My Full Circle Moment
Every now and then, life brings you a “full circle moment” – a chance to reconnect with the people who helped shape your journey. Recently, I experienced one of those moments when I welcomed Ruth Roche, one of my biggest influences from my early years in cosmetology, to Salon deZEN. Ruth, a seven-time NAHA winner (basically the Oscars of hair), made a massive impact on me back in cosmetology school.
I remember sneaking out of the house just to model for her. For me, Ruth was a true visionary, an artist of unparalleled talent, and working with her was an opportunity too thrilling to pass up. That experience was a turning point, showing me what was possible in this industry and igniting a spark that would eventually lead me to open deZEN.
I followed her around the country to different hair shows, sometimes modeling for her and sometimes just attending her classes.
Maria Elizabeth and Ruth Roche
Fast forward to today, and I had the privilege of inviting Ruth to deZEN — not as a student this time, but as a salon owner excited to share her influence with my team. Seeing Ruth walk through our doors as a peer and collaborator was surreal. Her ability to elevate hair artistry is as inspiring as ever, and introducing her to the deZEN team felt like giving them a glimpse of that same excitement she sparked in me all those years ago.
The Salon deZEN team with Ruth Roche
Watching Ruth teach, inspire, and connect with my team reminded me why I was drawn to this industry in the first place. She shared new techniques, insights, and showed us the artistry behind every cut, style encouraging us to lean into the artist in all of us. For our stylists, especially those newer to the field, learning from someone who’s redefined what it means to be an artist in hair was an incredible opportunity.
Ruth Roche
Welcoming Ruth to deZEN wasn’t just a professional milestone—it was deeply personal, a celebration of the journey and all the people who’ve been part of it. I’m so grateful to Ruth for showing up in my life and helping me pass on the passion, knowledge, and artistry to the next generation here at deZEN.
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