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

Hi Monica, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
Working for myself is very important on its own. That goes for any small business or business owner, i would think. This question is so loaded. I feel like the hair world is so big but we are all connected by one simple thing: a brand or an educator or a technique. I know for certain that one thing all successful stylist can agree on is EDUCATION. With this industry, education isn’t just one class. It is the ongoing hunger and pushing the edge to changing and transforming along with the times, the fashion, the desire for something new. There’s the business savvy side that is so important and crucial to a successful stylist just as much as how important it is that we dial in our craft. This is an industry based of trust, compassion, chemistry, art, creativity, people skills, timing, techniques, pampering; i mean the list goes on.

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.
I’m a firm believer of hard work pays off. I was raising my son as a single mom with the help of my family. Ive put in crazy hours to build the business i have. With that, I’ve lost time with my son and am now at a place of balance. Ive met some amazing connections, people that inspire me to be better as a human. Ive been able to serve people and have been trusted day in and day out by complete strangers that have turned into amazing guests and friends. 15 years later, I’m proud to be in this industry. I know how important my guests are to me just as much as they have shown me how important i am to them. Even at a time of a 2020 pandemic and living through history being made with the BLM movement, this industry is so versatile and I’m proud to be a part it!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I like to venture out and do weekend destination trips. So i like to go to see the unknown. Hiking, museums, culture, food, art. My life is so routine, that i plan what my days off look like. But, i always have to find the best coffee, a fresh juice, all the food Including the best egg Benedict for breakfast, a nice place to have a picnic with a sandwich from a local spot, The most amazing Bloody Mary I’ve ever had, the one dessert to splurge on. It’s gotta be a good balance between tourist and local spots.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My sister Veronica and one of my Best friends, Camille. My sister is a hairstylist and a damn good one at that. She was the reason why i went to beauty school. I followed in her footsteps. And Camille and i had a vision of doing BIG things , she would be doing the fashion side and i would be doing the hair/makeup side of the fashion world. These 2 are still doing what they love and i couldn’t be prouder.

Instagram: Hair_by_monicapicazo

Image Credits
@laurenpollardphotography