Meet Brenda Marciano | Cosmetologist

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

Hi Brenda, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
One of the habits that’s been essential to my success is staying true to my roots and my culture. Being authentic and proud of my heritage as a Latina immigrant has guided my journey in a meaningful way. I’ve found that holding onto my identity, even in spaces where I may not always feel accepted, has been a source of strength and resilience. It’s about embracing every part of who I am and using it to build connections with my clients and within the industry. Celebrating my identity as a proud brown woman has made me more resilient and allowed me to succeed while staying true to myself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart is that I’m an immigrant who crossed the border at just 22 days old with a single mother raising us on her own. Nothing was handed to me—I fought for everything I have today, with the unwavering support of my mother, my family, and my own resilience. Getting here wasn’t easy, especially as a brown immigrant woman in this industry, but I stayed true to myself and my culture.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that I don’t need to make myself small for others to feel big. I don’t have to dim my culture to make others comfortable; instead, I take pride in who I am, my roots, and my brown skin. My story is proof that any brown girl can make her dreams come true, too. Through my art, I want the world to see that embracing who you are can be a powerful act. Every step of my journey is rooted in my culture and my identity as a Latina and that’s what I’m most proud of.

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?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d make sure she experienced the best of our culture and community. We’d start off with some authentic Mexican food from the street vendors in Whittier and East LA—the food truck scene here is amazing, and it’s where you’ll find some of the best tacos, burritos, and street snacks. There’s nothing like enjoying flavorful food that brings us back to our roots.

Next, I’d take her to “First Fridays” by I love Micheladas, a monthly event that’s incredibly close to my heart. It’s a space filled with Latino food vendors, music, dancing, and such a sense of community. Every time I’m there, I feel like I’m back home in Mexico, surrounded by people who celebrate our culture. It’s the perfect place to really embrace everything we love about being Latino.

A highlight of our week would definitely be horseback riding, which holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, I’d visit Mexico and go horseback riding with my grandfather—it’s a tradition that’s almost like a rite of passage in Mexican culture if you grew up in the ranch. Riding horses is a nostalgic, meaningful experience for me, and I’d love to share that with her as a way to honor my heritage.

We’d also set aside time to relax and reset. Maybe we’d explore some beautiful local trails, have a beach day, or find a cozy spot to unwind. It would be the perfect blend of vibrant culture and relaxation, giving her a full taste of everything Los Angeles has to offer.

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 dedicate my shoutout to my incredible community and my loyal clients who have been with me every step of the way. From those early days of doing hair in my little apartment to where I am now, their support and trust have meant the world to me. They’ve seen my growth firsthand and encouraged me at every stage. I’m deeply grateful for each person who believed in me, trusted my work, and allowed me to keep building my dream. My journey wouldn’t be possible without them—my community truly deserves all the recognition.

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