Meet Yana Mertz | Hairstylist

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

Hi Yana, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I individualize and customize each client time in my chair. My tailor-made services make the experience special and enjoyable for my clients. It is not just about hair, it’s the whole process of meeting new person and getting to know them, designing their new hair, and making them feel good about themselves. My commitment is to achieve the same consistent and healthy results, whether it’s coloring or haircutting.
v

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

15 years ago I quit my job as a dental surgical assistant to be a full-time mom. One day, when my first son needed his first haircut, I took him to the most fun and reputable kid salon out there, unfortunately, my little boy had the worst experience ever. I ended up finding some videos on how to cut hair, and doing it myself. Little did I knew, that my journey in cosmetology had begun, and I had no idea it would one day become my career! Years passed, we moved from New York to Hawaii, and then to Colorado, had two more sons. All along, I continued cutting hair for friends, neighbors and family as a hobby, until one day it came to me, it’s what I love to do and want to pursue it professionally. I took a huge leap starting a completely new career in my 30s’, with three young children and hoped for the best. It was definitely tough being older when most cosmetology students were 18-25, I felt out of place and considered quitting many times. But every time I stood behind the chair and did someones hair, it made me keep going. I consider hair my true calling, one that allows me to continuously challenge myself as an artist. I had a vision of opening a studio-style color specialist salon from early on.

After completing Aveda apprenticeship program, working alongside many talented master stylists, years of hard work and determination, many advanced educational classes and workshops in latest trends and fashion, I decided to spread my wings and finaly open my own Salon Studio “Hair Château”! It’s a small and cozy space where my clients feel comfortable and I get to create their new look. Guess who was my first client? My now 15 year old son, wanting some cool fade (see my Instagram for photo), and who is now helping me to run my studio and an online store where we sell organic and vegan hair products that helps environmental sustainability and protection of our ecosystems.

Color is my specialty. Balayage and blondes, color corrections and hand tied hair extensions are my absolute favorite thing to do. Check out my portfolio on Instagram @yana.behindthechair

I am certified in Kevin Murphy, Redken Matrix and Aveda color brands, as well as in Silx Illusion Method hand tied hair extensions installation. I am also now proudly part of a Sola Salons community, with my studio “Hair Château” in the Front Range Village, Fort Collins location.

I love the feeling of being challenged and knowing I’ve made a difference in someones appearance. I am proud to have built a successful small business with a great following and loyal clients.

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?
I would take my friends to a great breakfast at Lucile’s in Fort Collins, to a hike at Lory State Park, Arthur’s Rock, to Odell’s brewery for a cold beer, to have dinner at Still Whiskey Steaks or Sonny Lubick’s on College avenue. There are so many great venues in Fort Collins and outside near towns. We would go to a fun hockey game at Budweiser center in Loveland, or check out live music venue at Washington’s on Laporte avenue in Fort Collins.

If it’s summer, we would go to a Horsetooth reservoir paddle boarding or kayaking, or go up the canyon to explore trails and nature, maybe fishing.
If it’s winter, we would go skiing Steamboat or Winter Park or Mary Jane Base.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My journey and success would not be possible without my loving and supporting family, my friends and of course all of my clients! I am always so incredibly humbled and honored when clients choose to share their story with me. To those who read this who have shared, thank you. You’ll never truly know how much it means to me to have earned your trust in that way. To those who read this who have yet to sit in my chair, thank you for considering me!

Website: https://yana.glossgenius.com/

Instagram: @http://www.instagram.com/yana.behindthechair

Other: https://g.co/kgs/moy8vM

Image Credits
Kathlene Waltemath images of me only . All hair images of my clients are taken by me.