Today we’d like to introduce you to Griselda Moran.
Hi Griselda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always believed that beauty is more than what we see, it’s how we make people feel.
My journey began after graduating from fashion design school, where I discovered my love for creativity, structure, and storytelling through style. That passion led me to Paul Mitchell School, where I fell in love with the art of hairstyling — the perfect blend of design, color, and transformation. From there, I started my career at Carlton Hair Salon, perfecting my craft in color correction and precision cutting before stepping into independence at Sola Salon, where Alchemy Beauty Studio was born.
Over the years, my career has evolved from behind the chair to global runways and classrooms. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Odete Da Silva with the Global Fashion Collective, creating looks for Fashion Week in New York, London, Milan, Paris, and Vancouver for the past two years. These experiences shaped my creative eye and taught me that true artistry lives where passion and discipline meet.
Today, I lead a talented team of hair and makeup artists serving the San Diego community, specializing in luxury event styling, editorial looks, and transformations that empower women to feel confident, radiant, and unstoppable.
As an educator and mentor, I’m deeply committed to helping the next generation of stylists build strong foundations, refine their artistry, and find their own voice in this ever-evolving industry.
Through Alchemy Beauty Studio, I merge everything I love: artistry, education, and transformation, to help others see beauty not just as an image, but as an experience of self-expression and confidence.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I think anyone who’s walked this path in the beauty industry knows that success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes years of practice, long days, and a lot of faith in yourself when results don’t come right away. In the beginning, it was tough building clientele! finding consistency, and trying to stay motivated while comparing myself to others who seemed further ahead.
And on top of that, being a mother adds another layer. There’s this constant tug between wanting to be fully present for your child and wanting to grow your career so you can create better opportunities for them. The guilt that comes with that is real. But I’ve learned that showing my daughter what it means to follow your purpose and work hard is one of the greatest lessons I can give her.
There were moments of financial struggle, self-doubt, and exhaustion, but each season taught me something valuable. Every challenge shaped my resilience, sharpened my artistry, and made me the woman and educator I am today. I’ve learned that growth often comes from discomfort , and that’s where true transformation begins
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a hairstylist, educator, and creative based in San Diego. I specialize in color correction, blonding for dark hair, extensions, and editorial styling, but at the heart of everything I do is transformation. Whether it’s helping a client feel confident through a new look or guiding a stylist toward mastering their craft, my mission is always to empower through beauty.
Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to work behind the scenes at Fashion Week in cities like New York, London, Milan, Paris, and Vancouver. Those experiences expanded my creative vision and taught me the power of collaboration, precision, and storytelling through hair.
Beyond the chair, I’m passionate about education. I teach hands-on classes for new and aspiring stylists, including my recent class, Stylist Uprising: Build Your Foundation, which focuses on strong fundamentals and long-lasting, event-ready styling. Teaching has become one of the most fulfilling parts of my career, there’s nothing like watching someone step into their confidence and skill.
What I’m most proud of is the community I’ve built, an incredible team of hair and makeup artists serving the San Diego area for special events and editorials, and the fact that I’ve been able to grow my career while raising my daughter. What sets me apart is my ability to blend artistry, education, and authenticity. I don’t just focus on creating beautiful hair; I focus on creating experiences that inspire confidence and transformation inside and out.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I truly believe in being an eternal student. No matter how much experience you have, there’s always something new to learn, not just about your craft, but about leadership, communication, and growth. I’m currently part of a business mentorship, and it’s been one of the most valuable decisions I’ve made for myself and my career. Surrounding yourself with people who are a few steps ahead of you accelerates your growth in ways you can’t achieve alone.
When it comes to finding a mentor or building a network, I think the key is genuine connection. Don’t approach people just because of what they can offer you approach them because you truly admire how they lead, create, or serve. The right mentorship doesn’t just teach you technical skills; it challenges your mindset and expands your vision.
Networking, for me, has always been about showing up authentically in classrooms, at events, backstage, or online, and being open to both learning and contributing. The more you pour into others, the more opportunities naturally come back to you. Growth is a cycle of giving, learning, and evolving, and that’s what keeps this industry so alive.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @alchemybeautystudiio
- Youtube: @breakthechairacdemy
