Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michell Mateo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Michell with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Here is a little bit of my story. As a professional licensed master hair colorist and hairstylist with 20 years of experience, I have dedicated myself to continuous learning and growth in the hair industry. Throughout my career, I have sought out advanced education courses and training to enhance my skills and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques. I was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to NYC with my family at the age of 16 for better education and opportunities. My beauty journey began after graduating Beauty School at the age of 24 in New York City year 2001, where I had the privilege of working in upscale salons for 15 years. During this time, I received extensive training from top stylists and professionals, which greatly contributed to my development as a hairstylist. I honed my skills in various aspects of the hair industry, including color and cutting, and gained valuable experience working with diverse clientele. After relocating to the Boston area in 2016, I further expanded my expertise by becoming a certified organic hair colorist and holistic hair stylist at “Sky Salon,” a renowned organic pioneer salon in Massachusetts. This allowed me to combine my passion for hair with a focus on non-toxic and organic products, promoting the well-being of both my clients and the environment. I obtained my Certified Organic Hair-colorist certification and received intensive training at the American Institute of Hair-color, solidifying my mastery in the field. Continuing education remains a priority for me, as I believe it is crucial to stay at the forefront of industry advancements
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am extremely passionate about my craft and believe in using non-toxic and organic products to improve the health of my clients’ hair and to be environmentally friendly.
In 2019, my husband, Charlie Perez, and our two children made the decision to relocate to Texas. We are grateful to have moved to such an incredible state with strong values. Charlie is a professional licensed barber with 10 years of experience in NYC, where he honed his barbering techniques with a diverse clientele from around the world. His focus is on providing traditional and modern barbering services and promoting holistic well-being, bringing the best in grooming and men’s maintenance from one chair.
Together, we decided to combine our talents and bring our artistry to Texas by opening M & C Holistic Salon & Barber. Our mission is to uphold the highest standards of artistry and techniques in the hair care industry without the use of toxic processes and products. We want our guests to feel good about themselves both inside and out, and we strive to cater to the needs of our clients’ hair in a non-toxic environment.
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?
The three qualities that were most impactful for my journey were,
Patience: “Better to be patient than a warrior, and better to have self control than to capture a city”. -Proverbs 16:32
Love: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil. Cling to what is good.” – Romans 12:9
Consistency: Develops routine and builds momentum – forms habits.
Working hard, along with these three qualities, has helped me achieve some of my goals while doing what I love.
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?
At the beginning of my career, I was fortunate to have incredible mentors who helped me build and develop the essential skills, qualities, and knowledge for success.
1. Rene Diaz, a renowned celebrity hair stylist and senior stylist, who also owned a salon for 40 years in the upper east side of New York City. He was my first boss and mentor.
2. Greg Giannillo, another celebrity hairstylist and salon business owner with whom I had the privilege to work and develop high-end skills.
3. Jeannine Adipietro, a pioneering organic salon owner in Boston, Massachusetts. She introduced me to the holistic and organic hair industry, guiding me on using non-toxic and low-toxic products that benefit my clients, the environment, and myself.
4. Charlie Perez, my beloved husband and the driving force behind M & C Holistic Salon & Barber.
Since 2019, we have had the privilege of serving the vibrant communities of Frisco/Dallas and the surrounding areas. At M & C, we take pride in our commitment to excellence and our unique blend of artistry and wellness. Thank you for being a part of our journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: mcholistichairsalon.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mcholistichairsalon
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mcholistichairsalon
- Other: https://www.vagaro.com/mcholistichairsalon
