Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Perdahci (Salon Viv).
Maria, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Originally from Romania , I moved to Atlanta 15 years ago! I studied art in Romania and I came with this big dream of making a living out of it! Well, it was hard, I knew I had to decide what I want to do besides painting , something that I would love and will take care of bills! So I had to reinvent myself. I wanted to do something creative and artistic and so that’s when the idea of doing hair came! Well, I graduated from Roffler Moller hairstyling college, I was so excited to start this career! My first years were great working at 2 different salons but I always knew I want it to have my own! So last year June 2015 Salon Viv was born! My daughters’ name is Viviana so that’s where the name comes from. My husband Firat and I were so excited and we believe that opening Salon Viv was the best decision we ever took! After more than a year Salon Viv is standing strong, the city of Sandy Springs awarded Salon Viv with best of Sandy Springs Salon 2016. I had a big success this past year and I can say I am so lucky having all these amazing clients and their support! Doing hair is art and art makes me happy!
Has it been a smooth road?
Pretty smooth …. when I first thought to go on my own, there were a lot of people telling me that it may not be such a great idea and maybe I won’t succeed but that just made me wanting my own little salon even more!
How would you describe the type of kid you were growing up?
I was more like tomboy, my parents lost their first child after few months he was born! My father said he always wanted a son so after the tragedy , my sister was born and me next! My dad was a soccer coach and also a bus driver! Soccer was his passion and he made sure I loved soccer too! I was obsessed with playing soccer, never really had a doll or did the stuff little girls will do! My friends were all boys and thinking of those days always brings a smile on my face! I started drawing when I was probably in my 8th grade and decided I wanted to go to an art school! My mom was against that, my father on the other was easier to convince! I actually went and took the test without them knowing and then send it my father to get the results! I passed and I was the first one around there going to an art school! In high school I was really quite, my family was going to a hard time financially and personal and I think that affected me as a child! I start skipping classes and I was just not doing what I supposed to do! At age of 21 I came to US and I was pretty much on my own! That was the time I believe I become much stronger ! Everything was so different here , culture , language!!! I had to learn it all! At first, I always had that feeling of not belonging , I missed my family but slowly once I started learning the language and I saw I can do it all by myself I start feeling better ! Now I have a family here and is where I want to be! Overall I had an amazing childhood in Romania, a little harder during high school years but hey I turned out pretty ok now ! Life is good!!!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I come from a small village named Saravale in Romania! I can close my eyes and still see crystal clear the small street where I grow up with my friends playing soccer , all of us a mess and our parents yelling at us to come back inside because is already dark and dinner is ready ! That was priceless! I sometimes still like to get my shoes dirty and have a soccer match with my daughter Viviana! When I see her playing it almost takes me back and is like I see myself at that age!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I think we are all planning to do more, a bigger success which means a bigger salon ! SALON VIV is now inside My Salon Suite, Sandy Springs! I am very happy with the decision of starting my business here ! This place is great, the landlords Victor and Lory are amazing, great location and so many businesses around ! But for the future, I would love a bigger location for SALON VIV with talented stylists!
Contact Info:
- Website: Salonviv.com
- Phone: 678 768 2433
- Email: maria@salonviv.com
- Instagram: Salon_viv_sandysprings
- Facebook: Salon Viv by Maria Perdahci
Tiffany Gravitt
July 6, 2017 at 4:33 am
I can attest to Maria’s expertise and unique ability to know exactly what her customers want to achieve with a new haircut or color change.
I am certain both Maria and Salon Viv will have continued success and grow into one of Atlanta’s premier reputable salons.
Maria’s warm personality and the special treatment she provides to all clients is an added bonus – and one of the reasons I will never visit another stylist or salon. I am so happy I found Salon Viv and Maria. I recommend Salon Viv to anyone seeking a different or more experienced stylist – you will not be disappointed.