How This Hollywood Stylist Innovated Hair Care's Most Revolutionary Hair Oil
Mara Roszak, owner and founder of the renowned West Hollywood Mare Salon and RŌZ Hair line, ingeniously mobilized her 18+ years of hair styling experience and intimate knowledge of women’s hair care, health and products to create her industry-redefining hair oils.
With a devout focus on efficacy, luxury and simplicity, Mara’s indulgent and intuitive products make it easy for anyone to have decadently smooth and shiny hair without the typical greasy, heavy finish. Deeply understanding her own hair needs and those of her clients, and despite the seemingly infinite products available, Mara couldn’t source the products she was desperate for that performed as promised. So, she created them. Stunningly packaged, gorgeously fragranced and perfectly performing, Mara’s meticulousness and genius shines through in these must-have products.
Brand name: RŌZ
Founder: Mara Roszak
Date founded: I received my first RŌZ Santa Lucia styling oil product sample Feb/2018
Launch date: 5/11/2021
What was the first product you developed, and why did you create it?
The first product I created was RŌZ Santa Lucia Styling Oil. I formally developed this styling oil because it was and remains the foundation for every hair style I create and is still the only product I use on myself out of the shower. It is a light-weight oil with botanical extracts to hydrate hair while adding a beautiful smooth shine. The oil helps to enhance your beautiful natural texture, protects against heat styling and allows for a longer lasting blow out. Most hair oils are heavy on the hair; I was determined to create a universal, clean, lightweight oil that won’t weigh even the finest of hair down.
What was the inspiration for RŌZ?
With my 18+ years of experience as a hairdresser, I've learned how many women struggle tirelessly with their hair, especially where hair products are concerned. I’m consistently asked for advice on how to navigate the massive amounts of products out there. I created RŌZ to simplify the process by formulating clean, luxurious and easy products that do what they say they’re going to do. Performance delivered beautifully.
What is your brand philosophy?
RŌZ captures a mindful approach to hair health, and aims to restore the natural beauty and wellbeing within, while creating an experience of elevated luxury with minimal waste. We prioritize the foundation for hair to thrive in its most natural state by creating hair care essentials designed to deeply nourish and restore hair health. RŌZ aims to course correct the old narrative of “never good enough” and encourage a new conversation around positive relationships with our hair.
What's your favorite product in your line, and why is that?
RŌZ Santa Lucia Styling Oil is the product I never leave the house without. Every time I apply it, the gorgeous scent (many say it needs to be made into its own fragrance!) reminds me of my favorite place, Big Sur. My hair needs hydration & de-frizzing, which the Santa Lucia styling oil provides without ever feeling heavy or greasy.
What's one surprising thing people might not know about your brand?
It was a trip to Big Sur that inspired RŌZ and the Santa Lucia fragrance. The beauty of Big Sur is breathtaking and it allows you to feel so deeply connected to nature. The scent of fresh greenery and campfires at night takes over the senses. It was there that I envisioned the essence of this brand.
What do you want people to think of when they think of your brand?
RŌZ products are curated & reliable. I want everyone to know that every RŌZ product delivers with effectiveness. Consumers will get beautiful, performance driven products that do what they say, simply.
What was one of the biggest challenges you faced when you launched?
I do try to see challenges as learning experiences, especially as a new founder. We had more orders on launch day and sold out sooner than we expected. We had limited inventory, not because we wanted to be exclusive, but because of supply chain issues and shipping setbacks due to the pandemic. Some orders were delayed, but I did learn how forgiving customers are when you are honest and transparent with them!
When did you know you'd made it as a brand?
Having RŌZ on shelves at SHEN has been a real pinch me moment.
What is your proudest moment as a founder?
The moment I started receiving messages from customers as well as other hairstylists (who can be the toughest customers sometimes!) about how much they love RŌZ in their hair! Knowing that I formulated a product that people at home or at work are loving has truly brought me so much joy.
What has been your biggest struggle as a founder?
Someone had given me great advice before I became a mother, which was essentially, “Try not get overwhelmed by what you don’t know- you learn what you need to know as you go.” I’ve found this to be true as a founder as well. Some tools I had, but many I am developing. Being open & flexible, trusting your team… these have all been really helpful reminders for me as a founder.
What can we expect from RŌZ in the future?
We are continuing to formulate and innovate. We just launched our newest oil this November- the Willow Glen Treatment Oil- full of natural organic oils made to deeply hydrate and nourish your hair, scalp and even skin! Post summer, our hair often feels dry and needs extra hydration, moisture and nourishment. This formula is beautiful and deeply hydrates your hair while repairing and preventing damage!
What made you want to be in the beauty industry?
I knew I wanted to be a hairstylist when I was 13 years old. Determined to make my own hair smooth and shiny when it was naturally quite frizzy and curly, I spent countless hours perfecting the blow dry. It was clear that I had a deep passion for hair styling. There were many sleepovers with girlfriends that turned into late night beauty salon sessions. I LOVE playing with hair, sculpting and shaping it. It is very much a form of art, as has been the process of creating hair products! I truly live and breathe hair, it’s a deep passion of mine and I couldn't imagine my life without having hair as my medium. Creating RŌZ has been a dream. I bring as much attention & meticulousness to creating each product as I have the haircuts & styles I’ve created throughout the years.