Meet Maile Ordaz | Hairstylist

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

Hi Maile, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
In my business, I have the incredible opportunity to uplift the women in my community every day. It’s not just about styling hair; it’s about making each woman feel like the beautiful, confident, and cared-for person she truly is.
It’s about more than just hair. It’s about being there during life’s highs and lows—supporting someone through a breakup, cheering them on at graduations, showering love on new babies, helping them shine on their wedding day, or simply providing a space for much-needed self-care.
For me, it’s deeply personal. It’s about creating a safe haven where women can feel celebrated and cherished, regardless of society’s beauty norms. It’s about building connections and sharing moments that make each woman feel special and valued.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What truly sets me apart in my industry is my deep connection with my clients. It’s not just about what they want in terms of their hair; it’s about understanding who they are as individuals.
When a client walks into my salon, I see more than just their hair preferences—I see the full picture of their life. Take, for example, the 9-5 soccer mom who comes in wanting a high-maintenance style. Instead of just fulfilling their request, I take the time to understand their busy schedule and family commitments.
In moments like these, I strive to guide them toward a hairstyle that not only makes them feel beautiful but also fits seamlessly into their lifestyle. Maybe it’s a low-maintenance, yet stunning hair color that enhances their natural beauty without demanding too much time and effort.
By making these personalized recommendations, I aim to empower my clients to feel confident and radiant while still balancing the demands of work and family life. It’s this personalized approach that fosters a deeper connection and sets my services apart in the industry.

My journey to where I am today has been filled with challenges and growth. I’ve worked in several salons across San Diego, but none quite felt like home or aligned with my vision for this industry. Along the way, I encountered bosses and clients who didn’t always respect me or my craft, which was disheartening.
That’s why, on June 1st, 2023, I took a leap of faith and opened my own salon. Since then, it’s been an incredible journey of building not just a business, but a community of valued clients. For me, value isn’t just about dollars—it’s about the relationships we’ve formed, the mutual respect we share, and the milestones we’ve achieved together.
Through the ups and downs of my five years in this industry, I’ve learned some important lessons. I’ve learned to stay true to myself, even when it’s challenging, and to set boundaries that protect my well-being and integrity. Most importantly, I’ve learned that while the world can sometimes be harsh, we have the power to make it more beautiful, together.
I want everyone to know that I’m more than just a hairstylist—I’m someone who understands the struggles of feeling confident, included, and enough. My business isn’t just about hair; it’s about fostering inclusivity and celebrating natural beauty in all its forms.

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?
My favorite spots to take a friend that’s visiting San Diego for the week would be all my favorite food places and views! Definitely would have to stop by 8th&B poke & have a picnic at Kate sessions for a pretty view of the bay. Brunch at morning glory and a chill day walking around little Italy, ending our night at my favorite cocktail bar polite provisions. I always love to go to windansea beach and get some fish tacos from shore rider in La Jolla! To end the trip, I’d take them to walk around seaport village around sunset time and stop by prince street pizza in downtown for dinner!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My journey wouldn’t be the same without the unwavering support of my family and my boyfriend. They’ve been my rock every step of the way, and I’m endlessly grateful for their love and encouragement.
From the very beginning, my grandma was there, trusting me to practice my skills as my first client in cosmetology school. Then, it was my dad and siblings who rolled up their sleeves to help me set up my salon, turning my dream into a reality with their hard work and dedication.
And my boyfriend has been my biggest cheerleader, always there with words of encouragement and those simple yet powerful “I’m proud of you” moments when I needed them most. His belief in me has been a constant source of strength and motivation.
Without their love, support, and belief in me, I know I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am today. They’ve been the driving force behind my success, and I’m forever grateful for their presence in my life.

Website: https://mkhairsalon.glossgenius.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairbymaile?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hairbymaile?_t=8mW9phkMYyB&_r=1

Image Credits
Portrait of me/photo of me and bf: https://www.instagram.com/peachespov?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Photos of me and business partner (the couch photo): https://www.instagram.com/victoriaperezphoto?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==