Meet Noa Martin | Hairstylist

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

Hi Noa, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always been an artist at heart. Ever since I could hold a brush, I’ve been creating in different forms. From finger painting to getting into my mom’s stage makeup kit, to eventually getting a bachelor’s in tech theatre design, I’ve explored it all. Doing hair is the thing that kept coming back to me. In high school, I’d experiment on my own hair, and in college I was the friend who would help you shave your head or dye it pink after a breakup. Now, it’s how I connect with my community. Being a queer hairstylist means I get to give other LGBTQIA2+ folks the rainbow hair they’ve always wanted or the gender affirming cut they’ve never had. I get to be my authentic self in my field and create walking works of art for my people! I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe that the way I approach my guests is what sets me apart from others! I meet folks on their level and focus on their wants, needs and concerns. Getting your hair done can be stressful, especially if it’s been messed up before. I keep that in mind when meeting a new guest and I prioritize their comfort. I’m most proud of my consultations. I ask as many questions as I can think of to avoid any miscommunication. I always ask to touch their hair before we get started, ask for reference pictures and explain back to my client exactly what the game plan is! I took the basics I learned in school and just kept building on them. I worked the front desk at a salon while I was in school, and then spent a year and a half in an apprenticeship program that I learned a lot from, but ultimately didn’t serve me in growing my business. I took a leap of faith from that apprenticeship right into becoming my own boss and running my own business! It was terrifying and the best choice I could have made. I learned really quickly how to niche down my services, buckle down and hustle for the first year. I offered free model services so I could practice new things and perfect what I was already good at. I helped organize community events to make affirming haircuts accessible to everyone, and focused on making meaningful connections with the people in my community. I want folks to know that I’m a safe space, community oriented, and always up for whatever unconventional cut or color you can think of!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First and foremost, I would take them to meet my dog. From there, we would take a bike ride to City Park Farmers Market for fresh produce and goodies from Moon Racoon Bakery if they are there! Then, coffee at Lilac Coffee House or Roostercat Coffee and spend the day wandering around the Denver Botanic Gardens. For a day away, I’d highly recommend spending some time near the water at Horesetooth Lake in Fort Collins or Soda Lakes in Lakewood. Bring a paddleboard, kayak, or just a swimsuit and some cold drinks for fun in the sun!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are lots of folks who helped me get where I am today. My college professor, Ginny Davis, was my biggest supporter through one of the toughest times in my life. She always encouraged me to always pursue my passion, even when my passion changed. My partner, Jose, encouraged me to pursue my cosmetology license and supported me all throughout school. My partners Ayden and Rain let me get really creative with their hair whenever I have a cool idea, and my sister Harper let me practice on her all throughout school. Lastly, Virlena, the owner of Indigo Salon (my current space) deserves so much recognition. She gave me a chance to bloom when she let me rent a space in her incredible salon, and has been an incredibly supportive and encouraging mentor throughout this journey. It takes a village, and I’m so grateful to have phenomenal people around me.

Website: https://queerdye.square.site

Instagram: https://Queer.dye