Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marianely Padua. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marianely, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Often outsiders look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight. Even media and especially movies love to gloss over nitty, gritty details that went into that middle phase of your business – after you started but before you got to where you are today. In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. Can you talk to us about your scaling up story – what are some of the nitty, gritty details folks should know about?

The first thing I did to scale up was make sure my goals and vision for myself were clear. I always knew I wanted to become a studio owner, so I started mapping out the steps to get there. I set a three-year timeline to build my clientele, grow my reputation, and perfect my craft. During that time, I worked in salons that challenged me and allowed me to learn from other stylists, build connections and refine my technique.

Even though I knew I might not feel ready, I promised myself that after those three years, I would take the leap and open my own studio. I mentally prepared for the possibility of setbacks by reminding myself that failure isn’t the end – it’s feedback. Every risk teaches you something valuable, and taking that step is something to be proud of.

When the time came, I took the leap into my very first studio space. Beforehand, I researched every potential cost, saved enough to cover a few months of rent, and created a financial cushion so I could focus on growing my business without fear. I also started tracking all my expenses, organizing my bank statements, and journaling my progress. That organization helped me understand where I was thriving and where I could improve.

Looking back, clarity, preparation and mindset were everything. You don’t have to have it all figured out, just the courage to start and the discipline to stay consistent.

Marianely, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Marianely Padua, known as Hair by Nely, a hair stylist and salon owner in South Florida. For over a decade, I’ve channeled my passion into transforming hair one client at a time.

My love for hair began very early. Growing up, I used to go with my mom to her weekly blow-dry sessions, and I was mesmerized by how stylists could take something ordinary and make it look polished and beautiful. By age 13, I was already doing hair at home, experimenting with techniques on my mom, my own hair, and anyone who would let me try. That early curiosity and excitement quickly turned into my career path.

I later attended Paul Mitchell Miami, which gave me a strong technical foundation and deepened my understanding of color theory, form and hair chemistry, all of which inform the work I do today.

My salon focuses on custom hair coloring, extensions and crafting low-maintenance, lived-in looks that feel effortless and natural. Key services include:
– Lived-in color techniques and balayage
– Color correction
– Keratin & smoothing treatments
– Styling, blowouts, and finishing
– Hair health maintenance with premium products

I believe in tailored, thoughtful service where each client receives a customized plan based on their hair history, lifestyle and desired look. I rely on high-quality brands (for example, Alfaparf Milano, Redken, L’Oréal) that help protect, rebuild, and fortify hair so that results are not just beautiful, they’re lasting, healthy, and resilient.

I help clients achieve gorgeous color or transformation without sacrificing hair health. I specialize in looks that are easy to maintain, so clients can enjoy their hair without constant upkeep or damage. I strive to deliver that moment when someone sees themselves in the mirror and feels like the best version of themselves – confident, radiant and comfortable in their skin.

Beyond technique, I believe the emotional experience matters: clients come not just for hair but for how they feel during and after an appointment. The energy, care and connection I bring are part of what keeps clients returning and referring.

One turning point in my career was mastering minimal foil with high-impact results for highlights. That allowed me to work smarter (not harder), serve fewer clients with deeper focus and improve both my financial stability and creative freedom.

I’m excited to share that I’ve launched a new “Master the Melt” online paid course – out now! In the digital course, I share my techniques and lessons so aspiring stylists can skip the trial and error I faced.

I want clients and followers to know: your hair is a canvas for your confidence. I see each head of hair as unique, deserving of intentional care, and I’m here to help you feel beautiful, empowered and seen.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One thing that’s painfully true about any new business venture is that we all have to start from the bottom and climb our way up to where we dream of being. For some, the transition happens faster than for others, but that doesn’t mean skipping any steps.

When I first started out assisting at my first salon, I had many mixed emotions, but the most important one was excitement to learn new things. I catered to each client by serving coffee, tea and pastries as they sat down for their services, making sure to give everyone the best shampoo experience they’d ever had, and taking care of all the cleaning in the salon. From mopping the floors to neatly folding each robe into squares and tying them off with a bow, it was all about making every client feel special and welcome.

It was a lot of hard work, but it taught me to always put my clients first and remember that they’re there for an experience, not just a service. After working as an assistant on the weekends, I would carry around a suitcase full of hair tools from door to door, making house calls for any client interested so I could make extra money and build my client book.

Those years balancing work and school showed me that I am resilient and capable of anything I put my mind to – as long as I stay focused on my end goal. Every experience is a stepping stone to where you want to be, especially the ones that humble you the most. It’s normal to feel anxious, shy or even stressed out wondering whether you’re making the right choice for yourself. As long as you feel that passion and spark to learn, that’s all you need to fuel you until the end!

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

In my opinion, the best way to grow your clientele is to treat every client with respect and a little extra understanding, because you never know what someone is going through in their personal life that brought them to your chair. Many clients come in to get their hair done for birthdays, special occasions, or just for fun — but some come in with heavier things on their minds. They’re looking for a way to disconnect and recharge with a brand-new look that boosts their confidence and gives them a brighter outlook on life.

Sometimes how we look on the outside helps us feel better on the inside. With that in mind, I make sure to listen carefully to what each client likes and dislikes about any inspiration photos they show me. I take my time consulting through each step of the process to ensure they leave with hair that makes them feel unstoppable.

I always say: do unto others as you would like done to you. That mindset is so important when it comes to providing a beauty service. Your understanding and positivity will naturally attract clients and keep them coming back, because they can tell when you truly care and that’s not something you can fake. Be genuine and be kind. That energy will always come back to you, both personally and professionally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hairbynely.luxehousecourses.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairbynely_/
• Other: https://marianelypadua.glossgenius.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafRuWEqTMGL9vvFjG1yxhbBGXFMnsWJm1UqgNyLsgRHymQL2rw50PC7kU4_-A_aem_ZiEf1fp7PhqvBvZKx38N_Q

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