Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Mason.
Hi Megan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
As a child, I used to accompany my grandmother to the beauty shop on Saturday mornings to get her hair done. I always admired how beautiful she looked afterwards, and the relationship she had with her hairdresser was so special!
In high school, I begged my parents to take the vocational path but they insisted I take the University path. Neither one of my parents had obtained a degree, and they both wanted me to have that. I was the kid who enjoyed learning but never really found it to be extremely challenging or overly interesting, to be honest.
After graduating from White Station High School in 2008, I set forth to attend classes at the University of Memphis. Originally, I declared a major in Business Economics but never truly felt that it was my calling. After 4 years at U of M, and still no degree, I decided to inform my parents that I would be attending Cosmetology School.
From the first day of class, I knew that I was right where I was meant to be. My instructors guided me and helped me so much throughout my time at Empire Beauty School, and some even proclaimed that my talent came so naturally. In September of 2014, I finished my 1500 hour curriculum and prepared to take my Board Exams.
After passing my boards, I did a technical interview with Sport Clips and got the job! I learned so much about men’s cutting techniques and was able to hone my skills that I had not gotten much practice within cosmetology school. After about a year, I went to apprentice at a salon in Lakeland. Shortly after starting that program, my grandmother became very ill. I chose to take some time away from the industry to help my mom care for my ailing grandmother, and for my own mental and emotional health.
After her passing in 2016, I contacted a former employer and owner of the Fantastic Sams Salon in Cordova. She graciously sent me to training classes and hired me as a stylist. It was while working at that salon that I met my amazing fiancé Alex. I continued working at that salon until 2017 when I chose to go back to the restaurant industry after the salon sold to a real estate investor.
After much thought and a few long conversations with my incredibly supportive partner, I chose to ease myself back into the salon environment and really go for my dreams. Being a hairstylist is more than just a job; it is my passion, my livelihood, and my purpose in this life!
I was brought on as a receptionist at Ardent Salon in March of 2019. After developing a familiarity with salon life after so many years, I was brave enough to begin rebuilding my clientele from the ground up! I spent time learning, investing in education and videos, asking questions, and learning from my boss (who had 25+ years in the industry). I placed importance on curating a detailed guest experience, making sure to pay close attention to small things that set me apart from others.
After two and a half years at Ardent, I chose to step outside my comfort zone and begin working for myself. September 14th, 2021 was my first day as an independent stylist! To say, that it has been the most rewarding decision of my career is a complete understatement. I have the opportunity to create my own schedule to ensure a healthy work/life balance, I appreciate my clients more than I ever have before, and I am so thankful that God opened the door for me to step into a chapter that I never thought was possible!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Becoming an independent stylist and beauty entrepreneur has been no easy feat. It has been clouded by moments of stress and worry, but it has been worth every single roadblock to getting here! I am so thankful to be surrounded by such a supportive family and group of friends who have prayed for me, challenged me, and pushed me when I needed it most!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a licensed cosmetologist from Memphis, TN! I currently operate inside of Estelle Salon and Spa in Cordova, TN. As a licensed cosmetologist, I offer brow tinting and waxing, color services, smoothing services, cuts for men, women, and children, facial waxing, wedding, and special event styling, and so much more!
I am the stylist who pays attention to the smallest details! From free in-person consultations, precise color application, added bonuses during appointments, and handwritten thank you cards after our first time together, there are many things I take pride in to set myself apart. I am always welcoming new guests, and I hope that you can rest assured that you are in great hands!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I have learned is to create boundaries. Since becoming my own boss, I place a lot of importance on being punctual in my response to current and future clients when being contacted. I find that it is so important to be punctual, but I set boundaries on times in which I will respond. In a world full of things that fight for our attention, I believe that making time for your loved ones is so very important!
Contact Info:
- Email: mbmmemphis@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/manesbymegmemphis
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/manesbymegmemphis
Image Credits
Shelby Coughlin, Megan Mason, and Manes by Meg
