Today we’d like to introduce you to Marty Salinas.
Marty, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
After working behind a desk as an Escrow Officer for 7 yrs I decided I was ready to pursue a career in something I always had an interest in which was creative and fun! I moved from Las Vegas to Denver where I first started my training at the Aveda Institute of Denver. I then moved to Atlanta to work for one of the Top Salons in the country, Van Michael Salons. I assisted for approximately 1 yr while attending their advanced training program on Mondays. I then entered into New Talents and continued to perfect my craft.( Hair Cutting and Upstyling)I am now a Master Stylist at Van Michael Salon and a Salon Educator. I have been with Van Michael Salon for 7 yrs. My latest accomplishment was styling shows for New York Fashion Week 2016.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road. When you are learning from some of the Top Stylist in the country it is easy to become discouraged or start believing that you are not good enough to be a part of such an amazing team. However, I continued to push forward and listened to the encouraging words from my mentors in the company and have proven myself to be pretty successful within my industry. I continue to grow and continue to surround myself with top professionals. I try my best to say yes to every opportunity given to me even if I am not completely comfortable with the task. If you do not challenge yourself and get nervous about different jobs then you are not growing.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
For the future, I will continue to perfect my craft by way of education. This industry is always changing and it is so important to be in the forefront of the newest trends. I try to surround myself with stylists who I look up to and inspire to be, this helps me grow as an artist. I also would like to work on more editorial/fashion shoots since I have a love for photography. I just recently had the opportunity to work at NYFW and would also love to continue doing that in the future! I am really excited about going back to Denver in January to the Aveda Institute to host a 2 day Master Series for future and current professionals in the industry. I love having the opportunity to share what I have learned with others in the industry.
Let’s explore some of the challenges you’ve faced along the way. What was the most difficult part of your career so far?
I think for me the hardest time in my career was when I was going to the Aveda Institute in Denver. I quit my previous career at the age of 29 and moved from Las Vegas to Denver and decided that I was ready to do something fun,something creative, something that I had always had an interest for… HAIR!!! It was difficult moving to a new city, I started going to the institute full time and working retail on my off days. I quickly realized that I was not able to pay for all of my expenses if I didn’t start working more. I eventually had to take a leave of absence from school so I could work more hours to pay the bills. I felt as if my dreams were slowly slipping away and I was so devastated the day I had to quit. I wanted it so bad. I was determined to get back in school as soon as I could. After about 6 months I was able to get back in school and finish with Honors! During those 6 months, I had to move to a cheaper apartment, I worked as much as I could to save any money I could so I could get back in school.
Do you ever feel like “Wow, I’ve arrived” or “I’ve made it” or do you feel like the bulk of the story is still unwritten?
Some of my most recent accomplishments that I am most proud of was being named Best of Atlanta 2016 for Best Haircut in Jezebel Magazine. Also, working shows during NYFW and watching the models you worked on walk the runway is really a cool feeling. Then to see write ups the following day or behind the scenes videos on shows you worked on….feels amazing! Being from a small town in Washington State, I never imagined that this was even possible or that I would ever have the opportunity to do things like this. My mom always told me to reach for the stars so I continue to reach!!
Pricing:
- Haircut $65.00
- Upstyle/Updo $115.00
- Shampoo/Style $50.00
- Keratin Smoother Treatment $295 – $350
Contact Info:
- Website: www.martysalinas.com
- Email: marty.salinas@ymail.com
- Instagram: Marty_Salinas_Hair
- Facebook: Marty Salinas
Image Credit:
Kelly Lane Photography
