Rising Stars: Meet Maria Blankevoort of Montrose, Ca

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Blankevoort.

Hi Maria, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Born in Santiago Chile, migrated to the US at 10 years old I always had a curiosity for art & beauty. As young as 12 years old I begin to experiment with hair color often shopping at Beauty Mark store in Glendale where I would pick the owners brain for help on formulating colors. I started coloring not only friends hair but their parents as well. It was something that came naturally, I had a vision for someone & I would suggest bringing it to life. Whenever I saw someone struggled with self confidence from junior high all through high-school I offered make overs & saw not only happiness but a new positive personality come to light.

I worked many jobs, my last one before becoming a hairstylist was in the medical field. Realizing I needed something else in my life I decided to pursue beauty school. At the time, the beauty industry was not valued as would a career in the medical field. Facing critique from some I took a risk & it was the best decision I ever made.

In school I quickly grew close to my teachers who to this days I consider my mentors. I was very involved & in school I was already teaching my skills to others.

I have participated in many threads of the hair industry working with models, film, runway, weddings but my favorite has always been to work on the girl next door.

I have now been in the hair industry for 17 years having touched thousands of clients hair. I still to this day have my loyal clients of 17 years.

I have proudly worked in Glendale most of my career expanding to Montrose & have traveled to places like Chile, Cuba & Brazil to teach.

I have never been someone who cared for popularity my heart and soul have always had one goal & it is to help each client reach their goal but while doing it helping guide them through whatever they may be going through. There’s a sense of achievement and gratitude knowing that you can help someone by earning their confidence in the chair, listening to them, supporting them & at the same time having them walk out of the chair feeling refreshed.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The hair industry has always been difficult career as it is very competitive field. You have to work hard, stand on your feet long hours. You are your own boss & have to always be on top of advertising, the latest trends & offer your clients the best you can in order to maintain a flow in your business. I’ve faced physical challenges as the work is hard on your body but the passion & love for your clients keeps you going.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in color transformations, Extensions & haircuts. I am known in the industry for creating vibrant coppers and warm blondes, for maintaining natural length and healthy hair & for avoiding anything that can compromise the health of the hair.

Im proud of the relationships I have built with every client over the course of my career & have maintaing their continued loyalty.

What sets me apart from others, is that this is not just a job for me. I strive to help my clients, I listen to them & care for them & help wherever I can. Walking out with pretty hair is just the icing on the cake of what they get from me, a deep connection where they leave feeling happy and new.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Since a very young age I always observed those who loved what they do and who were good at it. Ive always appreciated effort and hard work & so I was fortunate to have found many mentors throughout my career who helped guide me in the right direction. Who shared formulas, business strategies, techniques etc. I stay close to them to this day because even though ive reached a point where I am comfortable with what I do. Every now and then you hit a bump & they have been the ones to help navigate through them.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairsouffle
• Other: https://mariablankevoort.styleseat.com/m/