Meet Gaby Martinez

We recently connected with Gaby Martinez and have shared our conversation below.

Gaby, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic comes from gratitude — for being able to do what I love, and wanting to give it my best every time. It’s not just about effort; it’s about respect for the craft and the people I serve.”

“I learned it from my parents — they led by example. It taught me that effort and care are a reflection of who you are.”

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am a native New Yorker graduating from Fashion Institute of Technology and was part of the Fashion world for over 15 years. My position kept me bi coastal between New York and LA, I enjoyed my fashion background, in my travels I found salons that were grandiose and beautiful but had a challenge in finding a salon that catered to a working professional that needs everything done in one place, and really focus on me my skin and my hair ( the constant travel would wreak havoc on my skin and hair) and all throughout my travels if I found a beautiful salon I’d get the club- like environment or tales of hairdressers weekend, or I’d be placed under a dryer while the hairdresser would take other clients or a skin care therapist with smokers breathe.
So through my sense of what I needed and couldn’t find I decided I wanted to make a change to an even more personalized creative outlet, with precisely the elements I was seeking.
A serene one guest only salon that catered to guests wanting to get educated on skin and hair, while also providing services such as plant-based skin care revisions, organic teeth whitening, Air brush spray tans and waxing. Having this approach allows for guests to feel like they can choose to relax, or continue working – I have guests that are conducting meetings or are on conference calls while their hair is getting worked on, ( I turn off all music and they are able to continue their part in the meetings) or guests that also are bi-coastal and want that 7 am skin care appointment, guests that want their fur babies present instead of leaving them home alone, or clients that want to get educated on skin care and haircare. Or simply unwind and enjoy a glass of wine or tea. With meditative music in the background. Every client is given a class on how to blow dry and style their hair.
I set out a business plan with a clear vision of what the salon would have-and even clearer picture of what it would feel like when guests arrived. A serene, calm, modern environment with a conscious and educational approach to skin care and hair care. I made my career move and after graduating with top honors in my cosmetology class, I set to build a clientele which I am grateful to have done in under 2 years.
I sought my location with my business plan in one hand and vision board in the other, and after seeing several spaces set my heart on the current space that I’m in the rest is history, guests have referred friends and I’m by Appointment and can’t take walk-ins because I’m always booked. I am grateful beyond words, I saw to fill a need that I wanted when I was in the corporate world and it has taken off. I also do skin care events in different cities, with referrals from guests that have moved or have friends or family that want to feel pampered closer to home. Ill rent a large house with a theatre room or close to major shopping area and have a group of 8-10 guests come over for skin treatments. I keep up with my guests’ skin to keep it healthy and strong, conducting follow ups through face time. Mail them out their products it keeps everyone on a specialized skin care routine.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I’d say the three things that have been most impactful in my journey are consistency, a holistic understanding of beauty and wellness, and emotional intelligence.”

“First—consistency and presence. Just showing up fully, every day, and being present with each person who sits in my chair. That’s really what builds trust and flow in this kind of work. My advice to anyone starting out is: slow down and be intentional. Don’t try to master everything at once—start by mastering how you show up.”

“Second, developing a holistic view of beauty. Once I started looking at hair and skin as part of overall wellness, it changed everything. I started caring more about what was underneath the surface—scalp health, stress, nutrition, energy. That’s when my work started to feel more meaningful. For anyone new, I’d say keep learning beyond technique. Learn the why behind what you do—it’ll deepen your artistry.”

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

I will always say my brother, has been key in being a sounding board to which I can share ideas. He offers insight and critique while still being supportive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Gabyshiarstudio.com
• Instagram: @gabyshairstudio
• Facebook: Gaby’s Hair Studio, Burbank
• Twitter: @gabys_studio
• Yelp: Gaby’s Hair Studio

Image Credits

Gaby M.