Today we’d like to introduce you to Marisol Saucedo.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Marisol. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in Chicago (Pilsen neighborhood) and after high school decided to attend cosmetology school at Pivot Point in Evanston. Coming out of school, it was challenging to figure out the right move to launch my career. I worked at a traditional cut and color salon for a while, as that seem to be the expected thing to do. In Fall, 2013 a classmate from Pivot Point contacted me about Goldplaited. I joined the team in November, 2013 and right away I could tell it was something different from your average salon environment and quickly I realized this would be my work home. Over the next few years I perfected my craft in hairstyling and finishing, I added on the skillset of professional makeup, and evolved into a manager and mentor to my peers.
In June, 2017 after 3.5 years with Goldplaited, the co-founders Mal and Co Strong asked me to join them as an equity partner in the business and Director of Artistry. I was so surprised and thrilled to accept! Since becoming a partner, I have evolved once again to learn the business from the ownership perspective, rather than as an employee. There is literally so much to do in the life of a small business owner and I love all that I have learned and all the challenges that I am able to overcome daily. I believe very strongly in the sentiment that Mal and Co stated when asking me to join them as a partner, that Goldplaited would not be the same without any of our individual contributions, and I know I would not be who I am today without Goldplaited.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There has been much to learn and plenty of growth opportunities for me since joining Goldplaited – and not all of them have been smooth sailing, but all things being considered, we have been SO fortunate with the growth and trajectory of the business. Mal and Co moved here from LA to launch their first finishing salon storefront specifically in Chicago. Right time, right place because the women of Chicago embraced their vision and Goldplaited has increased in reputation and popularity year over year since then.
Choosing where to dedicate my talents after cosmetology school was nerve-wracking at first, and I feel fortunate that I was able to join a young, trend-savvy and growing company where all of my efforts can make an immediate result in our success. When converted from staff member to partner, it was a little intimidating at first – I didn’t set out to open a business, so when the opportunity fell in my lap, I really had to adjust my mindset to be ready to embrace the opportunity. Luckily, I love the company and the people, so it was worth the growing pains to change my course in this unexpected way.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Goldplaited in Chicago’s premier finishing salon, specializing in event-based hairstyling and makeup. As a brand we are known for our top-notch artistry and unique approach to customer service and client experience. On the day-to-day clients come to us for blowouts, braids, updos and full face makeup for events such as weddings, prom, bachelorette/birthday parties, girl’s night out, photoshoots (engagement, family or headshots).
We also specialize in hair and makeup for brides as well as corporate work – which makes up 40% of our business in the form of beauty for corporate headshots, makeovers and hands-on hair/makeup classes for team building, editorial/commercial shoots, on-the-go services for executives, among other things.
I am really proud of our reputation – there are a lot of diehard GP fans out there and I’ve loved building relationships with them along the way. Our clients notice there is something different about what we are offering that they can’t get everywhere else. We make an effort to curate every guest experience to ensure they are paired up with the best artistry team for them based on their desired look, personal style, hair type, personality, etc. We work really hard to provide a great quality of service, at an accessible price point and in a timely manner – I honestly think we must have one of the hardest working teams in the business!
Pricing:
- downstyle and makeup package: $95
- all that glitters package (updo, makeup, lashes, airbrush) $155
- unlimited monthly workweek blowouts $88/month! (prep pass – detail on our site)
Contact Info:
- Address: 2803 N. Sheffield Ave
Chicago IL 60657 - Website: www.goldplaited.com
- Phone: 7738809180
- Email: hello@goldplaited.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/goldplaited_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goldplaited/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/goldplaited-chicago
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
