Today we’d like to introduce you to Margie Dorantes.
Hi Margie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My career as a hairstylist started 13 years ago. I was only 28 years old. By then, I had already started a family with my high school sweetheart Alfredo. We had Damien who is now 23 and Tatiana who is now 15.
In being a mom, I was so focused on working hard to raise great kids but also worked hard at a regular 9-5 job to support them. My other main focus was my husband and being a good loving wife. Being a mother and wife can be challenging but I love that part of my life. Yet, I had forgotten about my dreams and goals.
My parents were hard-working people who did their best at raising us, they taught me hard work. I knew college was not for me but I wanted to work just as hard as my parents to build my own business and be my own boss.
The way I got started was by, what felt like, a mid-life crisis lol. I had reached a certain age where I realized that I was quite unhappy working a desk job. The job was repetitive in nature and I’m a creative soul. I craved creativity.
As a kid I enjoyed playing dress up, as an adult, I now take part in getting my hair and nails done and I always stay up-to-date with the latest fashion trends. Being in the beauty industry brings me so much happiness. It’s in my DNA
I chose a career in the beauty industry because I’m truly passionate it and I wanted to wake up every day and knowing I was doing something that I loved and enjoyed
Raising a family and starting this career was truly a sacrifice of time but I was ready for it. I knew it would all be worth it in the end.
I have always been the go-to friend for fashion and beauty advise but now I also give advise to my clients. Lol Hair has always been and will continue to be… my passion!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Obstacles: along the way, there have been many obstacles that hard to overcome. While I was in Carlton Academy training to become one of their stylists, I had to find hair models on a weekly basis. This was hard because everyone I know lives in LA and they had to drive to Irvine, in LA traffic which is about an hour and a half of a drive. From this experience, I learned to use my resources and find people on the internet to come to be my models. I did what I had to do. Another obstacle, which might be universal, was money and time. I had to make sacrifices of being away from my family while at work and then school, I had to budget my money as I wasn’t making much but I also made that work for me. I’ve been dealing with obstacles all my life and somehow I thrive.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m co-owner at Tress & Mane Hair Extension Salon in Hermosa Beach. As a full-time hairstylist, I specialize in color and hair extensions. I believe those two come hand in hand when creating a luxurious service for my clients. I’m certified in multiple extension methods but specialize in Invisible Beaded Rows®️ . The method was created for women who wanted extensions and needed a healthier option for their scalp. My clients like the idea of less tension and a seamless hand-tied sew-in application. They love being able to wear blended and almost undetectable hair extensions because it gives them confidence and leaves my chair feeling absolutely beautiful.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success to me is about the grind and hustle and not giving up. Being persistent with your goals and reaching them no matter the circumstances. It’s not about money, it’s about setting a target and hitting it. I believe I am successful not because I am a business owner but because I am followed my passion and didn’t give up.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Margies_manes
Image Credits
Husband
