Daily Inspiration: Meet Maggie Bates

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Bates.

Hi Maggie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve built my career in the beauty industry as a hairstylist, and along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to work in some truly amazing salons—as well as environments that taught me what I didn’t want for my own career.
Those experiences inspired me to take a leap and open my own salon with my amazing friend and business partner, Riley . Riley and I wanted to create more than just a beautiful space. We wanted to build an environment that is productive, encouraging, and supportive, where stylists feel valued, inspired, and empowered to thrive.
For us, owning a salon is about creating a community where creativity and business can grow together, and where each stylist has the opportunity to become the best version of themselves.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Never a smooth road when building a business!
Turning a vision into a physical space came with a lot of moving parts, unexpected delays, and timelines that didn’t always go as planned. It required patience, flexibility, and a willingness to problem-solve along the way!
Looking back, those challenges taught me that building a business isn’t always about having everything go perfectly, it’s about staying focused on the bigger vision and adapting when things change.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started my career in New York City, where I built a strong foundation in the beauty industry, then made my way to Los Angeles, and eventually settled in Orange County, where I’m now proud to call home.
Over the years, I’ve developed a passion and specialty for blonding and custom color. I love creating personalized color that complements each client’s features, lifestyle, and individual style. For me, it’s not just about following trends—it’s about creating beautiful, customized looks that make my clients feel confident.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Outside of the salon, I’m a mom to three boys, which has taught me a whole different level of time management, patience, and perspective! Balancing motherhood, a career and running a business isn’t always easy, but it’s something I’m very intentional about. I’ve learned that work-life balance doesn’t necessarily mean giving everything equal time, it means being present and making the most of the time I have, both with my family and in my career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.westcollectivesalon.com
• Instagram: @westcollectivesalon @maggie.ocbalayage