With over four decades of experience and countless clients spanning from everyday people to high-profile celebrities, Ziggy Murin has carved out a unique niche in an industry known for its rapid evolution. Yet, his story is more than just a tale of professional success—it’s one of resilience, adaptability, and the deep human connections he’s fostered along the way.
Early Inspiration
Murin’s journey began in the most unexpected of ways: through a 1970s movie. Shampoo, a film centered around the glamorous life of a hairdresser, inspired the young Murin to pursue a career in the beauty industry. As he watched the movie, he found himself drawn to the lifestyle of a hairdresser cruising through Beverly Hills on a motorcycle, surrounded by beauty and freedom. It was an image that stayed with him, and by the time he was 17, Murin had made the decision to attend beauty school.
“I just thought, ‘That’s exactly what I want to do,'” Murin recalls. Shortly after, he moved to Florida with a friend, purchased a motorcycle, and embarked on his hairstyling journey.
However, like many young people entering a new career, the beginning wasn’t as glamorous as the movies made it seem. Despite earning his license, Murin admits he was inexperienced and unsure of his craft.
“I had no idea what the hell I was doing,” he reflects, acknowledging that beauty school gave him the basics but little in the way of true mastery. After cutting hair for seven years, he sought something more—a sense of direction that ultimately led him to the military.
Military Service
At the age of 24, Murin joined the United States Coast Guard, an unexpected turn for someone who began his career with scissors in hand. It was here, amidst seasickness and grueling assignments, that he found discipline and purpose. Serving on the Drug Ops Team in Miami, Murin faced the challenges of maritime law enforcement. Later involved in combat operations during the height of Desert Storm, he gained a sense of perspective that would shape his life and future career.
After four years of service, he reconnected with his passion. Upon leaving the military, he met Alan Benfield Bush, founder of ABBA Pure & Natural, a renowned beauty product line. This meeting would prove pivotal.
Pillars of Success: Mentorship, Family, and Love
Bush took Murin under his wing, offering him the mentorship he had long sought. “He taught me everything,” Murin explains. Through Bush, Murin learned the art of hairdressing in a way that went far beyond technique. It wasn’t just about cutting or coloring—it was about professionalism, artistry, and service. Murin’s experience with his mentor transformed his approach, giving him the skills and confidence to excel in the competitive world of hairstyling.
However, his sense of dedication to his craft, along with his desire to continually improve, wasn’t just the result of professional mentorship—it was deeply rooted in the values his parents instilled in him.
Murin often reflects on his parents’ values, which have shaped both his personal life and his career. Growing up in a strong Italian Catholic family, he was taught the importance of hard work, integrity, and love of family from an early age. He attributes much of his success to the lessons he learned from his mother and father.
“My mom taught me love of family, and my dad taught me work ethic,” Murin says. These lessons became the foundation of his approach to both life and business. Whether he was cutting hair or serving in the military, Murin has always carried with him a deep sense of responsibility and dedication. “No matter what business I was in, I treated it as though it was mine.”
As much as his parents shaped his foundation, Murin is quick to credit his wife, Kimberly, for helping him build the career and life he enjoys today. Kimberly, a talented artist with a business of her own, has been a source of inspiration, strength, and partnership throughout their relationship. Murin affectionately describes her as the driving force behind many of his most important decisions, including the opening of his salon.
Shortly after they married, Murin quit his job at a salon he no longer felt aligned with. While the move was risky, it was Kimberly’s unwavering faith in her husband’s abilities that gave him the confidence to move forward. “She told me, ‘This is the time to do it,’” Murin recalls. Kimberly found the perfect location for the salon and, with her artistic eye, designed the space from the ground up. “She built most of it,” Murin said. “She was in there for days and days, getting it ready. Every man needs a good woman, and Kimberly has made me a better man. I wouldn’t have the success I have today without her.”




