Meet Amber Martinez | Salon owner and Hair stylist

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

Hi Amber, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have been in the beauty industry for over 15 years. 10 of those years i spent working in a salon that felt like home. When the owner of that salon sold and moved out of state, my priority was to keep the team together, so i opened a salon of my own.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
To have a successful salon you have to have an amazing team. I am the most proud of the amazing team we have at Haven Salon. We have am environment that is so loving and supportive our clients can feel it as soon as they walk through the door. It is not an easy task to keep so many women happy and getting along, but I strive to lead by example.

Becoming a “Salon owner” was not an easy task, but my supportive family and amazing team made it possible. They were right there, offering help from encouragement to even using power tools for renovations.

I have 3 young children, my youngest was only 9 months old when I started renovations for the salon. I often had to bring the kids to the building with me while i worked on renovations. I would take a break from working on renovations to breast feed him, then he would nap under the front desk. I realized just how powerful mothers can be when they have a dream.

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?
Saturday I would take my best friend on a wine tour, Ramona has so many beautiful wineries. Turtle rock winery is one of my favorites. They have delicious wine, amazing customer service, stunning mountain views and they usually have live music.

Sunday I would take my best friend to my home church, Mountain View Community church. After hearing an amazing sermon from Pastor Jason Winters i would take her out to lunch at Marinade on Main. Marinade has the best brussel sprout salad and some of the sweetest waitresses in town.

Monday I would take my best friend to Rivera Wellness spa for a relaxing spa day. I would recommend a facial from Miranda, one of Ramonas best estheticians.

Tuesday I would start the day off at Main Street Coffee with an “iced Ramonan” and a delicious breakfast sandwich. Then I would take her to shop at the Rusted Poppy and Uptown Boutique.

Wednesday I would take her to Ramona Family Naturals to get some picnic food, then I would take her to the Ramona grasslands preserve to enjoy a nice walk and picnic amongst the free range cows.

Thursday I would start our day off at Ramona Cafe for breakfast then we would go visit Happy Hens. After visiting the petting zoo at happy hens we would purchase some organic fresh eggs. We would end the day on main street watching the classic cars for cruise night.

Friday I would wake up and make her a breakfast with the fresh eggs we bought the day before and I would end the day at Reds Whites and Brews for Turquoise Barn Cider.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shout out the owner of the salon that i worked in for 10 years, Linda Hall. She taught me everything I know and she was a huge support as I was opening the salon. She continues to be a support as I still reach out to her for advice and encouragement. She always knows what to say to lift me up. I know i wouldn’t be where I am today without her mentorship.

Instagram: @havensalonramona

Facebook: Haven Salon Ramona

Image Credits
Heather Winters Photography