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

Marissa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you think folks should manage their own social media or hire a professional? What do you do?

I am currently managing my social media and have much room for improvement. Considering my passion is hair and makeup social media has never been my strong suit. I believe that hiring someone would help my business grow but also that running my own social media helps portray my most authentic self. I think in this industry it is important to always be growing and learning, otherwise, you may get left behind. I am working to hold myself accountable for creating content that my viewers will enjoy and sharing my work as often as possible. Creating beauty and capturing it are two different worlds and I am on a journey figuring out how to intertwine the two.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a hair and makeup artist in Lohi, Denver. I currently work at Scarlet Salon, as well as freelance bridal services throughout Colorado. I have been working behind the chair for almost 8 years now. My passions include balayage, hair extensions, and bridal hair and makeup.

In this industry, my professionalism and reliability set me apart. I am consistently delivering high-quality work while maintaining a professional attitude. I believe my experience in the bridal industry has helped elevate my level of service in the salon.

Some of my proudest moments in this industry would be when a client sends me their wedding photos or tags me in their new hair photos. Nothing feels better than not only seeing your work photographed but seeing the joy that you helped bring to someone’s life. It might sound silly to think that hair and makeup could change lives but I truly believe that making someone feel even better about themselves is an amazing gift to offer.

I love this job because each and every day I have the opportunity to meet new people, listen, and learn new things from strangers who become friends. I feel very lucky to be able to be a part of my client’s special moments, to watch them marry their best friend, or prepare for their new job interview. I can not wait to see where else this career will take me.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

I am not sure if I would say that hair and makeup was a side hustle per se because when I started I was not getting paid. I have always been passionate about doing beauty services but wasn’t convinced it would be my full-time job. I went to college straight out of high school with no idea what my future looked like. I studied biology, then athletic training, and after 2 years finally landed on business. I would always do hair and makeup for friends and changed my own hair color every other month. After 4 years of practicing with friends and family, I decided to go to school for it. I graduated with my bachelor’s in business and immediately enrolled in cosmetology school. It has been 8 years of growth. I have worked at 3 different salons in that span and each one has taught me something new. I have taken something that my parents thought was a fun hobby and turned it into my career.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I LOVE this question. I think being in this industry is hard because a lot of the time we are looked down on. If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me why I don’t USE my business degree, well I could probably just quit my job. Yes I have a business degree, and no I do not have a job as an accountant or in marketing, however, I use my degree every day. I may work at someone else’s salon but I am in charge of marketing myself to clients. I am in charge of keeping inventories and running numbers to ensure my business is successful. Not everyone’s idea of success is the same. To me, success is waking up and going to work, and finding happiness in what I do. Going to an office would not bring me the joy that spending someone’s wedding day with them, brings me. Having a creative outlet has been so important for me. In this career path, I have really been able to find myself and express who I am. Even though this may not be the conventional path for all, It is my journey and I am very proud of it.      

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.scarletsalon.com/stylists/scarlet/marissa-tid-82
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairby.maris/