Today we’d like to introduce you to Martha Romano.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Becoming a hairstylist was something I had wanted to do since I was about 7 years old when I got my first Barbie Beauty Center Styling head for Christmas (that’s true, bringing it back old school). Surprisingly, Cosmetology wasn’t something I was particularly interested in at school. In fact, I accelerated in business classes throughout my high school years, and when I graduated I decided to attend Suffolk University where I majored in Psychology. After a year at Suffolk, I realized I wanted to work with people on a more creative level, but ironically my knowledge of business and psychology actually came in handy as a stylist. Still hesitant about pursuing my dream of being a stylist a few years later, I began working at a bank, where I enjoyed the personal interactions and high customer service. I still wasn’t feeling fulfilled so one day I decided to pursue what I really loved, being a hairstylist! See, I went to college because all of my friends were going and I thought that was the right thing to do when deep down inside I knew that doing hair was my passion. I loved the fact that I could use my creativity and at the same time make people feel good about themselves. I applied to Blaine hair academy full-time and quickly realized, I finally made the right career choice. Upon graduating, I began working as a junior stylist at a local salon for 8 years, building my clientele and really honing my skills and learning different techniques, styles, etc. I’ve had many great opportunities at different salons in the Boston area. Two years ago, the salon that I was working at decided to close. I was given the opportunity to buy it, but I wasn’t thrilled about the location. As luck would have it, a salon was for sale in Somerville, a thriving and diversified city that I am proud to live in, so I took a chance and Polished Mane was established.
Has it been a smooth road?
I don’t think it’s ever a smooth road for anyone trying to achieve their dreams. It takes lots of hard work and constant learning. If I had to give my younger self (or anyone just entering the industry), advice it would be this… “always stay focused on your end goal, remain professional, always look people in the eye when you are communicating, leave your personal issues at the door, and learn from both the good and bad days. Resilience is key!!! You can’t take things personally, you have to embrace every experience as a learning opportunity.” And always remember if you truly LOVE what you do, it shows in everything you do.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Polished Mane Salon story. Tell us more about the business.
I am proud of my knowledge and many years of experience in the industry. I am constantly pushing myself to attend classes and hair shows, both in person and online. I am always eager to learn about the latest trends, locally and globally. In my downtime, you can find me searching the web for tutorials and reading about upcoming artists and brands. If you asked my clients, friends, and family my sense is that they would say that what sets me apart is my transparency and honesty. Some stylists will nod their heads and tell you they can make you look like the next Kim Kardashian or J-Lo, knowing that the next time you wash your hair you will be very disappointed. I take my time explaining their type of hair and shape of their face, etc. and how that type of style will or will not work for them. Investing time and explaining the process with each client really is rewarding for everyone involved. What I’m most proud of are the relationships I’ve established and continue to build with my clients, I truly feel that I have built not only a professional relationship with them but also personal. And that to me is most important.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
In this particular industry, and in my experiences, I can honestly say that being a woman has never hindered me from achieving success. I am mindful that women in other industries are not as lucky as I have been but I think as long as you believe in yourself and keep pushing yourself to be the best that you can, you will be surprised at what you can accomplish.
Pricing:
- Brazilian Blowout $275.00/$335(includes Kevin Murphy products)
- Balayage/Ombre (starting at) $165.00+
- Highlighting (starting at) $95.00+
- Haircuts (starting at) $58.00+
Contact Info:
- Address: 449a Somerville Avenue
Somerville, MA 02143 - Website: www.polishedmanesalon.com
- Phone: 617-764-2063
- Email: polishedmanesalon@gmail.com
- Instagram: polishedmanesalon
- Facebook: Polished Mane Salon
Image Credit:
Martha Romano
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