Martin Gugliotti

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Age: 36

Title at work/what I do: Artistic director at Gugliotti Salon and Spa and dean of students at International Institute of Cosmetology. I wear many hats in my day-to-day schedule. While my heart and passion rests in the beauty industry, which has helped me and my family achieve great things and a rewarding career, there are many aspects of this field that I am a part of. My day is not only comprised of doing hair, although doing hair has acted as a gateway to all the arms of our businesses. I do hair at our salons in Rocky Hill and Hartford's South End as an artistic director, where I love helping people look and feel their best all the while providing friendly ear. As the dean of students at our cosmetology schools, with campuses in Wethersfield and Plainville, I provide guidance to students and ensure that they are properly prepared for all aspects of the beauty industry that I have come to love so much. I have also co-founded Le'marca products, a haircare line that has grown to include styling tools for consumer and professional use. If that all wasn't enough, somehow I make time to spend with my lovely wife Teena and my beautiful daughters Stella and Hailey, who have been the most supportive of my career and growth. I am also blessed to work with my brothers and parents, without whom none of these things would be possible.

Town where I work: Hartford/Rocky Hill, Wethersfield/Plainville

Town where I live: Plainville

College I attended: UConn

My passion, hobby or special talent: My hobby and passion is my drive to leave my kids a chance for a great future.

Twitter handle: @bochos2

No. of LinkedIn connections: About 150; not too into LinkedIn

Favorite place to network: At work. I meet the most interesting people while behind the chair at the salons.

Favorite drink at a networking event: Club soda with lime because it looks like a vodka tonic.

How do I create connections in my professional life?

Creating connections in my industry is easy. Need a plumber? Doctor? Counselor? I know someone. With an ever-growing clientele at our salons, I am sure I know someone that knows someone who is reading this article. It is the beauty of this industry; it's a people-oriented and involved business. Seriously, if you need a recommendation for anything, I know someone.

What's been my biggest challenge professionally?

Balancing the time. Ohh, time how you slip through my hands so quickly… I cannot believe that I have the same hours in a day as great minds and entrepreneurs like Ford, Einstein, and my father. But I do have to say that between MS Outlook and my wife, I am kept on track.

What is the best advice I received?

My brother Leonardo told me “No matter what you decide to do, do it right or not at all.” We were kids shoveling snow in Hartford, trying to make a few extra bucks. We told one lady that we would do her driveway for $15, but we didn't realize how long this thing was. I said, “Well Leo, it's good enough.” He then responded with the quote that has stayed with me for decades. We finished the job properly, and she gave us an extra $5 tip.