www.negociosnow.com
March 2023 31
Age: 37
Title: Founder & Master Hair Artist
Name of Organization: Ponte
Catrina, Chicago
Claudia Roxana Martinez is the
founder and master hair artist
at Ponte Catrina, a boutique
hair salon inspired by Mexico's
rich culture and women's ele-
gant essence.
In 2004 Martinez graduated
from Pivot Point International
as a cosmetologist and divi-
ded her time between Chicago
and Milwaukee, refining her
craft and technique while de-
veloping her signature style.
Through focus, consistency,
and passion she found pur-
pose in empowering women
through beauty.
Martinez is a Chicago nati-
ve, raised in Brighton Park. In
2010 her at-home salon evol-
ved to what is known today as
the house of the makeovers.
The house of the makeovers
is now the company's alias,
a name that clients themsel-
ves gave the growing hub that
started in a basement. In 2018
Ponte Catrina established its
operation at Lacuna Lofts in
Pilsen.
Women stand at the center
of Martinez's mission. The-
refore, she partners and sup-
ports other women-led orga-
nizations such as Escaramuza
Charra El Eden and De Mi Tie-
rra Natural.
Martinez has collaborated
with hair color brands on sta-
ge at the Midwest America's
Beauty Show, where Martinez
unveiled her very own signa-
ture technique: the chande-
lier effect. Ponte Catrina has
previously hosted industry
classes by Javier Romero, crea-
tive director of Black Academy,
and Erik Gutierrez, colorist/
owner of Agencé Salon. To stay
on top of the newest industry
trends Martinez pursues trai-
ning and education. When not
at the salon, Martinez pursues
her own self-care by incorpo-
rating a wellness program that
includes fitness training, nu-
trition, and spiritual guidance.
Her son Joey keeps her active
and on her toes as they look
forward to travel and adven-
ture.
Claudia Roxana
Martinez
Making hair
into an art
WORDS OF WISDOM:
"S
urround yourself with positive
voices that help you to the
top. Stay on top by strengthening
your passion, trusting, and taking
risks. Her father's words: El que no
arriesga, no gana, (nothing ventured,
nothing gained)."