Today we’d like to introduce you to McKenna Smith.
Hi McKenna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Since I was a child I knew I’d work in the beauty industry. After I graduated high school I attended Paul Mitchell the School Dallas and graduated and got licensed in 2016. I never had intentions of owning a salon but I wasn’t sure where exactly my career would lead me. I worked independently in a suite for my first 5 years licensed and loved it. My business was booming and I was fully booked all the time. But I had a feeling this wasn’t where my story ended. I was encouraged by a good friend to pursue education. In 2020 I went back to school to get my Texas cosmetology instructors license and from 2021-2024 I worked at a local high school as the dual credit cosmetology instructor. Working at the school vastly expanded my skill set. I was teaching techniques I didn’t have the chance to learn and introducing young professionals to this incredible industry. I knew once I had a family that teaching would come to a close. As the sole instructor I couldn’t commit the time and energy I needed to be a great mom and a great cosmetology instructor. My husband and I made the choice for me to go back into the salon. A choice I was truly excited about as I missed my clientele and the day to day operations as a hairstylist. As we were looking for another suite for me to work in, my husband stumbled upon a business listing for a salon in our hometown. I quickly shot the idea down but something piqued my interest. I started praying about the opportunity and an excitement quickly grew. We began pursuing the sale of the business and in 2 months we were salon owners! December 20, 2024 we closed on the business and began refreshing our space and building a brand that was new and unique to our area. A year later we have done a handful of renovations, brought in some new stylists, and created a unique space that feels like home to many.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! The day we closed was one of the most challenging days we had ever experienced. We were told we were purchasing the salon with 6 renters, only to come in that day and find out we had 3 full time renters. We were mortified and scared we bit off more than we could chew. We managed to make it through and have thriving team of stylists and spray tanners now! I don’t think anyone goes into business thinking it’ll be easy but I don’t know if we understood how hard it would be. It really has tested our faith to the next level but we truly believe this is exactly where the Lord wants us to be! That was affirmed when we were named the Rockwall Herald-Banners Best of the Best Hair Salon in Rockwall county for 2025!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Monarch & Co. Beauty Studio?
Monarch & Co is a booth and suite rental salon located near the heart of downtown Rockwall. We currently have 6 stylists, 1 cosmetic injector, and 2 spray tan artists. Our salon thrives on the cozy atmosphere, bright windows, and wonderful conversations. We have talented professionals with a vast variety of specialties. We cater to the sweet 80 year old woman coming in for her weekly set, the man needing his haircut freshened up, the working and stay at home moms who need a pick me up, the young creative who wants vivid hair, kiddos first haircuts and much more. You’re sure to find exactly what you need in our salon. We have worked hard to create a space that’s welcoming, accessible, and encouraging to everyone who comes in. For our renters, we strive to create an environment that’s flexible, uplifting, and encourages a strong sense of belonging in our salon. We thrive on catering to our stylists and helping them be the best professional they can be.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is for everyone who walks in the doors of Monarch & Co. to feel welcomed, comfortable and confident. Our main goal is to serve our community. We don’t play the money hungry business game. We are in it to show professionals that you can work in a healthy salon environment and show clients that there is a place where you’ll feel like home when you walk in and get to receive top tier services! I’ve heard and seen so much in my time in the beauty industry so it’s important that there are professionals who are shaping the industry in a positive way.
Pricing:
- