Today we’d like to introduce you to Skyler Marlow.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey into hairstyling began as a deep love for creativity and transformation. From a young age, I was drawn to how hair could be a form of self-expression, confidence, and artistry. This passion led me to attend the Aveda Institute of Minneapolis, where I refined my technical skills and developed a strong foundation in cosmetology.
One of the most defining moments in my career came during my first year behind the chair when I won Matrix’s Inspiration Contest through Ulta, being selected out of thousands of applicants. As one of only 40 individuals chosen for Matrix’s Destination 2020, I had the incredible opportunity to learn from industry icons—people I had only ever seen on Instagram. That experience fueled my ambition and deepened my commitment to growth.
I’ve now been behind the chair for eight years and for the past three years, I’ve been working at Hour Rose Salon in St. Louis Park. While education has played a huge role in my journey, I consider myself heavily self-taught, constantly pushing myself to master new techniques and evolve with the industry. But growth, to me, isn’t just about my career—it’s about becoming a better version of myself as a person, too. That’s something I strive for every day and something I want to help others with as well.
As I work toward earning my manager’s license in Minnesota, I’m looking ahead to new opportunities, with dreams of eventually owning my own salon. Hairstyling is more than just my career—it’s my artistry, my purpose, and my way of connecting with people on a meaningful level. I’m excited for what’s to come and honored to share my story.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t always been smooth. One of my biggest struggles has been finding the right work environment—a place where I truly feel at home. It took time, but now, at Hour Rose Salon, I’m surrounded by people who uplift and inspire me, and I finally feel like I belong.
Another challenge has been building confidence in myself and believing that I can one day step into a leadership role. For a long time, I doubted whether I had what it takes. But in this version of myself today, I’ve realized that fear is the only thing that ever held me back. Now, I move forward with faith in my abilities, knowing that self-belief has gotten me this far—and it will continue to carry me even further.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Here’s a strong response that highlights your specialties, what sets you apart, and what makes you unique:
I specialize in customized color and lived-in blonding, creating looks that enhance my clients’ natural beauty while maintaining the integrity of their hair. I love working with dimensional color, personalized cuts, and styles that grow out beautifully—because great hair should look effortless, not just in the salon but every day.
What sets me apart is my commitment to continuous learning and my heavily self-taught approach. While formal education laid the foundation, I’ve spent years refining my craft, pushing myself to master new techniques, and staying ahead of trends. I also deeply prioritize my clients’ experience, ensuring that every person in my chair feels heard, understood, and leaves feeling their best.
What makes me unique is my passion for growth—not just as a stylist, but as a person. I believe hairstyling is more than just hair; it’s about connection, transformation, and confidence. I’m constantly evolving, both in my skills and mindset, and I want to help others do the same. Whether it’s through my work or the relationships I build, I’m here to uplift, inspire, and create beauty in every form and that’s what I believe sets me apart from others.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about this city is its diversity and the strength of the community. There’s something powerful about being surrounded by people from different backgrounds who show kindness and support for one another. It’s a beautiful and inspiring place, especially with the changing seasons—I feel like we grow along with them, constantly evolving in new ways.
If there’s one thing I wish we had more of, it would be opportunities for collaboration and community-driven events. I thrive on connection and believe that competition should exist only to inspire, not divide. I’d love to see more spaces where creatives, entrepreneurs, and artists can come together to uplift and learn from one another, because there’s so much talent here that deserves to be shared.
Pricing:
- Variable by Consultation
Contact Info:
- Website: HourRoseSalon.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Skythehairfairy
