Meet Marcos Mackey-Darden of Mid-City Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcos Mackey-Darden.

Hi Marcos, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey as a professional cosmetologist began in 2022, a short while after the pandemic. I know, so fun! Previously, I was in school for journalism which I still love and have an interest in. Due to the world shutting down, we all went to online which wasn’t fully fulfilling as a new student entering college. Soon after taking time away from school and thinking about what I was truly interested in outside of journalism. My mom, whom I had always helped with her hair for years, then came to me one day and offered the idea of going to cosmetology school since I had had a knack for doing hair and helping others with theirs as well. A month and a half later we found the school for me, Newberry School of Beauty. After my program, and meeting many amazing people and now friends, I graduated and went into to test a month later and soon after was licensed!

A month after becoming licensed I then began job hunting and after many interviews at salons, I found myself in an ulta and had seen that there was an open position sign for stylist. After some convincing to ease my nerves I interviewed and was later hired. 2 years later, and many learning curves but I am progressing as a stylist both in and out of the salon.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There were definitely hardships and some struggles that I faced while in and out of school. The testing process was nerve wracking and funny in some ways, looking back. Also becoming a new stylist is very daunting especially when first coming from school into a salon space. It can be a scary and challenging process but once you get a groove and get to know your colleagues around you it becomes much easier.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Licensed Hairstylist at Ulta Beauty in Mid-City, Los Angeles. I specialize currently in curly hair, such as cuts, styling, etc.
I am most proud of how far I’ve grown as a stylist in the two years I’ve started my career and I know there is so much more to learn and grow from which excites me.
I feel what sets me apart from others is that yes, everyone wants their clients to feel special and to build community within that but I do believe I bring an everlasting value and purpose into my business both within my company and my personal endeavors and I plan to continue that.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories would probably be going to the science center or the movie theater with my mom. Getting to spend time with her is always very fun and makes me feel present.

A more chaotic one I remember and look back and laugh on is when I trimmed a piece of my mom’s hair when I was little while she napped. You could say, my destiny was written long before I knew.

Pricing:

• Pricing is based in a tiered system and can fluctuate

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Done.ByMarcos (Hair Page) Marcos.Mackey (personal)
• Twitter: Marcos__a21
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@marcos.mackey?si=wKn6yEvf4lG0PrVq

Image Credits
Personal photo done by: Ashley Smith 4-8 photos: personal camera