Meet Maria Barreneche | Hair Stylist & Owner of Rooted Manes

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Barreneche and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
I want people to remember how they felt when they were in my chair. Doing hair is more than what it seems. It’s about the connections you make with your clients, how you impacted them that day and why they keep coming back. I have seen people be their most authentic and raw selves when I’m working on them and I love that they can be that open with me.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m a hairstylist specializing in balayage and Salon Suite owner of Rooted Manes. I am the most proud of myself and my perseverance when it comes to my career. Being in an industry where there are so many talented artists, you really have to set yourself apart and show people why they should be coming to you for their services rather than someone down the street. When someone sits in my chair, I want them to leave feeling empowered, beautiful, but most importantly, educated. Education is one of the most important, if not the most important thing in the hair industry. When you know the how and the why behind all that you are doing to each client, you feel passionate about sharing that knowledge with him or her. Being where I am today did not come easy, I had a lot of road blocks that felt impossible to overcome. I had various sleepless nights where I felt like giving up. When you want something so bad that you feel like it’s literally in arms reach, you will do anything to attain it. A lot of prayer and support from family and friends is what kept me going.

I learned several lessons while opening Rooted Manes. First, it will never feel like the “right time” to open a business but if everything in your life keeps pointing you in that direction, just go for it. Second, having a support system is crucial. You need people in your corner to push you to keep going and inspire you. Lastly, it’s not easy. Having to wear many hats as an owner is exhausting but it is so rewarding. I’ve always said, if it were easy, it wouldn’t be worth it.

I want the world to know that being true to yourself and who you are DOES pay off. When owning a business, consumers are coming to see you and what you have to offer. You attract what you put out.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love all things Alpharetta and Duluth. Some of my favorite places in downtown alpharetta include Ceviche for dinner, UP on the Roof for drinks and you can’t forget about Avalon for shopping.

Downtown Duluth is a cute little town featuring my favorite brunch place, Maple Street Biscuit company. For drinks, I would take her to Good Word Brewing and then walk around the downtown green for some people watching.

Going to Downtown Atlanta is always a must when people are visiting. Going to the Beltline or Ponce City Market has always been a favorite of mine. You can ride bikes or hang out at the rooftop playing carnival games!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shoutout my family, they are definitely my backbone. There were many times when I continued to doubt myself, but if it weren’t for them I wouldn’t have pushed through. Opening your own business has so many risks and having those people to support you no matter what makes a huge difference.

Website: www.rootedmanes.GlossGenius.com

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/mariaahair_beauty

Facebook: Rooted Manes

Other: Email: rootedmanes@gmail.com