With barbershops and salons populating seemingly all of its many strip malls, Houston seems like a tough place for a hairstylist to make a lasting impression. Yet, two decades after opening Marbella Salon, Eduardo Granados continues to deepen his impact on Houston’s vibrant Montrose neighborhood. The master hairstylist took some time to reflect on his journey as an artist and businessman in light of Marbella Salon’s 20th-anniversary celebration this month.

“I have always tried to become the best version of myself and get the most I can out of my life,” Granados said. “This country has given me the opportunity to become who I am and make my dreams come true. After 20 years of Marbella and over three decades as a stylist, I’m still hungry, motivated, and in love with my career.”

Born in Guatemala, Granados immigrated to the United States at 13 and quickly developed an interest in the arts. He began teaching himself how to style hair by going to the library in his free time and eventually giving haircuts to other kids in his neighborhood. Granados was a quick learner, completing cosmetology school before his high-school graduation. But his education did not end there.

“I studied all over the United States and Europe with great mentors,” Granados said. “I learned to stay forward with fashion and trends. I pay attention to more than just hair, including history, architecture, and poetry. Those experiences and influences have all helped me maintain a five-star reputation.” 

Prior to opening Marbella Salon, Granados worked as a hairstylist in the Galleria area of Houston for seven years. Although Granados excelled as an artist – he completed his assistant program in just five weeks – the business side of hairstyling was less familiar. Still, he knew that opening his own salon was a necessary step on his career path.

“When it comes to business, I always dreamed of having a mentor, but did not get one,” Granados said. “So I learned by making mistakes – I’m still making them, but I’m always learning. I know how to deal with the stress of being both a stylist and a businessman. People only notice the outer layer – smelling good, looking good, wearing nice clothes – but there is so much work that goes on behind the doors of the salon.”

Granados has support in maintaining his balancing act between stylist and businessman. He currently has a team of talented stylists with hopes to add more in the future. When bringing new team members aboard, Granados looks to welcome a wide variety of styles and professional experience into Marbella Salon.

“Each of my team members has to go through a couple of trials of hairstyling and hair coloring, along with a minimum of three interviews,” Granados said. “Montrose is the most artistic neighborhood in the number-one most diverse city in America. So we are not judgmental, and we care about professionalism above all else. No matter who you are, what kind of hair you have, or how you express yourself, we have a team member for you.” 

Granados sees a bright future on the horizon for Marbella Salon, with more stylists and additional locations among the possibilities for growth. It is clear, though, that whether Marbella ends up with one location or 100 locations, passion and excellence will always lie at the heart of Granados’ mission.

“It’s a beautiful, fun and upbeat career, but you have to really, really love it,” Granados said. “You need to work with people and have energy on good days and bad. I’m not special or better than anybody – if I did it, anybody can do it. You can make a good living, but only a few do, because you have to dedicate yourself.”