Today we’d like to introduce you to Marina Haywood.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
For me, my passion for hair started as a young girl.
When I was seven years old, I was diagnosed with cancer and endured chemotherapy and lost all of my hair.
My earliest memories of being passionate about hair, are the days my hair grew back. I remember waking up before anyone in my household to make sure my hair was perfectly styled before school.
At about age 14, I remember being so excited that my older sister asked me to do her hair for her senior prom.
Two months after graduation High School, I went to Beauty school – eager to learn the trade and get started in my career!
After graduating, I apprenticed for several different people for a few years, never getting to touch ahead, just watching others work, learning, cleaning, handing over foils, etc. It was tortuous, to not be able to create- but necessary and a crucial part of my journey.
It wasn’t until I landed in Santa Monica that I had a boss/salon owner who pushed me out on the floor, encouraged me to “get out there.”
I worked for years perfecting my craft and getting to know the business side of things, before taking a leap of faith and opening a private studio.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Well, first and foremost, is the judgment you receive for not going to “college”. People LOVE to make you feel less than for not choosing “traditional” education.
In addition, I believe one of the main struggles for a Hair Stylist entering this industry, is finances. Majority of us start off making next to nothing, but it is so important to let your passion push through those tough times.
On the flip side, once you “take off”- the money can be amazing and also inconsistent, so learning to manage your money through the good times to carry you on the “slower times’ is a huge trial and error situation.
I will also say in this industry, it’s very tough to find a salon home that supports you as an artist and not just a vessel for their financial gain.
I also think as Stylist sometimes we aren’t valued or understood by employers. Employers provide the house, we make it a “home” in my opinion. By that I mean, you can have a salon that attracts the clients, but they stay for the stylists.
Too often, employers feel we are easily replaceable, and in a sense that we belong to them as well as the clients and that comes with a huge set of obstacles in itself, as you can imagine.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Studio 304 story. Tell us more about the business.
Studio 304 is a private salon suite.
Although it’s a stepping stone for me, to the main goal, it was built on “good vibes.”
I created this place with my best friend Jazmine Cienfuegos, a fellow Hair Stylist.
It is a space we created to be independent and “free” to create a lifestyle, a clientele and environment we loved.
A place clients can come and feel relaxed, leaving the busy world behind for a short time and leave feeling amazing!
I specialize in Hair Color, this was a learned skill that till this day, I have to educate myself on constantly to keep up with latest and greatest.
I also specialize in hair styling, this is something that came naturally to me as a young girl, I have honestly never taken a styling class, I can look at a style and recreate it.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I personally despise the word “luck”.
I have had so many people call me and my success “lucky”.
I have worked for every single opportunity in my life. I have pushed through some unbelievable obstacles. It has nothing to do with luck and everything to do with being intentional, having faith, hustling and perseverance.
Even the “bad” things that have happened to me have proven to be a crucial part of my journey and molding me to who I am today.
I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and good things happen to those who work for it.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1358 5th st. Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Website: www.styleseat.com/marinahaywood
- Phone: 3104478871
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/marinadoesmyhair
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