day to their current location on Commerce Boulevard next to the Golf Shop. Jill felt the new location was more visible and provided easier access. She and her husband rolled up their sleeves and put a lot of work to renovate it into a space with a very cheerful and kid-friendly atmosphere.

If you want to learn more about Jill you can stop by and say 'Hi'. Kids Cuts is located at 5430 Commerce Boulevard. The hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Or you can call them at (707) 585-6100. They are also on Facebook.

If you are a local business owner who would like to sit down for a chat and be featured in our 'Getting to Know' column, please contact us at carlos.villatoro@patch.com.

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