I’m 38 years old, and I’m excited to be in the very beginning stages of building my own home-based salon. The salon name I’ve picked is “All Polished Up!” and I was thrilled to find out, after turning in my application to the city, that I can claim the name!

I’ve worked in several different salons over the years, and each one has helped develop my dream of having my own salon. For me, it truly was just a dream until this year. With the amazing support, and encouragement of my husband, we’re making this dream a reality. I want my own salon because: I want my customers to be in a place that represents my style and beliefs of how customers should be treated, and I want to be closer to my four teenage boys and give them every opportunity to experience our fabulous industry. I also want to be the one who makes the final decisions as to what does or doesn’t happen in my workplace.

I love the feeling of taking a client who has never taken time out for herself and totally pampering her. Whether it’s a new haircut, set of nails, or, my personal favorite, a pedicure, I want my clients to feel special and to really see that they can sparkle! Let’s face it, with our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to get caught up in all the things we have to get done and to forget that we need to be taken care of too. I truly believe in treating others the way you would want to be treated, so I try to accept people where they are in life and to take them to a place where they can be All Polished Up!

Updated March 2011: Marie started blogging for Blueprint in June 2009, but due to having major back surgery (and complications from surgery) in fall of 2010, she was unable to work more than minimal hours at her salon. In March of 2011, she was finally able to work four full days a week again -- and to post regularly on Blueprint. Welcome back, Marie!