Meet Miriam Ortega | Hair artist/ Salon owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Miriam Ortega and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Miriam, how do you think about risk?
There are so many clichés about risk—“No risk, no reward,” right? But for me, that phrase isn’t just a saying—it’s a way of life. I’ve always lived by the motto: just dive in. Whether in life or in my career, I’ve never waited for perfect timing. I’ve taken bold leaps, and yes, I’ve faced some major losses along the way—emotionally and financially. But not once have those losses stopped me from continuing to take risks.

More than anything, I’ve learned from those moments. I don’t even like to call them mistakes—because I truly believe everything happens for a reason. Every setback carved out the path I’m on now.

Especially with my newest space—this one hit different.

This is the third creative space I’ve built, and you know what they say: third time’s a charm. But this time, it was all me. No help. No cushion. Just me, raw and real, taking a deep breath and diving in headfirst.

I remember standing in that empty space, praying:
“God, give me one more shot.”
And asking myself:
“Do I really have what it takes?”

But this time, I had something to prove—and it wasn’t to anyone else. It was to myself.

I knew one thing for sure: I didn’t want to look back and regret not going all in one more time on my vision—Art on Hair Collective: Color Haus & Hair Wellness Studio.

I told myself that even if it didn’t succeed, I’d still be proud. Because the real win was in the doing.
Now here I am, five years in—and I couldn’t be more proud of what I’ve built from the ground up. A space rooted in hair wellness, creativity, and purpose.

So yes—TAKE THE DAMN RISK.
Even when it’s scary. Even when it feels like you’re alone.
Because on the other side of that risk could be the most beautiful version of you.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets Art On Hair Collective apart is the freedom to create. We truly embody the name—Art on Hair. This is a space where creativity meets intention, and where transformation goes beyond aesthetics. Our strength lies not only in our artistry, but in our deep education and understanding of Latina hair—a knowledge cultivated over two decades in this industry. With over 20 years behind the chair, I like to say I’m pretty seasoned—like Sazón!

We don’t just offer hair services—we listen. We connect. We co-create looks that not only enhance your beauty but align with your lifestyle. That’s the magic of our approach: it’s personal, rooted in care, and grounded in expertise.

One thing I’m especially proud and excited about is our upcoming Head Spa + Scalp Therapy experiences, launching late summer/early fall. These offerings are the perfect extension of our commitment to hair wellness, elevating the salon experience into something deeply restorative and holistic.

Now let’s be real—this journey hasn’t been easy.

I’ve been a hairstylist since 2001, and nothing has ever been handed to me. I’ve worked my a*s off for everything I have. After high school, my parents had a very different vision for me. I tried to honor their wishes and enrolled in community college—but deep down, I knew I was meant to do hair. I dropped my classes and secretly enrolled myself into Ogle Hair School. For a while, I pretended I was still going to Mountain View College—until my mom caught on. When I finally came clean, she was just happy I was pursuing something with passion.

My father, on the other hand, didn’t understand—or approve—until much later. In fact, it wasn’t until about 6 or 7 years ago, at a Thanksgiving dinner, that he finally saw what I had built. As I gave thanks for my career and how it allowed me to provide for myself and my boys, something shifted. He finally saw the fruit of my labor, and that moment was everything.

So no—it wasn’t easy. But I share this to encourage every creative out there: don’t give up. Your time will come. Keep showing up. Keep creating. Keep believing in your vision.

Along the way, I’ve learned some hard but powerful lessons. One of the most important?
Keep your personal life and business life separate. The world can’t collide. What happens at home stays at home. What happens at work stays at work. That boundary is sacred, and it protects both your peace and your professionalism.

I’ve also learned not to chase money. Not all money is good money. Protect your energy, your health, your mental health, and trust your gut. Always.

What I want the world to know about Art On Hair Collective is this:
I’m still here.
I’m still thriving.
I’m still creating.

Art on Hair is a one-of-a-kind experience designed to spark feelings of restoration, tranquility, discovery, and education around the importance of hair health from the inside out.

