Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Michelle Guajardo.
Monica Michelle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
From a young age, my mother subscribed me to Glamour Magazine because I loved following celebrity hair and makeup trends. In 5th grade, I was too young to wear makeup, so I got in trouble at school for wearing the bright red lipstick that I would use for cheer and dance competitions. Having to go to the principal’s office almost crushed my beauty dreams! My curiosity continued over the years and flourished after making the Fillies Drill Team at Denton High School. This is basically where my passion for the beauty industry began. My friends would ask me to apply their makeup for our game nights, as well as styling their hair for parties and other special occasions. Some were even brave enough to let me cut their hair knowing I had absolutely no cosmetology training.
In 2005, as a sophomore in high school, YouTube was founded. I had discovered my new hobby! I would spend hours watching videos related to hair and makeup. I spent several days practicing new beauty looks and hair updos on family members and friends. Fast forward to 2007, my high school senior year, many of my peers were testing and applying for college. However, I knew my career path was attending a cosmetology school. I researched many cosmetology schools to make sure I attended one that was recognized and would help me grow and advance my skills.
Life happened and my husband Oscar and I were expecting a beautiful baby girl. Ahlani was born February 2008 which placed a brief hold on my career path. Becoming a stay-at-home mom was challenging at times since we were young parents. My goal to attend cosmetology school came to fruition in 2009. I made the decision to attend Paul Mitchell the School due to its reputation for innovation, excellence, and a longstanding commitment to quality. During my attendance at Paul Mitchell the School, my work for makeup was recognized and published in a cosmetology magazine. In 2010, I graduated and became a fully licensed cosmetologist.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not! Obstacles and challenges help us grow. After graduating from Paul Mitchell the School, life happened again! My husband Oscar accepted a job overseas and I found myself having to decide whether I should take on a full-time job in a salon or freelance while being able to care for our daughter. It was also stressful knowing my husband was thousands of miles away in a foreign country with minimal communication. While debating on what to do, a friend reached out for hair and makeup services for a very special occasion, her wedding! You could say this was actually the beginning of my career. Knowing how to be successful with styling and makeup is completely different than trying to acquire clientele and grow a business. I’m outgoing and have a desire to learn. Since I was not in a salon, I didn’t have the benefits of an apprenticeship. Thanks to social media, my mentors were online beauty gurus and celebrity stylists. We have to continue to invest in ourselves so that we enhance our skills in our industry of choice. I attend multiple trainings a year to keep up with current styles and trends which allows me to network and meet people within the beauty industry.
At the start of MMG BEAUTY, my business growth was the old-fashioned way, loyal customers and word-of-mouth recommendations. You would be surprised at how fast word spreads when great results are delivered. “A satisfied customer is the best source of advertisement.” It’s also the least expensive when starting a new business! This has always been my goal and motto. As my customer base expanded, I found myself networking with other professionals in the beauty industry such as photographers, wedding planners, florists, models, etc. Another form of growth that has worked for me is bartering. I exchange services with others in the beauty community and bridal industry while promoting each other to our own customers, friends and family. Social media and networking has definitely assisted with expanding our clientele throughout the DFW area. My advice to young women wanting to enter the beauty industry is to live by my favorite quotes: “Nothing worth having comes easy” and “Success only comes with hard work, many hours, many years, many failures…it’s never easy, that’s why it’s so special.”
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about MMG BEAUTY – what should we know?
MMG BEAUTY focuses on hairstyling and makeup for weddings, photoshoots, special occasions and all events. My team and I strive to provide the results that make our customers completely satisfied. Not a day goes by that I don’t love doing what I do best! Sharing the experience of someone’s special day and making them feel absolutely beautiful and stunning is what brings me joy and gives me a sense of accomplishment! In addition, ¡Hablamos español! We are able to communicate with our customers in English and Spanish.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
In the beauty industry, I feel one of the biggest barriers is that not all women are willing to collaborate and share their expertise. As women, we should uplift and empower each other. We should share our beauty talents to help one another grow in the areas that need to be enhanced. For this reason, I provide one-on-one sessions for new stylists in the beauty industry, so that I can support and motivate them throughout their learning journey.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 940-783-3623
- Email: beautybymmg@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmg_beauty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beautybymmg/
Image Credit:
Alba Rose Photography, ANM Photography, Greg Basel Photography, Nate and Grace Photography, Paisley Layne Photography, Tabitha Corinne Photography, Wiler Weddings Photos & Films
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
