We recently had the chance to connect with Michael Gallegos and have shared our conversation below.
Michael, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of doing hair, I’ve really found joy in going to the gym. It started as a way to take care of myself physically, but it’s become something I rely on mentally just as much. It’s a space where I can clear my head, push myself, and release stress. The discipline and consistency have given me a lot of balance, and I’ve found not only physical benefits but also a ton of mental clarity and joy from it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, my name is Michael Gallegos, and I’ve been a hairstylist for over 11 years. I specialize in color, extensions, and bridal styling, and I currently work out of Agencè Salon in Monrovia, California. I also travel back and forth to Denver regularly to work with clients, which has allowed me to build strong relationships in multiple cities. Over the years, I’ve worked multiple New York, Paris, and Milan Fashion Weeks, and I’ve traveled extensively for weddings, which gave me a global perspective on beauty and creativity. What makes my work unique is the way I blend luxury and artistry with a personal touch. Helping people feel not only beautiful, but truly confident. Right now, I’m continuing to grow my brand here in Los Angeles while balancing my passion for artistry with creating transformations that feel both timeless and tailored to each individual, as well as taking as many classes I can fit in my crazy schedule.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My two aunts taught me the most about work, and they did it by example. Watching them, I saw how much their education meant to them and how they set goals, achieved them, and then kept raising the bar higher and higher. They showed me what it looks like to stay driven, keep pushing yourself, and never settle—and that’s something I’ve carried with me in my own career.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one thing to my younger self, it would be: this isn’t forever. Do exactly what you want and feel in the moment, and don’t listen to all the outside noise—it always fades with time. At the end of the day, you’re the one who has to live with yourself forever, so focus on making Michael happy every single day.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I think where smart people get it wrong is focusing too much on just one type of smart. There’s book smart, common sense smart, street smart, people smart—and I’ve learned that when you’re able to tap into multiple areas at once, that’s when you really level up. It’s not about being the best in just one lane, it’s about blending them together and using all those strengths collaboratively to help you move forward.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m definitely doing what I was born to do. Since a very young age I was drawn to hair, it was never something anyone told me to do, it was just something I felt pulled toward. I’ve always been creative, hands-on, and loved connecting with people, and hair gave me a way to combine all of that. It feels less like a job and more like what I was meant to do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @michaeljay_hair
- Facebook: MichaelJay hair
- Other: TikTok @michaeljayhair
