Meet Marin Gilabért | Salon Owner

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

Hi Marin, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
One Painted Pony is more than a hair studio to me. I created it as a space where people can feel seen, safe, and cared for, not just made “pretty.” I specialize in curls, texture, and helping people feel comfortable in their own skin, especially clients who have spent years feeling misunderstood or overlooked in traditional salons. A lot of my work ends up being part hairstylist, part therapist, and I genuinely value the human connection side of what I do.

As a solo parent and small business owner, community matters deeply to me. I try to create an environment that feels welcoming, calm, and judgment-free for every person who walks through my door. I support other local small businesses whenever I can, use gentler products when possible, and have volunteered my services for families staying at Ronald McDonald House during difficult medical situations. My goal is to help people leave feeling more confident, emotionally lighter, and more like themselves again.

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?
One Painted Pony was built around the idea that hair should feel personal, not transactional. I specialize in curls, texture, rich brunette color, and healthy realistic transformations while creating an experience where clients feel genuinely seen and cared for. In a city full of trends, I’ve built my business by leaning into authenticity, connection, and helping people feel like the best version of themselves instead of trying to make them look like everyone else.

Building my business definitely wasn’t easy. It took years of consistency, long hours, and learning to trust my own voice instead of following what everyone else in the industry was doing. What I’m most proud of is that One Painted Pony has grown organically through word of mouth, loyalty, and real relationships. I want people to know that behind the brand is someone who truly loves this craft and believes confidence starts with feeling comfortable in your own skin.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
You can usually find me at places like Shakespeare’s Pub, Old Town Mexican Cafe, wandering through the Little Italy Farmers Market, or catching sunset views at Bali Hai. I’m drawn to places that feel lived in, local, and full of character, not overly polished, just genuinely San Diego.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Big shout out to my two teen girls, who inspire me every single day to keep building something meaningful. Watching them grow into strong, thoughtful humans pushes me to keep evolving too, not just as a business owner, but as a woman, mother, and person. One Painted Pony exists because I wanted to create a life rooted in creativity, connection, and authenticity, and they are a huge part of that motivation.

Website: https://www.onepaintedpony.com