Today we’d like to introduce you to Maribelle Ogot.
Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve watched my mother do her daily hair and makeup routine. My mom was into beauty, hair, and makeup and could style a daytime look and a full glamourous look. She kept books on beauty makeup tips and always had the latest hair trend. I loved reading them. I would experiment and practice styling my hair and using my mom’s makeup. Then it started to become a passion of mine. My sisters and friends always asked me to do their hair and makeup. I didn’t think I could turn it into a career; I just thought of it as a hobby at the time. After high school, I ended up pursuing a career in the medical field. I used hair and makeup as a side hustle, and after long shifts at the hospital, you would find me glamming someone up. Then the unthinkable happened. In 2016 my world came crashing down as my mother succumbed to cancer and passed away at age 58. I was heartbroken and devastated, which made me look at life so differently at that moment. It was difficult for me to continue in the medical field when many things would remind me of my mom and her sickness. I could no longer do it anymore. My mom’s passing made me reflect on my life and what I wanted to do. I asked myself, “Why waste another second on such a stressful, monotonous job that didn’t feed my soul?” I couldn’t find peace. That is when I decided to make a life change and pursue my passion in the beauty industry. That is when I hung up the stethoscope and picked up the scissors and blow dryer instead. I quit my medical field job and enrolled at Paul Mitchell in January 2020.
Soon after I completed my training and obtained my cosmetology license, I started growing as a stylist behind the chair. I worked for both myself and a prestigious hair salon at the same time for the next year. That year I worked with various clients doing photoshoots and traditional bridal party glam to custom Indian wedding hair and makeup to a regular clientele. The experience I gained at the salon and my growing clientele led me to entrepreneurship. I own my own business and have my very own salon loft, Bella Glam Vida LLC, doing what I love. I went from being uncertain of what I would do, to quitting a perfectly good career, to chasing my dreams. I can finally say that I found my peace, loving what I do, and it is a fulfilling feeling.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been smooth trying to go to school during the pandemic. As soon as I followed my passion, the world shut down, and it seemed like the world was ending. I had second thoughts about doing this, but there was no turning back, and I was determined by any means necessary. I am so glad I sought it through. Another obstacle I had to learn was to be able to make time for myself. When I first started, I was so eager. I worked so much and got burnt out a lot. I had to take a step back and breathe for a moment. I learned to manage to schedule much better to have a good balance between work and life. Making time for yourself is essential and good for your mental health. When you do this, you come back to work with mental clarity, higher commitment, and motivation to be productive to achieve your client’s dream look.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
My career gives me the flexibility and creative outlet to do what I love. I am a multi-faceted skilled artist, and some of my work has been featured on events, photography, wedding, and makeup platforms. I specialize in color corrections, going from dark to blonde, and I love balayage. I also offer eyelash extensions, eyebrow tinting, keratin treatments, Brazilian blowouts, and airbrush makeup. I often attend beauty conventions and seminars to keep my knowledge current about new styling techniques, which benefits my client’s individual needs. Nothing more makes me proud than seeing the bright look on my clients’ faces after revealing their final transformation look to them. Beauty is more than looks; it is your integrity, how you treat people, and how it makes you feel.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
The Four Agreements, Power of Now, Think & Grow Rich, How to win friends & influence people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://salonlofts.com/bella_glam_vida
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bella_glamvida?igshid=YWJhMjlhZTc=
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/BellaGlamVida
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bella_glamvida?_t=8YyKSicgjvO&_r=1
Image Credits
Rubia Bushnell Photography, NoorKPhotography, Exquisite Exposures Photography, Tiffany Delk Photography, and VH Photos
