Today we’d like to introduce you to Azelle Santa Ana.
Hi Azelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started Cosmetology during my junior year in High School, not knowing what it was about and just joined a friend for the ROP program. I thought it was pretty easy. But after high school, my mom wanted me to go back to the Philippines (where I was born) to go to Pharmacy school. As an Asian immigrant mom, her goal for me was something in the medical field, very typical. I somehow talked my way out of it, let her know I wanted to finish Cosmetology since I already started. I continued at a Paul Mitchell School, being the “Yes girl”, being involved in everything and every program the school offered. I was so intrigued with the way that school let me see the different venues of this industry. When I finished, I got into MAC cosmetics and worked once a week at a salon in Santa Monica. I felt so new and excited to start fresh. I considered SF or NYC, then realized I’m an island girl and I get cold at 70degrees. Then I was introduced to Pasadena. So I assisted with my now mentor at a celebrity known salon, then became a stylist there. I loved that that salon wanted you to be able to do hair behind the chair and behind the camera. I met my now best friend at that salon as a client, she asked me to be part of her blog, Ladyartlooks, we did pretty well-doing hair and makeup for shoots, fashion shows, and weddings. We got pretty booked, then we started feeling like we wanted to share more. We were big on goal setting and affirmations, so we started having events called Empower and Pamper. It focused on working on your inner confidence first then your outer. It was awesome. During that time, I remember one of my goals was to have my own self-running beauty business and help others as well. In between, I also switched to a smaller salon, then a corporate salon, really trying to find out where I wanted to be and grow.
2017, my best friend and I stopped our blog, she was building her family and I opened The Maya salon with the help of my brother. I wanted to create a salon that felt free, I took what I learned from other salons to building The Maya.
The Maya Salon is a collective of independent artists who manages their own schedule and have similar values in giving back, working with the community, doing what we love and most importantly having an abundance mindset.
I have been building a clientele as a hairstylist for over ten years, salon owner for four years. I am now part-time hair stylists so I can focus on the growth of The Maya salon. I feel blessed to be able to create a brand others are familiar with and is growing.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Haha, no! But that’s what it’s about, and keeps it exciting! Looking back, being open four years, the first two years I could not even afford a washer and dryer so the laundromat was my best friend. I learned about plumbing, different taxes, what a baseboard is (I know, haha), customer service, being creative in setting the vibe (potlucks, decor, events) and communicating. The challenges were as little as making sure there are enough towels to planning for long-term financial stability.
I had a vision and goal but did not have a set business plan. I was vague in how I wanted the salon, the details came during. I am super blessed to work with stylists who understand the vision and are flexible with changes.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Maya Salon?
The Maya Salon is a vibe, it is a brand that helps you feel confident. A brand to inspire others to do what they love. I say we are in the confidence business, inside and out.
As a salon, we like to be active with our community, check out our website to learn a little more about us.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
So many! Books are another version of having a mentor.
A lot of books on mindset help, I believe in the power of your mind and words. Here are a few: Manifest Now, The Power of Your Subconscious Mind, The Success Principle, See You at The Top…
I also love an audiobook version in the morning to help me get my day started.
Podcasts I love (other than a murder mystery) are Oprah and How I Built This
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TheMayaSalon.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/azellesa
- Facebook: facebook.com/themayasalon
