Influential Woman · Cosmetology

Maryjane Martinez

Beauty Advisor, Sally Beauty

Dallas, TX

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree GED Degree Cosmetology School Cert Licensed Cosmetologist Cert Licensed Colorist

Her Story

About Maryjane

I didn't finish high school and dropped out due to family issues, which was a really hard time for me. I had my son unplanned at a young age, and that fast-tracked me into getting it together. Within a year and a half after he was born, I got my GED and enrolled in cosmetology school, all while being a single mom. Now I work as a stylist at a salon and as a licensed colorist at Sally's. I was already working at Sally's before I got my license, and once I did, I got paid more because they value education there. I don't really have a desire to be an instructor, but I do like to spread information, just not in a classroom manner. I specialize in razor cuts and vibrant hair colors. My ultimate goal is to open my own salon that also has a mechanic shop in it, because I also like cars and it was between mechanics and cosmetology when I was deciding what to do after my GED. I want to offer services like oil changes, tire alignments, and tire changes that people can get done while they get their hair done, kind of a two-for-one special.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Maryjane

01What do you attribute your success to?

I think it was mainly perseverance. My family wasn't very motivated or encouraging as I was growing up, and I think a lot of that, growing up, was putting others before me to a fault. But I think I just wanted so badly to not end up like some of my family members, so I worked really hard to be as opposite as possible. I've learned that you have to be your biggest fan to get things done. At the end of the day, you have to do things for yourself, not for anybody else. Self-confidence is my biggest thing, because if I've learned anything, I've learned that you have to be your biggest fan to get things done.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

My biggest advice is to remain dedicated to it if you're truly passionate about it. I originally took on cosmetology because I'd already had my son and I didn't want to risk committing money and time to a four-year degree with little outcome, especially with the job market, so I picked cosmetology because it took less time. But it's not an easy way out. It does take time, it takes dedication, and there's a lot of education and precision that goes into it that I think a lot of people don't consider when they're looking at a cosmetology career. So I'd say just remain dedicated if it really means something to you, if it truly is your passion and you feel enough passion towards it, then you just gotta keep pushing through it, even when it's hard.

03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

For me, it's a sense of self. Self-confidence, I think, is my biggest thing, because I think just throughout it all, if I've learned anything, I've learned that you have to be your biggest fan to get things done. I think at the end of the day, you have to do things for yourself, not for anybody else. That's what it's all about, following your own dreams and doing what you need to get to that point.

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