September 13, 2016

Meet Encino Makeup Artist & Hairstylist: Mariam Taraz

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to the beautiful and talented Mariam Taraz.

Mariam, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Ever since I can remember I was very much into beauty, I started with doing gel nails at the age of 14 because I wasn’t able to afford it (- in Germany a full set at the time 120DM).

By 15 I lied about my age and worked in a very exclusive nail studio after school, after graduating business high school I went to one of the best makeup & school Munich had to offer. Once finished I worked at a salon and for the Bavaria film studios but I knew there was something bigger and it had the name Los Angeles.

I crossed the big sea at 26 and with $500 it took me some time to get situated (mind you back then with no GPS), but eventually I learned that my certificates and makeup license were worth nothing in the United States and I went back to cosmetology school to complete my 1600 hours as well as my first pregnancy.

Instead of just getting my Esthetician license I wanted to do hair now as well since I deeply fell into a new passion which was the Hair extension industry. I graduated in 2011 and ever since then I’m in love with every beauty related subject.

As the director of the cosmetology program mentioned My name Mariam Taraz, at our graduation, she introduces me as “a cosmetologist that literally does it all from waxing eyebrows to balayaging, from daytime, evening, editorial or headshot make up to creating her own hair extension technique “Flattracks” – she’ll do it all”

Has it been a smooth road?
100% no!! From not having a car in the beginning to waitressing because it’s crazy completion out here and not to mention everyone wanting you to work for free, oh and did I mention trades? Yes, I did get a pair of Jimmy Choos once for a day’s work.

When you look back, can you point to a period when you wanted to quit or a period that was really frustrating?
Yes! There were definitely moments when I thought this is too hard, there’s too much competition, no money coming in,etc…the feeling got so strong that in 2015 I couldn’t resist to try a 9-5 for the Austrian Consulate on Wilshire. I turned the conservative business environment soon into a beauty place. Behind closed doors the blowdryer and curling iron were buzzing when my coworkers had to get chic for dates, Eyebrows got waxed and shaped and I realized after two months that I missed the hustle and bustle, just doing hair & make up. So I quit.

Best decision ever because I went in harder than ever and really started investing in myself better yet believing in what I was meant to do. Of course, there are still tough moments but not because of the career that I’ve chosen for myself but because I am a mother, perfectionist, artist, entrepreneur and I crossed the seven seas for a reason and nothing comes easy and I want to get to the top and I’m only at the beginning. What I am trying to explain is there’s always tough moments, I won’t let them defeat me, I use them to make me tougher and stronger.

What advice do you wish to give to those thinking about pursuing a path similar to yours?
Always follow your heart, be original, do good work and work hard.

What are you looking forward to?
My family always comes first, without their support I would not be able to follow my dream.
I am super excited to take them to the next level, there’s a lot coming in the future, I am creating my very own hair extension line for women with thin hair, continuing to give back and teaching beauty national and international. Being a part of making City Extensions Bar greater and opening up more locations.

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