Meet Michelle Martinez of M&C Hair Company in South Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Martinez.

Michelle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My hair journey began March 2015 when I signed up for the cosmetology program at Aveda Institute Phoenix. I remember being so excited to dive into the world of beauty and fashion and once I completed my tour I knew Aveda was the place I wanted to be. Their mission always stuck out to me because although they taught students how to enhance outer beauty their curriculum also focused on inner beauty, spirituality, and love of the planet. Aveda also focused on editorial styling and photoshoots. I was so excited because in my beauty school days I said that someday I wanted to combine my love of photography and hair into one career which at the time seemed like a far fetched dream.

I wanted to push myself during my time there and I wanted to participate in any extra activities/education I could get my hands on. Although I did alot of studying, I was also able to do hair for multiple fashion shows, volunteer for the community, and help out around the institute! Luckily my drive to participate and study hard paid off in ways I never expected. I was able to be inducted into “salon life” which is Avedas honors program and I was also my classes Valedictorian! I was able to complete my program ahead of time which was great because I was ready to get into the real salon world and get my hands dirty!

After graduating from Aveda and completing my state board exam, I was hired into my first salon. For my first year, I continued to study under an extensive apprenticeship to further my education. I am so happy I went to a salon that had an apprenticeship because I feel like I came into my own during that time. I was given great guidance and made amazing friendships during my time there. I was able to learn real world skills like timing, how to conversate behind the chair, and I found I have a real love for color and styling! After a year, I was then promoted up to a stylist position. I started to build a clientele, gain more confidence behind the chair, and I eventually started doing media/marketing for the salon! It was the first taste of being able to combine my hobby of hair and photography, and really got me motivated to get out there and push myself even more! After about 3 and 1/2 years, I decided it was time to go on my next adventure, not alone though… My friend/ coworker Madison and I decided to go on the adventure together!

M&C Hair company was then born on November 2018! Madi and I decided to make our own salon space located in Palette Collective Tempe! Our little salon home is the perfect combination of the both of us! We are free to create pretty hair, have fun conversation, and fulfill our passions in our own little home. Each day is different and it’s not always easy, some days are more stressful than others but I am lucky enough to be surrounded by an amazing partner, husband, family/friends, and clients to make it worthwhile! I mean who wouldn’t want a career where you can work with your best friend and help people feel a little pampered!? Its already been a wild ride and I can’t wait to see where it will lead next!

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?
My hair path has not always been an easy one. Even though I have always loved the beauty/fashion industry it took me a long time to realize my path. I struggled to figure out what I wanted out of life, and the impact I wanted to create in my time here. I was stuck in a lifeless career, just earning paycheck to paycheck, feeling unsettled in life. When I was finally was fed up and decided that I wanted to go back to school, I was hit with a whole new set of anxieties and insecurities. I realized extreme self-doubt for my craft in beauty school. It was a whole world full of people who are extremely talented and passionate which was very inspiring but also intimidating. I felt like I wasn’t catching onto hair theory and application as well as my peers and that almost ruined my love of hair. Whoever said, “self-doubt is the killer of joy” isn’t kidding.

I wish I could say over time of receiving accolades in school, in the salon, and so on would of improved my self-doubt but it honestly continues even to this day at times! Being a first-time business owner can be a stressful beast. I find myself overthinking my ability in hair and as a business owner at the same time. I tend to put alot of pressure on myself because my goal is to create an amazing experience paired with pretty hair and fun conversation. I try to strive everyday to make my business a space where I can bring a little joy into someone’s life. I am so thankful for my patient husband, my loving family, friends, and loyal clients for making me feel good about my craft, business, and where my path is headed. (special shoutout to madi because I couldn’t be doing all this without her, we really do keep eachother sane). I am slowly learning to gain confidence in all aspects of life and I keep learning more about all the roles I now play everyday. I’m thankful to now thinks in retrospect all my self-doubt has actually been fueling me to keep pushing for more in my career, business, and life overall.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about M&C Hair Company – what should we know?
I would say the majority of my work centers around natural colors, haircuts, and styling. The majority of my work centers Balayage, Highlights/babylights, and color melts! I also love to style hair. I’m all about some pretty beach waves, big braids, and whimsical updos! Madi and I love it so much we created the M&C Hair Company “braid bar”.We have already been to multiple local events braiding and advertising our skillset/salon. I love to collaborate with local models and brands. Hopefully, someday I can get the chance to do it more and work with local companies/models doing photos and styling for them on the regular!

I’m proud of our drive and commitment to our business, We both have grown exponentially during our first year and we are still striving for so much more! I’m proud to see how much love and effort we put into our craft and space just in the short time we have been established. We truly care about our clients and salon and I firmly believe people have been able to experience that during their appointments!

What do you love about our city and what do you dislike?
We are on the edge of about three different cities in AZ (Phx, Tempe, and Chandler). I love how diverse our area and salon space is! We have a wide range of businesses and clientele all with such different backgrounds and stories. Our location is super convenient, trendy, and a great place hang while enjoying a cup of coffee!

Pricing:

• Balayage starts at $125
• Highlight/ babylight starts at $90
• Color melt starts at $80
• Styling starts at $35

Contact Info:

• Address: 7720 S Priest Dr
  Tempe, Az 85284
  Palette Collective Tempe Room 45
• Phone: 480-440-1686
• Instagram: @michellemartinezhair

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