Meet Mariah Kann | Hairstylist

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

Hi Mariah, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I am grateful I can have work life balance. So many people in this country aren’t given this opportunity. I hope in my lifetime we can progress and implement laws to offer a balanced work life to everybody.

Doing hair is flexible, so I take advantage of that. I share my studio so am unable to work more than 4 days. Knowing me, if I had it all to myself I would take clients 7 days a week. This has forced me to take time off and when I open a larger salon one day, I will continue to do so! Work life balance became important to me after I tasted it.

I am obsessed with my setup. I work 4 days a week, and spend 1 day at home on marketing, accounting, and education. Honestly, I wasn’t sure this setup would workout but I wanted to at least give it a shot.

I highly recommend making your business work for you! I work hard and work longer days than I’d like to sometimes, but since starting my business I’ve made it a priority to take time off. I have traveled more this year than ever in my life.

At the end of the day, my goal is to know that I prioritized my relationships to the best of my ability. Not my job, not money. Relationships are the key to a long, happy life!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My consultations set me apart. I will never start doing your hair without a thorough consultation. I will ask you 1 million questions, pull up pictures, swatches, etc. I will listen to you, ask you what you love, hate, are curious about.

Out of the many different job paths I’ve followed, doing hair has been by far the most pleasurable. There have been challenges, but I’ve learned to say yes to things that scare me. A few months ago, I had a popular drag queen reach out to work on a wig for her. The color pattern was challenging but gorgeous so I said yes. I bought a mannequin and practiced until I was satisfied. In the end they found someone to do it for cheaper (hindsight I wish I’d done it for free, such a cool project), but had I said no I may not have learned this new technique!

Saying yes has always forced me to take the education I need in order to feel confident trying new techniques, and I am proud of that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First and foremost, not one person who has visited me leaves without trying SPL. Coffee in K Town! I discovered it years ago as a neighborhood spot, and over the past 5 years the owners have become some of my closest friends. Every drink is thoughtfully crafted and the staff is lovely!

Jjan Gastropub – The vibe, the food, the service. I love them! We easily go twice a month, sometimes more.

Oriel Chinatown is another fave. Can you tell restaurants are my hobbies?

Followed by a visit to a K Spa – specifically Wi spa for first timers!

Max Karaoke in Little Tokyo has never failed me. It’s no frills and has an extensive song selection!

For drinks, I love Thunderbolt & Bar Flores in Echo Park.

This list could go on for pages. I love LA!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Omg this makes me feel famous.

Where do I begin?!

My love! Presley, taking a leap and quitting my job to start my own business was a lot less scary because of your support.

My Aunt Anna & Grandma Susan who are both hairstylists. I’ve been learning from you since I was way too little to be cutting hair. You created this 🙂

My sisters Paris, Nellie & Kayla who have always let me practice on them.

My mama for thinking everything I do is amazing. Not many people have this.

My besties for so much support and encouragement. Carly, Ash, Elih. And Hanna – accidentally dying your hair orange led me to the salon apprenticeship that kickstarted my career!

Katy Bruya, I nannied for her while I was in college and she changed my life.

My CLIENTS! I would literally die for you. Thank you the most because without you I’d be doing some miserable job.

Website: Mariahkann.com

Instagram: @haircolorbymariah

Other: TikTok: @haircolorbymariah