Today we’d like to introduce you to Marianna Anki.
Hi Marianna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am one of five girls , and we are 1st generation Arab-American. We grew up under one roof, 7 women which included my mother and grandmother . I know what you may be thinking .. “how did my dad survive?” Well he still is alive and loves being a girl dad more than most. HA!
With that being our environment we created mini salons in each room. We would literally have hair products by the case. Makeovers and getting ready was a whole event in our house. Delegating whose turn it was to go in the shower was the start of my career and I didn’t even know it . It was only destined for one of us to enter the beauty industry. I was blessed to know at a very young age that I wanted to help women feel their best . Once I graduated high school I shortly started hair school that fall at Aveda in the mandrian area that is still there today. Then I was fortunate to enter a salon where I gained so much knowledge and learned all the skills one should in the beginning of their career. Plus having my dad who has been a business owner in retail for over 40 years. I had the background knowledge you also need to run a business . I built my clientele while assisting and managing the salon I was at for 10 solid years , and then went on my own at Siroki studios for a year now.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
At about year 6 or 7 I got that I am “stuck feeling” when I knew I was capable of more and had reached my max of growth at the salon . I was lost in the transition with being comfortable where I was and self doubt. It turned into year 8 when an issue arose of me realizing I was not getting paid my tips on my check for an entire year . As it has been said people’s true colors come out when money gets involved and that SURE was the case .The plan the salon owner had in mind to say the least was baffling , it was to take another whole year to pay this debt to me. This really opened my eyes that ALL my love, passion, and commitment to the salon was taken advantage of . Fortunately after many hard conversations of being belittled as if I was asking for “money”I was rightfully paid what I was owed. I had a choice to stay stuck in what hurt me, or rise from it. I turned a negative light into a positive to reclaim, rebuild, and rise. It was the push I needed to go on my own. My advice for anyone in the industry being in the in-between phase , if you are doubting yourself .. When it feels scary to jump that is exactly when you need to. Staying in the same place is far more dangerous than trying. So take the leap!
The following year with that money saved plus my amazing sister and brother in law (Lilly and Nader Dabit)gifting me the extra cushion to start my business without a business loan or debt was my biggest blessing .
NOW that was when I finally felt FREE! I only have flourished and gained so much confidence in myself . I created an environment where each client feels so welcomed , safe, and appreciated. To be able to walk into work happy and leave happy is number one for me. Forever will advise to do what gives you energy!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have a 1:1 experience with my clients. Which allows me to give a more customized and personal experience. I enjoy doing everything from the neck up. All things hair ofcourse as well as brow shaping and lash perming . The environment I’m in now ,thanks to Siroki studios , is so welcoming and all about women encouraging women in their craft. We only continue to bounce ideas off each other for what’s next .
Any big plans?
The beginning of my career I would say I wanted to have a full service salon. The whole works , nail tech, barber , stylist. After managing the salon for 10 years, my thoughts have changed. Once being on my own I immediately had so much off my shoulders even though I was doing all the same things but at a smaller calmer scale . I have enjoyed keeping it just that and I don’t have the desire for more. But what I have added after my challenges of growing is helping other women in our industry that lack the confidence that they CAN do it on their own. I have created a mentor program to help women not feel stuck in the comfortable stage and the protocols to make it happen. What took me years to realize , but to give the knowledge in just one conversation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://manashairbeauty.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manas.hair.beauty?igsh=ZXFjeDQzODhhMm1v&utm_source=qr
