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Summary
Meaghan Masterson is a hairdresser and owner of Create Private Studio in Long Island, New York. She specializes in creative color, specifically reds and balayage. Meaghan discovered her passion for hair and makeup at a young age and pursued it through high school and cosmetology school. She worked at a popular salon for 13 years before leaving to start her own private studio with two other stylists. The studio opened in January 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Despite the challenges, Meaghan and her team have persevered and continue to thrive.
Meaghan discusses the importance of finding inspiration outside of the industry and staying true to your own artistic vision. Meaghan also talks about the challenges of unrealistic expectations in the industry and shares a difficult client conversation she had to navigate. She emphasizes the need for stylists to support and uplift each other rather than critiquing and competing.
Takeaways
- Discovering and pursuing your passion at a young age can lead to a successful career
- Building a loyal clientele takes time and dedication
- Leaving a toxic work environment can be a necessary step for personal and professional growth
- Starting a business during a pandemic presents unique challenges, but with determination and resilience, success is possible Reopening a salon after COVID-19 shutdowns can be challenging, but finding inspiration and reigniting your passion for hair can help overcome the difficulties.
- Education and continuous learning are essential for staying inspired and improving your skills as a stylist.
- Finding inspiration outside of the industry, such as in nature or fashion, can bring a fresh perspective to your work.
- Unrealistic expectations from clients and fellow stylists can be detrimental to the industry. It’s important to support and uplift each other rather than critiquing and competing.
- Difficult client conversations can be challenging to navigate, but transparency and empathy are key in maintaining client relationships.
- Building a strong social media presence and working with brands can provide opportunities for paid content creation and additional income.
- Investing in high-quality equipment, such as professional cameras, can elevate the quality of your photography and social media content.
- Consistency in posting and editing photos is crucial for creating a strong social media presence and attracting engagement.
- Taking time for self-care and finding balance between work and personal life is important for maintaining creativity and avoiding burnout.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Excitement
06:09 Discovering the Passion for Hair and Makeup
12:12 Education and Early Career
19:11 Leaving a Toxic Work Environment
25:37 Starting a Private Studio during the COVID-19 Pandemic
26:38 Reopening and Reigniting Passion
27:19 Finding Inspiration and Overcoming Challenges
44:17 Unrealistic Expectations in the Industry
49:23 Navigating Difficult Client Conversations
53:15 Finding Inspiration Outside of the Industry
54:21 Supporting Stylists and Building a Strong Social Media Presence
55:11 Final Thoughts and Meeting in Person
