Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Pickle.
Hi Megan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Anytime I get asked about my start in the industry, I always ask if they want the long or short version. I’ve had lots of twists and turns throughout my career but every step has definitely gotten me to where I am today. Right out of high school I made the decision to attend Paul Mitchell the School St. Louis, having zero clue what I wanted to do or how anything in the industry worked. All I knew was that I loved doing my friend’s hair and had always been a creative person growing up. But shortly after graduating, working in a salon didn’t interest me in the slightest. So I dove into the world of makeup and weddings. I worked with multiple brands including Tarte and Anastasia Beverly Hills and learned SO much during my time with each company. Missing the hair side of things I returned back to the school and spent 3 years working as a service desk coordinator, along with teaching product knowledge and personal development classes. I loved being back in the building that made me fall in love with hair, where it all started. I eventually decided to pursue being back behind the chair and spent time at various salons throughout the city, building my clientele and learning a ton along the way about what owning a business meant.
In October of 2021, I was able to take a huge leap and opened my own business and loft within the Salon Loft community. I am so thankful every day to have clients that support me and have made my dreams a total reality.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Far from smooth! There were plenty of years where I made very little, if any money. I’ll never forget the day I had to ask one of my best friends for help renew my cosmetology license because I just simply didn’t have the money. That shattered my heart, but also reminded me how lucky I am to have the loved ones I do around me. This is a tough industry full of mega talented people, and when you start to compare where you and where others are at on their journey it can be very discouraging. There were times I swore off hair and was sure I would never do it again. But if I have learned anything, it’s that consistently getting back up, and trying again will get you so much further than simply giving up because it got hard.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in all things blonding! Whether it’s a full platinum or a lived in brunette balayage, I love it all. A few years ago I fell in love deeply with the transformation and process of going lighter. There’s so much attention to detail, timing, and LOTS of patience needed. It brings a new challenge every day, where no day is ever the same as the last. That’s what I love about blonding. So often I’m told by my clients how safe and heard they feel when they’re in my chair, and that is something I am so proud of. For them to not only trust me with their hair but to also be comfortable and feel safe in my space is a big win for me. It’s a people business, and if my people aren’t happy then neither am I.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Consistency! In a world full of uncertainty, being consistent for the people that show up for you is everything. This is a hard time for everyone, and I am so thankful to my clients that consistently show up, allowing me to do what I love so much. Doing the same in return for them is the least I could do. When they come in, no matter what kind of day they’ve had, they come in knowing there will be a smiling face ready to listen, laugh, and be there for them.
Contact Info:
- Email: theblondesanctuary@gmail.com
- Website: https://theblondesanctuary.square.site/
- Instagram: @meganpickle
Image Credits
Lisa Kelly Photo
