Meet Marlene Rodriguez | Licensed Cosmetologist

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

Hi Marlene, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
My favorite quote of all time has to be “Tree of hope, remain strong” by Frida Kahlo which is originally in Spanish translated to “Árbol de la Esperanza mantente firme”. This quote of hers is also part of a very popular song in Mexico called Cielito Lindo, the song is like a trademark throughout the Hispanic culture, it is also used as a form of unification and solidarity through the aftermaths of tragedy, and also celebration. This quote and the song Cielito Lindo is what has kept me going even in the hardest moments of my life. I remind myself that no matter how much pain I may be enduring I have to keep my hope and faith strong because better days will come, and that a purpose is behind any hardship or situation, because all things have a solution. I remind myself that the roots of my hope and faith are strong because I have the most important things in life, health, my significant other and my parents by my side. As long as those three things are strong and firm my hope should remain just as hard when I face any situation.
This quote also reminds me of how strong Frida was, how despite the pains and sufferings she faced she prevailed, in her times and even today she is an icon. I remind myself that even after such great pain you can make something beautiful out of it in Frida’s case she turned it into beautiful art. I tell myself that we can turn our pain, and hardships into something beautiful and meaningful like Frida did, wether it is by helping someone who may be going through the same thing you once did, or being change through advocacy.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a licensed cosmetologist, and as I mentioned on my last feature on Voyage, I truly believe what sets me apart in this industry is that I do not view any of my colleagues, or other hairstylist as competition. This industry tends to be filled with a lot of withholding tips, anything that will help other hairstylist and I am not like that at all. Since it is predominantly more women there also tends to be a lot of jealousy within hairstylist and it’s a shame because as women we should have each others backs, support one another and cheer on for each other. I applaud all hairstylist and cheer them on because the way I see it an envious mind will never progress, because you are not allowing your blessing to come into your life with a negative mind set. It definitely has been a challenge, as I’m very new to the industry but I love and enjoy what I do. At the end of the day seeing the smile on my clients face is worth it all. My journey continues and getting to where I am today has definitely been an exciting ride. Right after high school my dedication was the medical field, I loved it until I was completely drained and did a complete turn around in careers.
I have always enjoyed art and being a hairstylist is just that, my clients hair is my canvas and getting to see the finish product is always exciting. In this industry your hunger for success is what will make you thrive, and triumph. You have to really want it, nothing will come to you, you have to hustle and really want it. And I think that’s amazing because you see the fruit of your efforts and hard work. Of course all great things take patience and time. Throughout my small journey that is still going I’ve learned that you have to be strong, and patient without those two things you will find yourself doubting, and wanting to give up. With all great success comes failure, tears, doubt but at the end of the day you remind yourself why you started, why you love what you do and you stand back up stronger than ever. Although I am still far from being where I want to be in this industry I know that I will thrive and that sooner or later it will all pay off. I want to be an inspiration for future stylist, and be known for helping both new stylist and those who have been in the game for years, I also want to be known as someone who doesn’t look to charge a fortune just to teach you or give you the most simplest advice. More than often in this industry I see a lot of ambitious people that tend to take advantage of all types of stylist, charging a fortune for tips and tricks that you can see on YouTube or TikTok for free. To me it’s ridiculous, and horrendous. There are many ways to make great money in this industry by being honest and not taking advantage of anyone. I hope to one day have a mentorship program or offer scholarships, to help anyone who dreams of being in this industry. I also hope if I ever do open a salon that I always treat my employees with respect and assure that they are paid fairly, fair wage in this industry tends to also be a toxic issue in this industry. But I know the good outweighs the bad!

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.
Houston has so many great places, one of my favorite restaurants is Cuchara located in fairway, if you like authentic Mexican dishes this is the spot for you. The museum’s are also a must to visit. Going to the Houston Astro’s World Series winners during the play season is also a must for all Houstonians. Supporting local and small business like Casa Ramirez Folkart is also one I recommend if you love Mexican culture, and hand made things from Mexico. I love everything that they have an knowing I’m supporting a small business is also heart warming. And lastly one of my favorite murals to visit is right in the heart of Taqueria Del Sol, a mural dedicated to one of Houstons native SPC Vanessa Guillen, you get to enjoy great food and see a beautiful mural, that holds a great place here in Houston

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My list of mentors and those who have loved me and encouraged me in my hardest times includes more than one person, which of course is a tremendous blessing. The first mentor to ever come into my life, is Mrs. Sharon Callies. Mrs. Callies and I met when I was in the 9th grade at MacArthur ninth grade school. Throughout that time I was facing many hardships as a young child, she was one of the few who noticed my fake smile, and the pains I was shielding from the world. She is a women who has become a very important figure in my life, she believed in me when no one or myself did. A big part of the person I am today is because of her. She became more than educator but like a mother figure and role model to me. Today my success is also hers because throughout my high school career she was constantly there at any award ceremony, when I needed advice, and when I needed someone to listen. She is definitely someone who was placed in my life as a blessing. My second mentor throughout my journey is Grace Olivares she is a Director of empowerment working with Univision. She was a mentor of mine and through our mentorship she guided me, and provided me with useful recourses and information to help me get closer to some of my goals.

Lastly but not least my significant other Cecil, he is the main reason that I was able to obtain my cosmetology license here in the great state of Texas. He was there to help me both financially and emotionally through any and all hardships I’ve faced he’s been by my side to help.. My success in this industry is just as his.

Instagram: Instagram.com/honeycomb_hairstyle