Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Mata.
Hi Lauren, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My interest in the world of beauty began at an early age when I discovered a makeup artist’s book- I poured over the images and convinced anyone who would allow me to practice doing makeup on them. I never thought about hair as a career until I worked at a salon in high school as a makeup artist and receptionist and a stylist suggested it to me as an option. I went to beauty school and never looked back. I have a bit of an obsessive personality when it comes to things I am interested in – and hair color, extensions, and products are always on my mind. Since having obtaining my license, I have adhered to my own strategy of working next to the best in the industry and staying current at all times. This has driven me to take balayage classes in Paris, work at one of the most prestigious salons in the world in New York, learn the greatest and possibly most challenging extensions systems, and use the best products I can possibly source from around the word -in haircare, tools, and extensions – and now in my salon. I have dreamt of opening my own salon for about 15 years, however the timing was not right until this year. My husband and son and I moved constantly for several years due to his career in the military – once my son became school age, we decided to buy a home, build my dream salon, and place him in the school that he can stay at for the next several years in this beloved neighborhood.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
A smooth road would be a boring story! It has been full of challenges and heartache, but at the same time so much growth and many wonderful experiences. I signed a lease and began construction on a salon in 2010 and it didn’t work out. In hindsight, I am so glad it didn’t! I learned a lot but it was really tough at the time both emotionally and financially. I also had to start over and rebuild my client base several times due to moving out of the state or country. I felt like a brand new stylist again when I began a new kind of extension training. That was the hardest part for me- I don’t like being incompetent at things- and the special type of extensions I do have a major learning curve. I also had a really hard time finding the right space for my salon. I needed it to be convenient to my own home and to the majority of my clients’ homes with adequate parking and a great feel. I waited about 15 years for this space and I can confidently say it was worth it! I am so lucky to have wonderful friends, family, and clients who helped and supported me over the years to get me to this point. My salon is gorgeous and exactly what I dreamt of!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Ooh La La Salon de Beauté?
At Ooh La La, we specialize in luxury hair extensions and expert hair color designed for women who want to look effortlessly natural. Our passion is creating beautiful, believable hair — the kind that turns heads without ever giving away your secret.
We use a highly specialized extension method that’s gentle and safe for even the finest, most delicate hair. Our curated wefts are sourced from the highest quality hair available worldwide, allowing us to flawlessly match any hair texture for a seamless, undetectable finish. We take pride in sourcing hair that most salons don’t — because we believe our clients deserve nothing less than the best.
Our color artists are true experts, blending artistry with advanced technique to create customized looks- our clients are always in the hands of a master.
We also offer a carefully selected range of modern haircare products from around the world — each chosen for performance, innovation, and safety. Every product we carry supports the health and longevity of the hair and extensions. We have brands made in the U.S., Japan, and France.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love so many things about Austin. I love to walk Town Lake with friends or my husband. I ran it several times a week for at least a decade! I love Fonda San Miguel, Jeffrey’s, and Bartletts for dinner and have been eating at those spots for probably 2 decades! I love the community I have here the most. I like the weather the least!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oohlalaaustin.com
- Instagram: @loloandluci, @oohlalaaustin
