From Dream-Chaser to Dream-Maker: Mariana’s Story of Style, Success, and Self-Worth

The journey to entrepreneurship is rarely a straight line. It’s filled with twists, turns, and moments where a dream is just a hope until you act on it.

For My Salon Suite Member Mariana, owner of Blendin Bloom in My Salon Suite Silas Creek, her journey began with a passion for hair, makeup, and fashion that she’s held since she was nine years old. Now, after 17 years in the industry, she’s not just running a business—she’s built a true reflection of her own growth.

We sat down with Mariana to discuss how she transformed her vision into a reality, and why embracing her own space brought a new level of confidence, community, and craft.

A Goal Realized: The Power of Your Own Space

Mariana always dreamed of owning her own salon. After years of navigating different environments, from assisting and commission salons to booth rentals, she reached a pivotal moment in her career. She was ready for the next step.

“My salon suite helped make my dreams come true.”

The move to My Salon Suite offered more than just four walls; it provided the creative space she needed to truly be a creative person.

• Elevated Craft: The private suite re-inspired Mariana. She felt empowered to “elevate myself and my craft as well” and dive deeper into the latest trends because she was standing alone on her own two feet.
• Authentic Self: Being her own boss gave Mariana the freedom to create a space that felt like home. She chose the name Blend & Bloom to represent her custom color blending and how hair, and she herself, has transformed and bloomed. She created a cozy, safe, and welcoming environment where she could be her true, fun-loving self without the judgment of others.

Confidence, Community, and Connections

Our mission is the realized goal of being on your own… but never alone. Mariana’s experience perfectly embodies this core value.

Stepping into her own business was not without its challenges. Mariana notes that the biggest hurdles were the initial financials and learning the organizational side of running a business – being a creative who is “definitely not a business person”.

But what she found was immediate and authentic support:

• Local Support: The owners of her location were deeply involved, providing communication and understanding through the construction process and were “there with an answer” whenever she had a question.
• Peer Community: The entrepreneurial community at My Salon Suite stepped up not just professionally, but personally. Mariana recalls a day when she was struggling, and the barber across the hall saw her. He simply asked, “Do you need a hug?”.
• Business Growth: The community aspect has also been vital for business. Mariana trades services and promotes other business owners in the suite, like her nail technician and makeup artist, helping everyone grow their books.

This is the confidence, the community, and the connections that transform dreams into reality.

Mariana’s Wisdom: Plan, Prepare, and Have Patience

As we look toward the end of the year, Mariana—who, as she jokes, holds a “PhD: Professional Hairdresser”—shared some valuable advice for beauty professionals, especially those eyeing the switch to ownership:

1. Plan for Financial Success: Being a business owner means being prepared for all aspects, including taxes. Set aside a portion of your daily sales for a tax fund and create a rainy day fund as a cushion for slower weeks.
2. Leverage Smart Tools: Take advantage of industry-specific tools. Mariana highlights Salon Interactive, which provides an online storefront and allows you to earn a larger commission without having to physically house product inventory in your suite.
3. Know Your Worth: “Don’t be afraid to charge what you are worth because people will pay it”. Focus on providing a top-of-the-line, luxury experience rather than running constant discounts that attract clients looking only for deals.
4. Embrace the Journey: Don’t let your dreams go out the window because you don’t think you can achieve them. Mariana’s best advice? “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Give yourself grace and enjoy the process of your business evolving.

Ready to chase your dream?

We are.

My Salon Suite empowers your entrepreneurial journey. We provide the space, support, and community to help you grow.

My Salon Suite. creative space. creative people.