Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Mello.
Maria, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Ever since I could remember, I loved doing hair! When my beautiful daughter was 2, I went to cosmetology school. I have been abundantly blessed to have built this wonderful clientele of super phenomenal humans! I have been fortunately blessed to have been the owner of The Hair Ninja Salon for the last 3 years. Last year, I was asked to be an Olaplex advocate and it’s been the most fulfilling and exciting opportunity to learn from and alongside some of the best stylists in my profession. I have also been humbled to get to do some editorial shoots and asked to be an educator for a hair color company. How many people get to say they love what they do? Not only can I say that, but I love the people I get to work on, with, and it all fills my heart and sets my creative heart on fire!!! I still pinch myself everyday!!!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I suffer from ptsd and for me, I can honestly say be a hairstylist has helped me so much with fighting it and the ability to refocus my energy on making sure my clients feel like royalty in my chair and my creativity just flows. My advice for new stylists is don’t ever give up, always believe in yourself, and never stop learning, growing, and evolving. Help others, be kind, and enjoy every minute of this amazing career.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Hair Ninja Salon LLC story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in Balayage color, Keratin treatments, Mermaid, and unicorn color. My main focus no matter what is the integrity of my client’s hair. Olaplex has changed my business and allows me to accomplish amazing transformations all while keeping the hair healthier in the process. I am most proud as a salon owner is that no matter what my salon will always be welcoming, comfortable, and a fun uplifting atmosphere. I have one rule and it is that no one in my chair is allowed to talk badly about themselves. I pride myself on taking my time making sure my clients get my 150% every time they come in. I am always taking new classes and continuing my education to be on top of new trends and techniques so that I can offer my clients the very best results. I believe what sets me apart is I try to give back to my community and wherever I can and that I really care about the person in my chair not just their hair.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I am constantly on the Olaplex user’s page on Facebook, they do free live education 2-3 a week and all of us stylists help each other, share our work and formulas. I love watching Guy Tang videos, he is so talented and his heart is so big! I use the Olaplex app and the Styleseat app to keep track of my online bookings, formulas, pricing, etc. I watch a lot of Joe Santy, he’s the man on perms! I am always learning about the color lines I use in any capacity online, hair shows, in person, whatever I can get into. Personally, when I’ve had a hard day, I like to listen to positive affirmations on YouTube Michael Seeley is a good one. I also love listening to Deepak Chopra and Oprah for inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5851 Cortez Rd. West
Bradenton, FL 34210 - Website: Www.styleseat.com/thehairninjasalon
- Phone: 941-448-5258
- Email: thehairninjasalon@gmail.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com//thehairninjasalon
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehairninjasalon/
Image Credit:
Maria Mello
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