Leading in a Changing Industry
Throughout his career, Murin has witnessed significant changes in the industry. One of the most disheartening shifts, he notes, is the diminishing dedication among stylists. “It’s a dying art,” he laments. For Murin, hairstyling isn’t just a job; it’s a craft. He’s passionate about instilling that same level of commitment in his staff and peers. Owning and running his own salon, Murin is a hands-on leader who leads by example. From teaching young stylists the technicalities of cutting hair to showing them the importance of customer service, Murin is committed to preserving the professionalism and integrity of the field. He emphasizes his belief that a successful salon is built on the happiness and dedication of its employees. “I pay my staff well. I don’t make money owning a salon—I make money behind the chair. My passion is education.”
Beyond the technicalities of hairstyling, Murin believes in teaching the art of conversation and understanding the client’s needs, something he feels has been lost in modern beauty training. His dedication to preserving the craft is evident in his hands-on approach to mentoring his staff, whom he considers family. When Murin opened his own salon, it was with the intention of creating a space that was different from the ones he had worked in before. After years of working under owners whose practices he didn’t agree with, Murin decided that his salon would be a reflection of everything he values. “I’ve worked for so many bad owners,” Murin says, “and I made it my mission to do the opposite.”
That meant no contracts, no restrictive dress codes, and an environment where staff can feel free and creative. His philosophy is simple: “The salon is ours,” he explains. “It’s not ‘my’ salon, it’s their salon, too. I want them to take pride in it.”
Murin’s leadership style fosters independence and respect among his team. In addition to financial incentives, he makes an effort to build camaraderie among his staff. He regularly treats his team to lunches, outings, and even sporting events, creating a family-like atmosphere. “It’s not just about cutting hair—it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels invested and appreciated.”
Connecting With Community
Over his 44 years in the industry, Murin has developed deep personal relationships not only with his staff, but with his clients, as well—becoming much more than just their stylist. “I’ve been there for weddings, for divorces, even for funerals. I’m there for their highs, and their lows,” he reflects. This connection is one of the most significant aspects of his career and one that brings both joy and heartache.
“You get close to your clients,” Murin explains, “and when something happens to them, it feels like it’s happening to you.” His ability to be there for his clients in good times and bad is a reflection of the compassion and empathy that he brings to every appointment. Murin’s clients trust him not only with their hair but with their most intimate stories.
“Other than doctors, stylists are the only ones allowed to touch people,” Murin explains, emphasizing the unique relationship between hairstylists and their clients. This physical and emotional closeness creates a bond that he cherishes. It’s not unusual for him to visit elderly clients at retirement homes, cutting their hair free of charge, or staying connected with those who can no longer visit the salon due to illness.
Murin’s work extends far beyond his salon’s walls, into the lives and hearts of the people he serves. Over the years, he’s become a fixture in the community, known not only for his hair styling but also for his genuine care and commitment to those around him.
“I have sports figures, news personalities, CEOs, plumbers, electricians, moms, kids—everyone comes to my salon, and everyone is treated the same,” Murin says. This sense of inclusion is one of the key elements that makes his salon special. Murin takes pride in building a sense of community within his business. “I love making connections with people, whether it’s for business or relationships,” he explains. “I’m the guy that knows a guy.”
He’s become something of a matchmaker in the community, always looking for ways to help others succeed. Whether it’s helping someone find a job or simply recommending a great local restaurant, Murin is known for going the extra mile. “I love walking into a restaurant and knowing that I’ve sent so many people there,” he says. “It’s not about getting something for free—it’s about being part of something bigger.”
Recently celebrating his 60th birthday, Murin’s passion for hairstyling remains as strong as ever. Despite the many changes he’s seen in the industry, his love for his work and his clients has never wavered. His salon, ZigsZen, continues to thrive as a result of his dedication to both craft and community.
With Kimberly by his side and a loyal team supporting him, Ziggy shows no signs of slowing down. His salon isn’t just a business—it’s a reflection of the values and relationships he’s built over a lifetim
ZigsZen Salon is located at 11279 Perry Highway, Wexford 15090. They can be found online at zigszen.com and on Instagram @zigszen_salon