We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marina Crisci a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Marina , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Who is your hero and why? What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey?

My greatest hero is my dad. My dad grew up in the Bronx where times were always tough. He had close to nothing but grew up knowing he wanted more for himself, his future and his family. My dad would always say “whatever you choose to be in life, be the best at it.” He is my toughest critic but also my biggest supporter. His work ethic is not only something I admire but aspire to achieve each and every day.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started doing hair in 2012, my senior year of high school I would attend night classes at Ricci’s cosmetology school in Newtown Connecticut. Then after I graduated and began my career at a blowdry bar in Westport. I instantly gravitated toward styling hair and spent most of my career styling, working weddings. Once the pandemic hit, I knew I needed to move with the unfortunate circumstances of the times. Clients were not going to feel comfortable having their hair done at a salon, and Salon appointments were limited when we returned. During that time period I decided to not go back to my current place of employment and made the decision to open my own business called, Waves On The Go. Waves On The Go quickly took off and word of mouth was my greatest advertisement. I would travel all around Connecticut to client’s homes and do their hair. I knew when I originally started to do hair I wanted to pick a career that made people feel good even through difficult times. During a time where clients did not feel like themselves it gave me the opportunity to bring the salon experience to them. I wanted to bring a sense of normalcy back because when you look good, you feel good!

In July of 2022 we moved to Branford to be close to family and shortly after found out that we would be expecting a baby boy. Traveling to and from Westport where my clientele had been established was a lot on my body but I continued to do it for as long as I could. In December of 2022 I was unexpectedly diagnosed with heart disease and would need surgery after delivering my son. After receiving that news I knew immediately that I would have to put my career and dreams of growing my business on hold. On February 20, 2023 the most incredible baby boy entered the world. Noah is my miracle, he is my whole world and my Why. Without him I would have never known about my heart condition and would not be here today… being a mom has helped me slow things down and enjoy being in the moment. It has changed me in all the best ways and shaped me into the woman I am today.

After having my heart surgery on May 14th of 2023 I felt like I overcame so much but at the same time felt a sense of defeat. I didn’t know how I was going to get back to doing hair and the idea alone seemed completely unobtainable. I took one day at a time, little by little getting my strength back and would eventually plant my roots in my new town.

I am now currently running my own salon suite called Waves Blow Dry Bar located at 845 W Main St in Branford CT. Waves Blow Dry Bar officially opened on September 17th. Offering blowouts, Blow dry packages, updos, on location bridal hair services, conditioning treatments as well as on location styling services for the local area. What is great about the concept of a blow dry bar is that it is quick and efficient from the booking to the blowout. Clients can even schedule their appointments online via instagram/facebook. A typical Waves Blow Dry appointment is about 30 minutes from the moment you walk in to the moment you walk out.

I specialize in styling all textures of hair while also using a variety of different products and tools to help keep the longevity of the hairstyle. A Waves Custom Blowout can last sometimes up to a week with the correct home care. Waves Blow Dry Bar of Branford also offers exciting surprise giveaways and contests. It’s a fun way to get everyone involved on social media while also introducing myself and the salon to the local areas.

I love the joy that a great hair day brings to my clients, I always say “you could have the worst day or not feel your best but having your hair done can change your entire mood. When you look good, you feel good!” I’ve had the pleasure of being able to be there for my clients through their most special moments… weddings, graduations, baby showers, proms, that promotion at work, first dates and so much more. What is equally as important is being there for my clients through their difficult times as well. It’s more than hair most days and I always strive to go the extra mile for my Waves Babes!

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

The most effective strategy I believe in both growing and more importantly retaining clientele is through consistency. Consistency is key!

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Before being back behind the chair my dad offered his social media marketing and advertising services to promote Waves Blow Dry Bar. Word got around quickly through social media. Both instagram and facebook have been amazing platforms to introduce myself and my salon to Branford and the surrounding areas.. I have also met many new clients through referrals… clients referring their family and friends to Waves is such an incredible honor and compliment..

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wavesblowdrybar.glossgenius.com/services
• Instagram: @waves,blowdrybar
• Facebook: Waves Blow Dry Bar

Image Credits
Photographer: Alexandra Szebenyik Duarte