Conversations with Mia Santiago

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Santiago

Hi Mia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in Youngstown, OH. I relocated to Orlando, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada, where I was a trainer at Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville. I was ready for a career change and while watching the TV show Scheir genius, I was inspired by world renowned hairstylist Sally Hershberger. This is how I decided to pursue my career in Hair. After Hair school, I immediately moved to New York City where I worked as an assistant in a salon that I hated and was treated poorly thinking that I failed in my career choice. But as fate may have it after a year and a half I landed my dream job at Sharon Dorram at Sally Hershberger where I worked for 14 years. It was during this time of honing my craft as a haircutter and Stylist that I was introduced to the world of celebrities I worked for magazines and television publications and numerous photo shoot opportunities. As my career blossomed outside of the salon, I sought representation from Hair and Makeup talent agencies. I currently have an agent in both New York and LA. During my world wind career, I was fortunate enough to fall in love, get married, and have a baby. In 2019, my family and I decided to relocate back to my roots of Ohio to obtain more work life balance. We happily reside in Columbus, Ohio and I have a very supportive husband who encourages me to continue to follow the path of my career as I navigate my Salon work in Ohio and travel for my celebrity clients.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As you can imagine living in New York City was no small feat. It came with high highs and low lows. You’re surrounded by millions of people and still feel so alone at times. Always living through the hustle and trying to be your best comes with its tolls I developed severe anxiety and had to learn how to navigate a new lifestyle.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I divide my time between salons in both New York and Columbus in addition to doing photo shoots, music festivals, and red carpet events. I specialize in luxury wedding and event hair available upon request only. I am also a content creator for allure magazine as well as an influencer on social media @miasantiagohair. I recently launched a small business called Star Bar, a tinsel and glitter bar perfect for any party experience @ starbarbymia.

How do you think about happiness?
My happiness truly starts at home in Ohio. Having found work life balance gives me the opportunity to still do what I love while watching my son grow up participate in sports and be able to spend quality time with my husband. Living closer, allows me more time to with my parents and childhood friends. I have built an amazing community here in Columbus through my love of hip-hop dance and working where I can thrive at being the best version of myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.miasantiagohair.com
• Instagram: @MiasantiagoHair
• Other: Tik tok @miasantiagohair