Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Maxine. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Maxine, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
My generosity is deeply rooted in my faith. I believe everything I have is a gift from God, and I’m simply a steward of those blessings. Whether it’s time, knowledge, or opportunity, I feel called to give and to serve with an open heart. I’ve also had the privilege of being surrounded by mentors and team members who have poured into me over the years, so giving back, especially in ways that empower others, is one of the most natural and joyful parts of who I am.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m the owner of MJ Hair Studio & Skin Lab, a salon I opened in 2015 with a vision for something more than just great hair and skin services. From the beginning, I wanted MJ’s to be a place where kindness and excellence go hand in hand, where clients feel truly seen and cared for, and where team members can grow, lead, and thrive.
What makes MJ’s special is the heart behind it. We are an education-based salon, which means every stylist is not only dedicated to their craft but also committed to teaching and learning. Education is at the center of everything we do, from mentoring new associates to hosting advanced training workshops.
We’ve had some exciting developments recently including welcoming new talent to the team, growing our associate program, and expanding our educational offerings. I also sit on the board of Polaris Cosmetology School, and we love connecting with students through in-house workshops and shadowing opportunities.
What’s most meaningful to me is seeing people develop, whether it’s a stylist stepping into their confidence or a client leaving feeling cared for. That’s why we’re here.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most impactful qualities for me have been:
Faith. It’s what keeps me grounded and helps me make decisions with clarity and peace.
Vision. I’ve always kept my eyes on where we’re headed, even during tough seasons. Having a strong why has kept me moving forward.
Commitment to growth. I’ve never stopped learning, whether it’s through formal education, mentorship, or simply listening and observing. Staying teachable has been key.
For those just starting out, my advice would be to find your purpose early and anchor yourself in it. Show up consistently, even when it’s hard, and surround yourself with people who are willing to pour into you. Be hungry to learn but also patient with the process. Growth takes time, but if you stay committed, it will come.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Our biggest challenge right now is scaling our growth while building the right team to support that growth. We are expanding both in our services and our reach, which is exciting, but it requires the right kind of people, those who are eager to learn, open to coaching, and passionate about their craft.
To address this, we’re being intentional about how we recruit, train, and support new talent. We’re investing in education, strengthening our associate program, and being clear about our values and expectations. My goal is not just to grow in size, but to grow with purpose, building a team that’s aligned, committed, and ready to take MJ’s to the next level.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mjhairstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mj_studioandlab/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MJHairStudioBay/
Image Credits
Alisha Neubauer
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