We’re looking forward to introducing you to Rochelle Sunglao. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Rochelle , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I have had many moments that make me laugh recently. It’s in my nature to look for things that are humorous and funny. As far as things that have made me feel proud, the most recent thing I’m proud of is being helpful to a mentor from my past. He is was instrumental in helping my career very early on, and I’m really proud that I could step in to help him while recovering from an injury. Not being able to service clients is a huge financial loss as an independent hairstylist. It can be scary not having the ability to work. While my mentor was incapacitated I took care of his clients, and sent him majority of the service amount. I took what was needed to cover my business expenses so that he wouldn’t be without some kind of income. I was really happy that I could repay him for his guidance during the infancy of my career. It’s not often your can repay your mentor for the gifts they give you, I was proud to be in a position where I could do just that.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! I’m Rochelle Sunglao, the owner and operator of Mayari Hair. I’m a licensed cosmetologist with nearly 20 years of experience. Not only do I work behind the chair, I also have background in editorial, wedding, and film and special fx makeup.
I do regional education for a product company. That work adds another layer of satisfaction and fulfillment to my career. It’s really nice to share what a I’ve learned with other stylists. However, majority of my work is centered around my salon clients. I like to use a collaborative approach to services. I also value connecting to guests so we can meet each other in a warm and authentic space.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with my maternal grandma was the most instrumental in helping me have vision for who I wanted to be. I wouldn’t say it was so much that it shaped how I see myself, it was more like it shaped how I wanted reflect her. By that I mean, I want to see my grandma in how I behave, treat others, and move through the world. She was so kind, she was joyful, and she always had a smile to share. I saw how she carried this brightness around her, and it really made me say “I want to be that too!” I’ve carried that with me for a long as I can remember. I was very lucky to have her help care for me at a young age. She has made me kind, generous, and thoughtful. I miss her everyday.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
Over the last three years in particular, I’ve changed my mind about how I want my work life to look like. I don’t take salon clients on the weekends, and I work a split shift 3 days of the 4 days I’m behind the chair. I found that giving myself a midday break to go home and recharge has improved how I function at the salon. In turn, I’m better at home as well. Having an unconventional schedule allows me to take the time to give myself care throughout the day and has been helpful with preventing and managing overstimulation or burn out.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Is the public version of me, the real me? I’ll say, whatever version you get of me, is real. I don’t have a public persona. It’s more accurate to say that I give certain levels of access of who I am to others based off the relationship we have established and nurtured. I’m genuinely interested in other people, but if we can’t find common ground then it doesn’t get deep. On the flip side, say we can connect, then I’m down to share as much of myself as you are.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I would hope that no one misunderstands my legacy. The work that I do is rooted in connection and seeing people for who they are. If I had to pick something, I think people might misunderstand that my legacy isn’t just about me. I spend my days getting to know each person in my chair. My legacy is in helping guests feel seen, safe, and valued. With that being the core of why I chose my profession, my legacy is in valuing others and being an audience to their journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mayari-hair.square.site
- Instagram: mayari.hair
Image Credits
Rochelle Sunglao
