We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Miguel “mike” Martinez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Miguel “Mike”, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I was born and raised in Mexico and when I was 21 years old I moved to the city of Chicago to pursue my dreams of being a Stylist. I came to the city and was working for a while. Then I entered Cosmetology school and that’s where my career began.
After three years of working as a salon manager I managed to open my owner.
After a few years with the salon I started traveling with the Rojas Carpet beauty pageant,
television programs etc.
At the moment I am doing New York Fashion Week and Miss USA

Miguel “Mike”, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

After almost 20 years working behind a chair in my salon I decided to become a Stylist who travels for events only, and that is what I am doing now dedicated to styling for weddings, beauty events, red carpets and runway shows.
It hasn’t been easy because it takes a lot of discipline, most of the trips are a bit heavy, you sleep very few hours and sometimes you have to be in two places at the same time.
Spending so many years behind the chair with a client, understanding what she is looking for, but above all, putting a lot of love into what you do has helped me get to where I am.
A second thing that has helped me a lot is helping my clients with the products they need to use and that gives you a closer and more trusting relationship.
For many years in my salon or rather most of the years I worked with PAUL MITCHELL’s company.
In short, the most beautiful thing that has happened to me in my career is that clients 100% trust me to be the person who understands their needs.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

During the pandemic it was a difficult time but as a Stylist I had to innovate to remain current and the most beautiful thing was the support I received from all my clientele who were there with me at all times.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

It has always been and will continue to be, we must support small businesses but above all encourage artists who leave their hearts in every work we are doing!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @MikeMiguelAngelMartinez
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15ozVWfKC4/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/miguel-angel-martinez-61816397
• Youtube: @mikehairstylist
• Other: Tiktok
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Image Credits

ALMA COOPER
SAVENNA MUSHINGE
SAVENNAH
SANJANA YENDLURI
BAILEY ANN
MARITZZA DELGADO
Futurama Beauty Academy