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Sarai Martinez has been in the beauty industry since she was 15-years-old. For her, it was never just a job, it was instinct. A natural talent that evolved into a career spanning over two decades, touching everything from high-profile clients to global fashion weeks.
But even the most seasoned artists aren’t immune to burnout.
“The industry is hard,” she shares. And she doesn’t sugarcoat it. The long hours, the physical toll and the emotional investment add up. For Martinez, it reached a point where she had to step away entirely. What followed was a five-year break working in marketing, a move that would ultimately redefine her career.
When she returned to hair, it wasn’t just about picking up where she left off. It was about doing it differently. That time away gave her strategy. She began applying what she learned in marketing to her own brand, thinking beyond the chair and into something bigger. Around that shift, she made a key realization: “you’re not going to get those avenues unless you build the room.”
For Martinez, that meant showing up… everywhere. Events, industry gatherings, any space where connection was possible. It didn’t matter what the event was, if there was an opportunity to meet people, she was there. And it worked!
Those rooms led to more than just exposure. They brought clients, collaborators, and essential resources, people who could help her build a website, structure a business, and expand her vision. She not only built a clientele, but a community.
At the same time, she got intentional about her direction. The beauty industry offers endless paths: editorial, education, color, cutting, celebrity styling. For Martinez, choosing your lane and mastering it, is what is most important.
“Figure out the avenue you want to do and drive on it. Be passionate about that. Master your craft and everything will come.”
That clarity has taken her far. From working alongside industry icons, to styling at New York, Paris, and Milan Fashion Weeks. Her client list now includes names like Shohei Ohtani, Willie Geist, and Tyson Beckford.
However, behind the glamor is a grounded understanding of sustainability. Because burnout doesn’t just disappear, it has to be managed. As her career has evolved, so has her approach to balance. Martinez is intentional about protecting her energy, even building in solitude days to reset and recover. The physical demands of the job are real, and longevity requires care.
She’s also adapted to the changing landscape of the industry. Agencies and representation can amplify visibility, but they aren’t a shortcut. You still have to do the work first.
“You have to reinvent yourself,” she explains, “you have to do the legwork before anyone’s going to pick you up.”
Now, she’s looking ahead, rethinking what a modern beauty career looks like. From ecommerce to education to travel, Martinez is expanding beyond traditional hairstyling into a more multifaceted brand. And through it all, authenticity remains the most constant. If you’re not being yourself, she says, you’re not building real relationships. And in an industry built on trust, connection is everything.
Sarai Martinez isn’t just a stylist, she’s an example of what it looks like to step back, rebuild with intention, and come back stronger.
Tune in below to hear the tips and tricks of getting back into the industry. Check out our Instagrams here at @Readthetease and @volumeupbythetease.
