Meet Maria Milanes of Maria Milanes in Granada Hills

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

Thanks for sharing your story with us Maria. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Enhancing the beauty of others has always given me such tremendous satisfaction. Growing up, I was always the one who played with my friend’s hair and experimented with their make-up. Little did I know then, this would become my career and a driving passion. I pursued beauty school at 20 years old and immediately fell in love with the hair industry.

I began developing my skills working at a beauty supply store with a one person chair. I learned a great deal about color correction as self-taught on clients who box dye their own hair. I had a thirst for more and I wanted to expand my knowledge. I knew I needed to develop my technique at a professional salon and be mentored by a hairstylist whom I respected. I decided to restart from the beginning.

I received my assistant training with Sebastian educator – Jeanne Ryan for a 1 1/2 year at Allen Edwards & Lukaro hair salon. My professional career began at Susan Alan Salon and then expanded in 2003 as an independent stylist. I have been in the LA Valley ever since.

My dream of being a hair stylist has also given me the freedom to travel around the world. I pursued the opportunity to train under some of the most world renown industry professionals such as: Toni & Guy in London/Costa Mesa/Santa Monica, Loreal in Paris/Laguna Beach/NY, Jacques Dessange in New York, and Wella, Sebastian, Juan Juan, Tracey Cunningham and Vidal Sassoon in Los Angeles.

This industry has brought me to a place of gratitude, integrity, and respect for the craft. I have worked hard to be where I am and appreciate the opportunities it has given me. I’ve been doing hair for 23 years and I can honestly say, “I love what I do”. I have the privilege of making people feel beautiful 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?
Life is not problem free and there will be highs and lows. I wouldn’t be who I am today if I didn’t go through some struggles. I have failed, made mistakes, and been taken advantage of. Those obstacles have molded and shaped me, and it has taught me that character goes a long way. I have learned to remain consistent, work hard and be true to who I am. I choose to surround myself with people who are like-minded, positive, and are willing to put their heart into the things that inspire them. I wouldn’t be where I am today, without the love and support of my family, friends, and clients. And the courage to believe that all things are possible with God.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Maria Milanes story. Tell us more about the business.
I am very proud of my work, for many years I was my worst critic. Today, I give myself permission to create and take risks. I am known for seeing the best version of a person and giving them a make-over that suits them. I like to create lived-in, natural, wearable looks. I’m not interested in my clients looking the same as everyone else or trying too hard to be someone they are not. It’s important to me that I listen and build trust with my clients, I want to customize something they can wear and feel good about themselves. I like to remind my apprentice we are always students of learning, we get to play with hair all day long and make sure the client looks great when they leave. I describe it as chefs in the kitchen, cooking, tasting and bringing flavors to life. Hair for me is just that, I get to create something very specific for my client as I see them. And hopefully, it reflects who they are.

 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.MariaMilanes.com
• Phone: 818-363-5226
• Email: mariamilaneshair@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamilaneshair/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariamilaneshair/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hair-by-maria-milanes-granada-hills
• Other: I set up all my appointments, texting is the best way to reach me.

Image Credit:
Kyle Ellis
Steven Hankins