Marlene’s Journey to Stylist

by Marlene Nunez, Level 1 Stylist & Makeup Artist

Becoming a Hairstylist has been the most rewarding experience of my life. My journey with [salon]718 began as a guest at the salon. One of their stylists actually told me that I should go to cosmetology school. Since then I started looking into schools that would help me obtain my cosmetology license.

During my time in school I knew that I should also look into opportunities that would help me become a great hairstylist. One of the things that I looked for in a salon was education which unfortunately many do not offer. I kept doing my research and found other salons that unfortunately didn’t offer much education, but instead helped apprentices gain experience. While working I kept searching for places that would provide me the education that I needed.

I always knew that I wanted to work for [salon]718 because they held a very special place in my heart. During my search I was still a guest at the salon and I always looked forward to my visits because of the great experience and knowledge of the stylist. I was once a model for one of our stylists (Sachi) and being a part of that experience I knew I needed to figure out how I can also be part of the team.

I finally decided that I was ready to apply and within a couple of hours my dream was becoming a reality. When I first met the owner Michaella I was so nervous but I had a good feeling that this is where I needed to be. On my observation day I was her assistant and I would never forget she called me the night prior to give me a heads up that it was going to be a busy day. She said “come with your roller skates” and I did.

We had the best day together and I was so happy that I was able to assist her and other stylist that day. They trusted me with their guest from the very beginning. Michaella allowed me to formulate color and apply color on my very first day. I went home and I just wanted to go back and do it all over again.

Little did I know that I was going to be hired and also become Michaella’s Assistant. I received the paperwork that I was officially being hired and while going through the paperwork I realized that the salon offered education every Monday. I was finally home. Being Michaella’s Assistant taught me everything that I knew I wanted to be. She worked with all textures and I was lucky enough to learn with hands on. That’s when my love for texture began.

Being a curly girl myself I knew that I wanted to be a hairstylist for everyone. A couple month after I was offered the opportunity to become a Mizani Artist and guess what? I’m a Mizani Artist today! This is only the beginning to my journey but I’m heading towards where I need to be. Did I forget to mention that I’m also not just a Hairstylist but a Makeup Artist?

What’s great about being behind the chair today is that I’m still able to attend classes on Monday’s and for that I am grateful.

Book with Marlene today at our beautiful Dumbo location.