By Patricia Abraham BUSINESSSPOTLIGHT BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
When Mary Ann Cullum was just thirteen, her father’s friend offered her a unique opportunity: working at his wife’s beauty shop. Those weekends spent washing combs and untangling rollers from customers’ hair ignited a passion within her. Mary Ann fell in love with the art of hairstyling and dreamed of making it her life’s work.
After high school, Mary Ann took a bold step. She moved from her hometown of Clinton, South Carolina to
Columbia, where she enrolled into beauty school. The bustling city offered new experiences and a chance to hone her skills. Mary Ann’s dedication and talent shone through, especially when she rescued clients from their hair coloring mishaps.
Mary Ann had a special gift: color-mixing. Whether it was correcting a botched dye job or creating stunning highlights, she knew how to achieve the desired results. Her reputation spread, and
soon clients sought her out for her expertise.
On June 10, 2024, Mary Ann (Rice) Cullum celebrated her 83rd birthday. She has sixty-five years of dedicated service in cosmetology—an incredible milestone! Her journey from washing combs to owning a successful salon
exemplifies resilience, creativity, and the power of pursuing one’s passion.
Today, Mary Ann Cullum owns M&Z Style Makers Salon, located at 2346D Two Notch Road in Columbia. She can be reached by calling (803) 254-9886.