Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Mariano.
Linda, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My career as hair stylist and hair colorist began in 1977 in New York. Since then, I have been dedicated to excellence in my craft. I am constantly learning, always strive to improve and remain on the forefront of current styles and trends.
Art chose me. I began painting and drawing as a child and was able to comprehend the laws of color at a very young age. And at the age of sixteen I choose to direct my creative drive towards hair.
Over the years, I have pursued many art forms, such as painting, photography, including hand painted black and white, permanent and temporary murals and Mehndi and Temporary Body Art.
What does this have to do with hair? All of my artistic experience has contributed to developing a well trained eye for the underlying principles of composition. Using design elements such as shape, contrast, balance, graduation, depth and focal point I create the most flattering and functional look for my grateful clients. And, I combine this with a kind and caring awareness for their needs.
I have long-established and loyal patronage, and they pretty much named my business for because they do see me as their Saving Grace. My salon, is a private studio on Ventura Boulevard.
Before anything else, what a person wants from a hairstylist is talent, creativity and concern for their needs. Additionally, there are needs for a great location, a soothing environment, as well as ample parking. Thanks to Salon Republic I am able to create this environment in a private studio,
In 2004, I opened my studio and additionally harnessed the power of the web. My website savinggracesalon.com has connected me with amazing people who have faith and trust in my ability to make them feel on top of their game.
I am a hair color specialist; I make people sparkle. Every day I get to create and make people feel great! I am truly blessed.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I maintained a loyal clientele and sustained a career in hair through many life adjustments. I am a divorced mom with two great kids and an adorable granddaughter.
At 58, I have been through many cycles such as economic shifts, working for others, child rearing, and a long term marriage that ended after twenty years.
There were times that I was not booked months in advance as I am now.
But through it all I keep a forward thinking mentality. what is the next step? I stayed the course and continued to learn more about my craft and business.
During the last economic shift, I have other income streams such as photography and henna body art. Currently, I devote my time to the demands for my hair color and style savvy.
Please tell us about Saving Grace Salon, Inc.
I am a hair color specialist in Los Angeles where my passion to create serves the needs of a grateful clientele. Both my hair color and cutting techniques are directed to maximum use value to my salon guests. Many have found me online when they have suffered from a hair color trauma and a frantic for a solution. I congratulate them for doing their homework and finding me. I lovingly refer to them as “rescues”. And, rescues are very loyal. My business name, Saving Grace Salon was born from this.
Clients can appreciate my “born in the Bronx” honesty. And when they enter my private studio for the first time I can read how they automatically relax. Traditional salons have many benefits, but are not for everyone. There is something special that takes place with people when they are clients not being intimidated by the “scene”.
Hence the success of Eric Taylors’ brain child Salon Republic now with ten locations.
We are all independent businesses under one roof.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to do it again I might organize my schedule differently. I work nights and Saturday and don’t take may vacations. The evening appointments help people that don’t have other options. And weekend times work for many. The tradeoff is that I have a four-day work week, and I love that. I am starting to schedule out “me time” in advance on my schedule.
Additionally, I work by myself and sometimes think I should bring in an assistant/apprentice.
Contact Info:
- Address: Saving Grace Salon
11239 Ventura Blvd #212 studio 24
Studio City CA 91604 - Website: WWW.savinggracesalon.com
- Phone: 8184216897
- Email: linda@savinggracesalon.com
Image Credit:
Linda Mariano, Rachael Lee Stroud
