James Marez, talented hair artist and regular NAHA competitor, is next up on BANGSTYLE’s featured stylists. His talent and experience gives him the wisdom to dole out some useful advice for aspiring stylists and his ultra-creative approach to hair makes him endlessly entertaining. The passion and drive is there, and we are sure he will achieve all his goals and aspirations. Learn more about James Marez’s career in our interview!
BANGSTYLE: Can you give us a bit of background on your career?
James Marez: I am a Framesi color specialist and Sasoon trained. I have taken Toni and Guy Back to Basics, Advanced Hair Cutting and Color, and their texturizing class. I have been doing hair for 14 years and have been competing in NAHA since 2008.
BANGSTYLE: How did you get your start in the hair industry and how did you know you wanted to make a career out of it?
James Marez: When I was 14, my mother found out that I could braid and she immediately started training me how to braid and sew in her extensions, which wasn’t an easy process. It was never tight enough and the threading wasn’t perfect, so I would constantly have to redo it. This is when I knew I wanted to be a hairdresser.
BANGSTYLE: Any career highlights or memorable experiences?
James Marez: A couple of highlights were when I first met, and had the pleasure of assisting, celebrity stylist Marcia Hamilton. She was very nurturing and helped to ignite my more creative side. Another was when I had the pleasure of being awarded Hairdresser of the Year by the RAW: Natural Born Artist organization in 2010, and then finally after 3 years of entering NAHA, receiving a nomination for texture in 2011.
BANGSTYLE: Are you a freelance artist or in-salon? Which do you prefer and why?
James Marez: I am both a freelance artist and a licensed hairdresser. I would say I love them both equally because they go hand and hand.
BANGSTYLE: Do you have any advice for aspiring stylists?
James Marez: The best advice I can give to any aspiring stylist is to always keep pictures of your work so you can track your growth and improve on your skills by seeing what worked and what didn’t. Always stay humble, a humble person is a pleasure to work with, and finally, keep working hard because it will pay off.
BANGSTYLE: How would you describe your style aesthetic?
James Marez: My style is beautiful, yet Avante Garde, mysterious, and tangible.
BANGSTYLE: Who or what inspires the looks you create?
James Marez: Depends on the year! When I first started, I wanted to create something no one had ever seen. Years later, I wanted to make hair not look like hair but rather paper, graffiti or wood. Whatever it took to have the question in people’s mind asking, is it hair? Now, I just want to create the best image possible, so I am inspired by great work.
BANGSTYLE: What would be your dream job in this industry?
James Marez: Oh, this is easy: platform artist, NYC and London fashion week key artist, and one day to be a judge for NAHA.
BANGSTYLE: Any future plans or goals for your career?
James Marez: Right now, Project Runway’s season 10 contestant, Elena of IIMUAHII, and I are working on a fashion show. Can’t say when, but soon. Also, to one day open my own salon.
Check out James Marez‘s BANGSTYLE profile and click “Stalk Me” to keep up to date with all his fantastic uploads!