Every session is more than just a hair appointment—it’s a key part of your wellness journey and your lifestyle.

So book that transformation. You won’t regret it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
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If my best friend came to town for the week? Oh, we’re doing it right. Here’s how I’d show them the absolute best of Dallas:

Friday at 4 PM
First stop: Hudson House in Addison for happy hour. Half-off martinis, and not just any martinis—these are hands down the best in the city. The vibe is always right, the food is always on point , and dessert is a must. It’s one of my go-to spots to kick off the weekend.

After dinner, we’re headed to Bishop Arts to bar hop a little. We’re starting at Written by the Seasons—their Watermelon Spritz is my summer obsession. Then sliding over to The Wild Detectives for a smooth cocktail with a chill, artsy vibe, and finally The Atlas to keep the buzz going. If we’re still feeling it, we’ll end the night at Lady Love, dancing off dinner like nobody’s watching.

Saturday
We’re sleeping in (a little), then it’s brunch at Mirador downtown—bougie but worth it. The views, the food, the energy, it’s an interiors designers dream!

If retail therapy is calling, we’re hitting NorthPark Center. It’s giving designer dreams and good people-watching—aka a full experience.

Dinner? We’re heading to Lounge Here in Casa Linda. The food is bomb, the cocktails are strong, and the playlist never misses. The vibe is cool, unpretentious, and always a good time.

Still got some energy? Let’s dance. It’ll Do or Double Wide—both are dope in the best way and always great on a Saturday night.

Sunday
We’re keeping it chill with light bites at Ascension Coffee—that steak & egg hash hits different, and the espresso martini flight? Dangerous in the best way. Their Aperol Spritz is also chef’s kiss if we’re still in brunch mode.

Then a Doki Sunrise Coffee at Ascension Coffee to bring us back to life. Trust me!

After that, we’re poolside—either at my place or one of Dallas’s iconic hotel pools. Because if you’re in Dallas and not hitting a pool at some point, what are you even doing?

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Bottom line?
Dallas is THAT girl when it comes to food, drinks, and a good time. The Oak Cliff area especially has my heart—whether it’s a taco stand, a hidden cocktail bar, or a fruitería, the energy is just different and unmatched!

So yeah—if you’re coming to town, pack cute outfits and stretchy pants. We’re going all in.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Wow—there are honestly so many people who have played a part in my journey, but I would be remiss not to first acknowledge my family.

My sister Deb has been a pillar of light for me. She breathed life into me during some of my darkest seasons, always reminding me of who I am and what I’m capable of. Her unwavering support and love were vital to my healing and growth.

I also have deep gratitude for my parents, who instilled strength, resilience, and a deep-rooted belief in hard work and purpose. Their foundation shaped everything I am today.

To my partner—thank you for being my rock. You’ve stood by me through the highs and the lows, through beauty and brokenness. You’ve not only supported me emotionally and mentally, but also showed up in the most practical ways—especially by helping communicate with all the Spanish-speaking contractors during the building of my latest space. You never stopped pushing me to grow, and I’m so grateful.

Then there are my boys—Ethan, Bishop, and Kai. They were right there with me, hands-on, helping bring this vision to life. More importantly, I wanted to show them, through action, what it looks like to never give up. They’ve witnessed me at my worst and at my most triumphant, and my mission has always been to show them they can dream big, build something meaningful, and create a life they love.

Lastly, I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to Britt Seva—a salon business coach whose mentorship during the COVID era completely shifted my mindset and changed the trajectory of my business. Her wisdom and tools helped me not only survive but thrive during one of the most uncertain times in our industry.

While I’ve taken many risks and fought hard to create what I have today, this journey was never walked alone. I’m here because of the love, belief, and encouragement of the people who saw me even when I couldn’t see myself. This chapter belongs to them too.

Website: https://www.aeronautic.com

Instagram: @_artonhairoc_

Facebook: Art on hair collective

Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/art-on-hair-collective-dallas

Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/denysmeakphotography?igsh=MTRmaWpla3l5d20zaA==