Today we’d like to introduce you to Marisa Strazza-Critelli.
Hi Marisa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I signed the lease to my space in August 2019 and opened my business that November. I was working in the city while I was opening and the hour and a half commute was the perfect opportunity to create my business plan. I would dream on the train and start laying out what my vision for the perfect salon would be like. a business space opened up in town and my husband and I went to go look at it. It was a doggie daycare and groomer. the space itself was a decent size, close to home, and the right price. unfortunately it smelled like dog pee and was on the outskirts of where id want to be. it was clear that this was not the place I wanted to be but it had my mind in the space of it being a possibility where before it was just a dream. Shortly after that we saw a for rent sign on a space i’ve always loved! it was a salon previously that I had applied to in the past and i’m glad I didn’t accept the offer but the space always stuck with me. long story short, I got the space! about 3 or 4 months after opening covid hit. this was the real test for me. I feel I had a slight advantage of mindset because I was new and my mind was racing with ideas and coming up with solutions to other problems that arose so my mind was already in problem solve mode. so when we shut down I made sure my team was taken care of with unemployment and I worked my ass off to make merch that people could buy online, get at home color touch up kits that were legal to distribute and id hand deliver them, I had a weekly stand in meeting with my team to check in and help keep a little bit of normalcy, I made social media content, I sold gift cards for when we opened back up, and every month we were closed I made enough revenue to keep my doors “open”. I didn’t qualify for anything, no ppp loan, no government assistance, nothing. Because I was so new, I didn’t “count”. but I did prevail. as we opened I had the most strict cleaning protocol in my area, I made a promo video to help our clients know what it would look and feel like when they came back. Our clients really appreciated that and we gained SO many new ones because of it. My business boomed after covid! and the momentum hasn’t stopped. since then ive developed an incredible assistant program, a pro academy, and a team culture that’s felt as soon as you walk in the door. Im so proud of what ive built and am constantly in awe of the team that I have today. they are what makes Rebel what it is and it just keeps getting better. Ive had many hard lessons and I keep making sure I am growing in a way that makes me a better leader for my team and for the growth of my brand. its interesting to work so hard for a dream and get to the destination. its like “what now?…” and in the past year i’ve finally answered that question and i’m so excited for what’s next.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Well Covid was a big one… Ive also had really horrible employees in the beginning and I had no idea how to fire someone, no-one teaches you about that. worst part of my job by far but very necessary. ive had stylists try to steal things as they were leaving, ive had them shit talk my salon and me, ive also had a team who stood up for me in those times so im really grateful for that. ive invested tens of thousands of dollars in the development of assistants to stylist and have had them leave as soon as they get on the floor. but honestly my mentality in that is at least im elevating my industry. that stylist is better because of my program and that’s still a win. yah I think every business owner has challenges, some completely standard stuff that everyone deals with and some unique challenges based off of what they’re trying to accomplish with their business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I think my client experience is stelar. something my mom taught me and my siblings from a young age is the difference between doing something and then doing it with love. everything I do in my business and for my clients is with love. I always say I have the best job in the world and I feel so lucky to still feel that way. I love creating a full look for my clients, like let’s do the whole shebang! who do you want to be? what do you want to project? and then we create their look with whatever that needs, color, cut, extensions, styling tips etc. I love being able to do it all and using all of those skills to make something truly unique and tailored to them. it feels like a super power to see someone lit up with confidence because of my art. something else im also really proud of is the work ive done in fashion week. its something ive dreamed of as a kid and its lead me to so many incredible opportunities, so many beautiful relationships, and SUCH COOL HAIR! a look I did in London got awarded the best look of fashion week as a whole in I think it was 2022. that was an amazing moment. although my name wasn’t on it, I know I did that and the team I worked with also knows who pulled this show together. we talk about that season every year! this year im headed to Milan for fashion week and to me that’s the ultimate honor. its also given me the ability to bring my team along for these incredible opportunities to work with celebrities and be a part of something so magical.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think life is about taking risks that will propel you forward. there is no reward without risk. and owning a business is RISKY! everything falls on me at the end of the day. I dont know how risky ive been in my decision making with my business because I think covid scared me a bit and im always making sure I have safety nets at every angle. maybe that’s just smart business, idk. Its hard to think of it at the moment but I know ive made some big moves that could be considered a risk but i’ll say i’d bet on myself every day of the week. I will get it done, I will figure it out, and I will be successful. failure is not an option, no mater how hard it is. in the same breath, if something isn’t working, I have to move on and switch it up, that’s all.
Pricing:
- cut – $150-250
- typical color service (roots, toner, vivid refresh, etc.) – $250-400
- lightening – $400-900
- extensions – $900-3000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rebelhairnj.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelhairnj
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebelHairNJ/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebelHairAcademy
