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Many years ago before I became a painter, I was a hairstylist. I had a friend, teacher, mentor, and trainer named Mario Olivarez. He was an innovative award winning stylist who mentored many. I was one of the lucky ones who did not mind getting pushed into entering hair styling and haircutting competitions. Because of him I won seventy some awards competing throughout the country and made the USA Hairstyling Team Competition. Much later, before he passed, he gave me a little bag filled with turquoise. I recently made this necklace in his honor. Thank you Mario for believing in me...we all miss you.