Marina Crisci shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Marina, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of work that brings me a lot of joy is spending time with my son. He’s two, and seeing the world through his eyes is the most grounding and fulfilling part of my life. Whether we’re at the park, having a movie night, or just laughing at something silly, those moments remind me of what really matters. Being a mom has also taught me patience, increased creativity, and how to stay calm under pressure which I carry with me in my work as well.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Marina Crisci, the owner of Waves Blow Dry Bar in Branford, CT. I’m a hairstylist by trade, but what I really love is helping people look and feel beautiful in a space that feels welcoming, uplifting, and fun. Waves is unique because it isn’t just about hair, it’s about convenience, confidence, and connection. The Waves motto is ‘where convenience meets luxury,’ and I truly mean it. Whether someone comes in for a blowout or updo glam before an event, they get high-quality service in an environment that feels personal and relaxed, not rushed or intimidating.
My journey has been built on resilience and passion. I opened my business as a single mom, recovering from open a heart surgery and I want Waves to be a place where people walk in feeling seen, heard and walk out feeling better than when they came. I’m always working on new ideas from giveaways, to creative raffles, to seasonal events because I love bringing excitement and value to the community.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed that my anxiety would control my life forever. I felt like it owned my decisions and limited what I was capable of. I always dreamed of being confident, successful, and building the kind of life I have now, but back then I didn’t think it was possible for someone like me. As I got older, I learned that anxiety doesn’t define me it’s something I can manage, grow through, and even learn from. Today I look at my life, my business, and my son, and I realize I became everything little me was scared she couldn’t be.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me things success never could. When I became a new mom and had to start from scratch especially after my heart surgery I learned a level of strength, patience, and resilience I never knew lived in me. Success celebrates you, but suffering shapes you. It forces you to rebuild, to trust yourself, to keep going even when everything feels impossible. Starting over with a baby and a body healing from surgery humbled me in a way success never did. It taught me gratitude, grit, and that I can lose everything and still rise. That lesson became my backbone and no accomplishment on its own could have taught me that.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is very much the real me. I’m transparent, honest, and I don’t pretend to be someone I’m not. What you see in my business, online, or in person is exactly who I am authentic, hardworking, and genuine. Being my true self has allowed my clients to open up to me, trust me, and feel comfortable. It creates real connections, and I’m grateful I get to be there for people not just as a stylist, but as someone they can trust and talk to.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I made others feel seen, supported, and loved. That I was a mom who gave her son a beautiful life, a business owner who made women feel confident, and a friend who showed up. I want them to remember my strength not because things were easy, but because I kept going when they weren’t. I hope people tell the story of a woman who turned pain into purpose, who built from nothing, and who always shared her heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wavesblowdry.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: @waves.blowdrybar
- Facebook: Waves Blow Dry Bar
Image Credits
@amanda.ann.lamberti
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