Meet Richie Roman of Square Salon Suite in Long Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Richie Roman.

Richie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Having been raised in Los Angeles and going to school in San Pedro, my twin brother joining the military took me to where my career began in Atlanta Georgia. I attended a tiny beauty school in a small town called Fayette Beauty Academy that was charming. My first salon experience was working for a huge top Atlanta salon Van Michaels. Coming back home to California, I knew the diversity and beauty of Long Beach was home for my husband Mark and my daughter Tallulah as well as our 8-year-old rescues Soho & Apple. I found the Phenix Salon Suites was opening local locations and I moved in and began working on my loyal clientele as well as print work, television and fashion projects. While working for the Phenix I was selected to be featured on the CBS hit series Undercover Boss which was an amazing experience that changed my families lives forever. I specialize and have a love for curly hair. I like to say that I speak “curl-language”. I help my clients explore the range of their curls potential while embracing their natural beauty. It’s my life’s work. The joy I get when a client loves their curls after spending years not liking them is the greatest reward for me. Especially when they are young and are still open to the idea that their curls can be gorgeous. Aside from my curly clients, curlfriends, I also cut and color hair. I am Artistic Director for 3 Deluxe USA professional hair color and educate around the country for the color line in classrooms and on the stage.

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?
My business has luckily been a pretty consistent road. I give 100% to anyone in my chair. Whether you’re the top supermodel of the world or the cashier at my local grocery store. They are my priority and I’m grateful for them. Their loyalty gives me consistency. My personal life has had its fair share of struggles that we have overcome. My daughter Tallulah Rue was born (via surrogate) 15 weeks premature. She weighed 1 lb. 10oz and was 10 inches long. She spent a lot of time in the NICU and had her fair share of surgeries and procedures. She is now 7 and the most gorgeous cupcake you’ve ever seen in your life. She is thriving and we continue to overcome the obstacles that come along with Micro-Prematurity. My clients have been with me through the journey and have become part of our family.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Square Salon Suite – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I specialize in curly hair (textured hair). I was honored to receive 2 North American Hairstyling Award nominations in 2012 for my Texture Work. My Collection “RadioActive” took home one trophy. I’m also proud of a television appearance on Bravo Television Series Tabatha’s Salon Takeover. It was a fantastic experience in which Tabatha promoted me on the show as well as applauded my hairdressing skills. An 8-page spread of some of creative work can be seen in the current issue of Infringe Magazine based out of the U.K. and available worldwide.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I honestly believe that the Phenix Salon Suites are the future of the beauty industry. Most hairstylist if given the opportunity to open and operate their own private space would thrive. Working for yourself opens up the creative floodgates of possibilities. It’s fun. It’s challenging but it’s your own!

Contact Info:

• Address: 7255 Carson Blvd.,
  Long Beach, CA 90808
• Website: RichieRoman.com
• Phone: 562 335 9018
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: RichieRomanHairStylist
• Facebook: RichieRomanHairStylist
• Twitter: iamRichieRoman

Image Credit:
Emma Roberts
Roneil Chavez Photography
Gina Rivera
Angela Zhou
Mark A Roman

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.