Meet Paul Madahan | Hairstylist & Business Owner

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

Hi Paul, how do you think about risk?
Over the years, I realized that taking risks—the right kind of risks—is where real growth happens. It’s not about acting impulsively. It’s about preparing carefully, then trusting yourself enough to take the leap even when the outcome is uncertain. Some of the proudest moments in my career didn’t come from times when everything felt safe and certain—they came when I stepped into the unknown and had to figure things out as I went.

Those experiences didn’t just move my career forward; they shaped who I am. They taught me resilience, creativity, and the value of faith in my own ability to adapt. Today, I encourage every entrepreneur to embrace risk not as something to fear, but as an essential part of any meaningful journey and a successful career.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
From the very beginning, the vision for PaulDavid Salon was clear: to create an unforgettable experience for every client who walks through our doors. While delivering exceptional hair results is, of course, essential, I’ve always believed that what truly sets us apart—and keeps clients coming back—is how we make them feel during their time with us.

In today’s world, outstanding hair services are widely accessible. What is harder to find is a place where clients feel genuinely seen, valued, and cared for. That’s why we focus not only on the quality of our work, but also on the overall experience—from the high-end yet welcoming design of our salon, to the premium products we use that combine high performance with luxurious scents. Most importantly, we take the time to build real relationships with each client, ensuring that every visit feels like coming home.

My journey in this industry began humbly, styling hair from my kitchen 12 years ago. Although the salon has grown and evolved since then, one thing has never changed: my personal commitment to making every client feel comfortable, appreciated, and at home. Many of my earliest clients—those who first sat in my kitchen chair—are still with me today. Seeing that lasting trust, and knowing they have recommended me to their friends and family over the years, is one of the things I am most proud of.

That deep connection with our clients is the true foundation of PaulDavid Salon. It is what has sustained and strengthened our business over the years, and it continues to be at the heart of everything we do.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite spot in Orange has to be the Orange Plaza Historic District, or the Orange Circle as most people call it. It’s such a fun, lively area with so many great places to eat, grab a drink, and just hang out. If you were there for a week, you could try something different every night—like amazing Italian food at Francoli Gourmet or fresh seafood at O Sea. And of course, you can’t leave without grabbing dessert from Afters Ice Cream or Filo Dessert.

There are also a ton of cozy coffee shops and breakfast spots, perfect for starting your day. It’s just a great place to walk around and unwind, especially after a busy day at work. My staff and I go there all the time since it’s so close to the salon—we’ve shared a lot of great memories there. It really feels like the heart of the community.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My career—and the success of our business—would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my husband, David Robles. From the very beginning, he made it possible for me to attend cosmetology school by taking care of everything at home, allowing me to fully focus on my education and training. As our journey continued, he became more than just my biggest supporter—he became my business partner.

Together, we founded PaulDavid Salon, a name that reflects both of us and the partnership at the heart of everything we do. David handles the administration, operations, and marketing, allowing me to focus fully on the craft I love and the clients we serve. Running a business is never easy, but building it alongside someone who shares both your life and your vision makes the experience deeply meaningful. Every challenge we face feels a little lighter, and every success feels even sweeter, because we’re doing it together.

Website: https://pauldavidsalon.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosmopaulogist