Meet Marissa Darroch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Darroch.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Marissa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a first generation American. My father moved to this country from Mexico when he was 14 after his father passed away. He and my mother were young parents. I grew up in a very humble home. My parents never handed anything to us kids. If we wanted anything we had to work for it. So, I started working at 15. while I was in high school I decided I wanted to go to cosmetology school to use it as a stepping stone to work my way through college. I enrolled at EVIT cosmetology school during my sophomore year. I ended up loving the beauty industry and stuck with it. At 18 I started working at my first salon job and at 19 I became a mother. If that doesn’t make you grow up then I don’t know what will. I worked at several commission salons before I decided to take the leap of faith and go independent. When I started to rent my chair I worked 3 jobs while I built my clientele. I sold shoes, worked a few days at the salon and did promo modeling. I gradually built my clientele and was working full time being the chair after about three years. After working as an independent stylist for around ten years I decided it was time to start my legacy and with the support of my friends and family I opened Salon Knotti on what happened to be my 30th birthday. Opening my salon has always been a dream of mine and Its probably been the hardest thing I have ever done. I also had my second son after the first year being open. Talk about challenging! But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Being a mother has always been important to me but so is my career. Finding balance was and is key for me. I’m excited to see what the future has in store for us at Salon Knotti!

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?
Some of the challenges of owning your salon is realizing that things will break the will and go wrong no matter if you think you’ve done it all right. And you have to be able to roll with it and act fast to fix the problem. I’m all about focusing on the solution. I’ve had to replace a water heater, fridge, and ac all in the first couple of years.

Let’s see, In the first year, I got pregnant with my second son so that on its own had its challenges. Running the salon and being on my feet all day while carrying a nine pound baby wasn’t easy. I hired a part time assistant and relied on my team to help me with clients while I was on leave, which by the way was only two weeks. You don’t have the luxury of taking time off when you just started a business.

I think the most surprising and difficult challenge is finding a talented and reliable stylist. We are a booth rental salon so its not easy to find a stylist who is established, reliable and looking for a new salon. I know in time I will find the right people.

I think owning your own business is one of the most challenging but rewarding things you can do. It is not for everyone, which is probably why very few people attempt to do it. Overall, I wouldn’t trade the struggles for anything because I know it is helping me become a better version of myself.

Please tell us about your business.
Salon Knotti is a hair salon. We are all about positive vibes and because we are an open concept salon we all have a very strong family-like relationship with each other and our clients. I wanted to create a place where you could come as you are and feel loved and excepted. I try and do at least one complimentary non hair related event/class with our clients a year. Our first year we hosted a yoga class led by my good friend Lulu Baydoun who is the owner of Modern Malas. Last year we hosted a spin class at The Madison Scottsdale. I love that place! I try to bring the things I love into my business. I’m trying to create a community, not just a place you get your hair done. I don’t think many salons do this anymore, I never want clients to feel like just another number. I want them to know they are important to us.

I specialize in wedding hair. It is really what got me into the industry in the first place. I started a traveling style team before I opened Salon Knotti and I’ve just integrated it into my Salon.

I think what sets me apart from other salon owners is that I am someone who truly cares. My stylist is like a family to me. I don’t take anything for granted and I work hard and will do everything I can to help them grow as a stylist. I want them to be busy and make money. I’m all about reaching the top together. After all, I’m only as good as my team.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
The day we moved into our first family house. I was in 3rd grade. Up until then I lived in a two bedroom apartment and shared a room with my brother, sister and aunt. I swear it felt like winning a million bucks! I just remember feeling like we moved into a mansion even though the house was only 1500 square feet. I have a lot of good memories in that home.

Contact Info:

• Address: 9015 e. Via Linda suite #106
  Scottsdale, AZ 85258
• Website: www.salonknotti.com
• Phone: 623-216-4007
• Email: salonknotti@gmail.com
• Instagram: @salonknotti
• Facebook: Salon Knotti

Image Credit:
Wilcomedia, Teresa Young, Jude Sheehan, Marissa Darroch

Suggest a story: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.