Today we’d like to introduce you to Maimai Hernandez
Hi MaiMai, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Loaded question for an immigrant.
I was born and raised in Venezuela, when the political system started changing drastically, my mom decided to come to the states. She was going through a ‘rough divorce’ at the same time.
Adapting to our new norm wasn’t the easiest, and we quickly realized we’d had to work twice as hard if we wanted to make it in life.
At only 15yo in a new country, no family, no father figure, no friends, no money (my mom got scammed and lost all of her savings), not knowing the language our new life was starting.
At 17 I had found a pt job at a hair salon in the outskirts of Chicago, the feeling of “belonging” was so strong it was almost palpable. I was very familiar with the salon environment because as kids we would go to the salon every Friday to get pampered. That’s when my passion for hair started forming.
Almost a year had gone by, and after having the most amazing experience at the salon, I made a decision, I was moving from Chicago to a different state and realized i couldn’t do hair anywhere else because I wasn’t licensed. Moving forward, about 10 years later, I relocated to California with my now husband. He was separating from the Air Forces and joining the AF reserves and this was home to him.
Having to start from scratch, I decided to go to cosmetology school and get licensed. And so I did! I attended Vidal Sassoon Academy full time while working at a barber shop part time. I had no days off but I was so happy I had found my passion and purpose.
Fast forward a few years of assistanting in 3 different salons, and surviving 2020, 11 months of a worldwide pandemic, The comeback in 2022 has been amazing. Along with super talented artist, Amber Maynard, we were able to open AM salon, in West Hollywood, CA first women- Latina owned salon in Weho! Our focus is to bring diversity and inclusion not only for clients but also our artists, while uplifting them and creating a safe environment for all.
Currently our salon is booming and growing, we have 10 amazing artists and are taking new clients!!
I’m also part of Joico’s artistic team. A company who saw my potential, and believed in me.
Life couldn’t be better. Trusting God, working hard and never giving up are key to achieving success and excellence.
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?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road, but instead of going down the list of what’s gone wrong and how hard it’s been, I’d rather focus on the good, and that every struggle and situation has taught me strength, resilience and determination. That’s how I’ve grown and have been able to move forward in life.
Surround yourself with a strong, positive circle, I don’t base it off quantity but quality. Trust God and have faith. Everything will work out in your favor.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What do I do: I’m a salon owner, work btc, educator, & social media creator,
I specialize in color: color corrections, blonding, lived-in colors, big color transformations.
I educate: I’m so blessed to say I create hair techniques, and methods to help other hairstylists achieve certain looks, strengthen their confidence behind the chair, improve their skills, boost their performance efficiently.
Hair extensions: I have recently found a new passion for hair extensions and the ability to give my clients their dream hair in one sitting.
I think my work ethic, great skills and remaining consistent with my work set me apart from others.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I love making a positive impact in my community, Representing women and minority, being an example that hard work does pay off .
If they’d like to see more and be apart of my journey feel free to follow on my social media channels and support my small business!
Pricing:
- Hair extensions: in person consultation is required
- Color Corrections: in person consultation is required
- Transformative color: 600+
- Lived-in color 300+
- Haircut 225
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amsalonweho.com
- Instagram: maimaihair
Image Credits
Photo by https://www.instagram.com/jenjphoto?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
