Today we’d like to introduce you to Simone Maryah.
Simone, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a Brazilian woman and entrepreneur. I’ve been working as a hairstylist since I was 23 years old. I was fortunate to begin my career at Studio W Cabeleireiros, a renowned salon in Brazil. It was an incredible experience—I had the opportunity to learn from some of the best professionals in the industry and work with celebrities, which really shaped my technical skills and confidence.
In 2015, I moved to Los Angeles. My first goal was to learn English, but I also felt a strong calling to grow professionally in a new environment. In 2018, I enrolled at Toni & Guy Cosmetology School to deepen my knowledge and prepare for the California State Board exam. Getting my cosmetology license here was a major step forward—it gave me the freedom to build something meaningful in a new country.
Once licensed, I started exploring opportunities in local salons. While I had strong experience with Brazilian clients, I was still learning how to connect with American clients. Eventually, I found an opportunity at Sit Still, a salon in Venice. The owner, Zac, was incredibly supportive, and the team made me feel welcomed. It was a great place to start establishing my name in Los Angeles.
Then, the pandemic arrived, and everything changed.
Hair salons were classified as non-essential, and like many others, we had to close. It was a challenging and uncertain time. I live alone in LA, and navigating all the changes was intense—for me and for many others in the industry. One week we could work outside, the next week we couldn’t. And when things finally began to reopen, client activity was slow. People were cautious, and salons felt different.
To keep moving forward, I began offering private, house-call appointments. It allowed me to stay connected with clients and continue doing what I love—creating beauty and building relationships—even during a very unpredictable moment.
A few months later, I was driving to the gym in Hermosa Beach and noticed a space for rent. Something about it spoke to me. I had this vision: “This could be my own salon.” Still, it took me a month to gather the courage to call. I was nervous—starting something on my own felt huge.
After meeting the people renting the suite, I called my sister, who’s also a successful business owner in Brazil. I told her I was scared, and she simply said, “I know. Open it anyway.”
So I did.
I signed the lease, and in December 2021, I opened my salon: Hair, Tea & Therapy by Simone Maryah. From day one, I wanted to create more than just a beautiful space—I wanted to offer a safe and welcoming environment. It’s a no-gossip, no-judgment zone. We sip tea or coffee, talk, laugh, and sometimes even cry in that chair. There’s real connection, and of course, gorgeous hair.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not really—but I believe that’s part of the process when you’re building something real.
The first year after opening was especially challenging. I was investing a lot—emotionally, financially, and physically—while building my clientele and managing two rents. It required courage and consistency. But I knew this is how growth looks. I expected the ups and downs. I trusted that every step forward, even the hard ones, was building something greater.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a colorist, and I specialize in color correction, highlights, and balayage. I love working with color—it’s like painting. The creative process brings me joy, but what really fuels me is the transformation I see on a client’s face when they love what they see in the mirror.
What sets me apart is my ability to truly listen. Every client has a unique story, style, and personality. During our consultation, I take the time to understand their vision and guide them toward what will complement their features and lifestyle. Things like skin tone, maintenance routines, and even emotional preferences all influence the final look.
A beautiful result doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a combination of experience, intuition, and trust. And that begins with a great conversation.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Be patient with the process. The first few years of building anything—whether it’s a business or a dream—are about planting seeds. It might not all bloom right away, and that’s okay.
Keep learning. Stay flexible. Let go of perfection. You’ll never have everything “figured out,” and you don’t need to. What matters is showing up with passion, staying consistent, and being willing to grow through each phase.
And lastly—don’t wait to feel completely ready. I was scared when I opened my salon, but I did it anyway. Some of the best decisions in life happen when we move forward despite the fear. That’s where the growth is.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.simonemaryah.com
- Instagram: @simonemaryah_
