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Conversations with the Inspiring Marlene Romero

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlene Romero.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I enrolled myself at the Aveda institute in downtown to have a plan B as a hairdresser in case if my plan A didn’t work out. Little did I know my plan B would soon become my plan A. Being with Aveda for about seven years, I was very motivated.

I was constantly taking as many classes as I could by masters of their craft. I would creating connections along the way which eventually led me to have some amazing opportunities, such as, working New York and London Fashion week.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not been smooth whatsoever. I got pregnant about three months into school which was really hard because the school is very strict about being on time and only having three days of absence before you have to repeat a course. I did not want to struggle even more than I had to by being held back so I continued my classes as normal. I was on the floor 10 hours a day while being pregnant and for my first pregnancy it wasn’t ideal, but it had to be done. I was about 12 weeks away from graduating when I gave birth, and I only missed one day of school. I went into labor Saturday morning, went to school for 10 hours, and then right after went to the hospital. I missed Tuesday and had to come back Thursday. Aveda works on a 3-day on/off schedule so you either go to school Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Tuesday Thursday Saturday. I was Tuesday Thursday Saturday schedule.

It was hard struggling school work and a newborn baby but I pushed myself to do it. I got a job at an advanced program at a salon once I graduated and soon after became a single mom. I wasn’t going to let that stop me from raising my daughter so I did what I had to do to keep mine and her head above water working as much as I could, sacrificing time with her so I can make ends meet. I was always extremely tired from lack of sleep because of a newborn and working 60+ hours a week that I didn’t put enough attention to my appearance in the morning. I was always in a ponytail, all black clothes with no makeup. The salon I was at was not very happy about that and fired me. They told me I needed to keep up appearances if I wanted to stay busy because I’m in the beauty industry and I need to look beautiful everyday.

Even though I didn’t get all dolled up, I thought I was beautiful. I wasn’t raggedy looking by any means, but that’s what that salon was about, they see you as a number not a person and I wasn’t meeting their requirements of having full face of makeup and hair done everyday so I was let go. I took it pretty hard, freaked out about how I have a baby to support and how I was only making minimum wage and that was hard enough as it was already and now I just lost a source of income. But I didn’t give up looking for a job and soon found another salon that was more about letting your work do all the talking instead of your appearance. There’s always going to be struggles along the way no matter what you do, it’s how you tackle on your struggles that can change the outcome to your desire. Never give up on your dreams, even though it seems hopeless or too hard. I am now an independent contractor and rent my chair out of a salon and I’m happier than ever. There were times where I felt like a failure on more than one occasion and thought about giving up altogether, but my driving force was my kids and I couldn’t let them see that the answer was to give up when the going gets tough. Change your mindset about how you view the situation you are in and it can be a game-changer for the better.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m a hairdresser. I love my craft and I’m especially good with color. I was actually an Aveda color specialist while I was with Aveda. Although I love color, it’s not the only thing that feeds my passion. I also love doing styling as well as makeup. My biggest and most proudest accomplishment have been working alongside designers for New York and London Fashion week for six seasons, going on seven for both hair and makeup. I especially love when I can get creative whether it be with color, maybe a funky makeup look or a very imaginative hairstyle, it’s always something different, nothing’s ever recreated which is why I feel like my industry never gets boring. I feel like I set myself apart because unlike most stylists, I guarantee my work. If you’re not happy, I’m not happy. I want to bring out the inner beauty of people and make them feel so amazing and confident before they leave my chair, and a lot of times it doesn’t even take much, it could be something as simple as a haircut and it’ll change your mood significantly.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
My grandparents, mom and kids. I want to make them proud. I want to be the best possible version of myself for them.

Pricing:

  • Long haircut $40
  • Short haircut $30
  • Highlights $95+
  • All over color $70+
  • Full Face Makeup application $100+
  • Up-do $100+

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