Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Mariano.
Hi Linda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My career as a hair artist started at age 16. I attended a vocational program that was connected to my high school in upstate New York. By the time I was 17 I was licensed in the State of New York.
That was 1977. Since that time, I have spanned over four decades of Hair and style trends. Tools, techniques, and products have evolved so much. As well as marketing in the technological age. But my passion and love of hair and making others look and feel good is stronger than ever.
I have worked in Manhattan, San Francisco, and Phoenix. But settled in Los Angeles in the mid-eighties.
Since 2004, my location is a private suite inside the original location of Salon Republic. I named my business “SAVING GRACE SALON”, or should I say my clients named my business. Because so many have stated that I am their “saving grace” it seemed only natural.
As a hair color specialist and stylist, I have saved many from hair disasters. I built much of my business on offering “emergency hair color correction”. This Rescue service has created very loyal clients.
My guests love the environment of a private suite. They don’t have to be in earshot of the drama of others and they know all my attention is on them. I love when a client enters my salon suite for the first time and I see them instantly relax for our initial consultation.
I mostly use a luxury brand of ammonia-free hair color and state-of-the-art additives that leave hair in better condition than before the hair color. Moreover, the technique is key to maintaining the integrity of the hair. Artist, I strive for dimension, contrast, and sparkle that is so realistic.
I serve a diverse group of brilliant and creative clients from all walks of life that appreciate my attention to detail. I strive to give them much in-use value with my special glazing techniques and ease of growing out. There is so much more to hair color than just covering gray.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The Obstacles of post covid times are so different than early business years. 2020 and the daft and short-sighted leadership in California and Los Angeles County took a wrecking ball during my 18 years of success in my current location. Three shutdowns in 2020 were devastating to all businesses in our state.
Ironically, the salon environment, especially the private suite environment was always a safe place for clients and stylists alike. We were quick to upgrade already exemplary sanitation standards. After all, our licensing and state standards revolve around infection control.
There was a mass exodus of clients leaving the state and city and many others shifted their priorities. Additionally, people were working from home and more isolated so which had a direct effect on clients referring others around them.
With that being said, I now have a focus on rebuilding. I am grateful to have a very loyal base of amazing and discerning clients that have stuck with me through the confusion and inconvenience of changing parameters. My online reviews and recommendations speak for themselves. I have an excellent reputation, I have photography skills, and take great photos of my work and my clients, and I am searchable online.
As a color specialist, I have always kept a good inventory of essential supplies. This is now more important than ever due to some supply chain issues.
In the past, I had to focus on just my salon work; because I was so busy with my very regular color clients. I am now adding back my other services, such as photography. Additionally, I am available to help others with their online content creation.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Always a creator and a geek. It was only natural for me to embrace the creator tools of technology. I was an early adopter of web marketing; recognizing that it is the new word of mouth. The gift that keeps on giving.
My style and trend background were helpful in adapting to the ever-changing pace of technology.
In the salon, and with friends and family I am the go-to geek. I help them with their business and personal presence and sharing.
I love creating content on various platforms and explaining to others how to use the tools.
During hair color processing time, my clients at times are getting many tips and tricks on photo editing, content creation, image sharing, social media platforms, and more.
My photography and content-creating skills are ever-growing and are a side hustle. I am now embarking on voice-over.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Art chose Me! My earliest childhood memories are of my artistic vision. In kindergarten, I drew pictures of stick figures with contemporary flip (it was the 60s) hairstyles. I understood basic laws of color at a glance. Teachers recognized my strong ability to create dimension in my drawings. All of what I do now. And as a photographer, I took my first class in junior high.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.savinggracesalon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linda_mariano_haircolorist
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/losangeleshaircolorexpert
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCorwlsj1yykH8kclYLwUp-w
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/saving-grace-salon-studio-city-2
- Other: https://msha.ke/savinggracesalon
Image Credits
Linda Mariano
