Meet Maria Silva

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Silva.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a Latina beauty business owner born and raised in Torrance, CA. I fell in love with the beauty industry at a young age. I would always see my friends and sister play with makeup and I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to do my own. In high school, I briefly did a semester of cosmetology school, which opened up a world of opportunities I didn’t realize existed. After graduating high school, I did a year of community college quickly realizing my passion was in beauty. The following semester I applied to a beauty school and that began my journey in Cosmetology. I attended the Aveda Insitute Of Los Angeles and graduated in 2014.

After graduating, I began an assistant position at a salon in Santa Monica. Which became my home for the next 6 years. I moved from being an assistant to having my own chair. Still living in the South Bay and commuting every day, I realized I wanted to be closer to home. I took the leap in September of 2019 and opened up my own salon suite, Miel Beauty in Torrance. Where I have now been for four years. Getting here was a rocky journey but super grateful to be where I am. Grateful for my mentors along the way who helped me become the hairstylist I am today. Also beyond blessed to have the support of my mom and sister who have always supported every journey I have taken throughout my career.

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?
Graduating from beauty school was the easy part, figuring out what was next is the hard part. You are almost just thrown into the industry not knowing where to go. I remember interviewing and just walking into almost every salon down in the South Bay just hoping for any opportunity to work. I would spend my days just leaving my resume in hopes someone would call me back. Finding a salon space for me was hard, I remember walking into places and just feeling like they weren’t the right ones. I always had in the back of my mind some advice that one of my cosmetology instructors told me, make sure you find a place you love and don’t move around so much because not everyone’s gonna follow you. With that in the back of my mind I always thought to myself, is this where I see myself long term? It took me a few misses but I did finally find a place where I settled and grew as a stylist and got me to where I am today.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Latina hairstylist and makeup artist, with my own salon suite Miel Beauty located in Torrance, CA. I am a Redken-certified hair colorist and also hair extension certified. Some of the services I offer in my salon are haircuts, color i.e highlights, color corrections, and also hair extensions. I am also a makeup artist, so I offer bridal services or any makeup for special events. What sets me apart is my space and services are catered to each individual client. Your experience in my space matters to me just as much as the service. I wanted to create a space where everyone feels safe. I work in a private suite so it’s only ever my client and myself. I never overbook myself and never rush my services. I take my time to understand the client and also educate them when it comes to their beauty service.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was curious and creative. I taught myself how to braid on my dolls. I would even give them haircuts and color their hair. When I was in school, you would catch me either braiding my own hair while in class or braiding someone else’s hair. Thinking about it now, I guess I’ve always had a passion for all things beauty. We didn’t have much growing up, my mom was a single mother so at times things were tough. So I made do with the things I had and just be all-around creative. I definitely think growing up and seeing my mother struggle and hustle taught me to work hard and have a passion for what I do.

Pricing:

• Haircuts: $95
• Color Pricing varies on color technique and length & density of hair. Prices range from $295-$420
• Makeup Pricing: $105

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @manelovebeauty
• Other: https://miel-beauty.square.site/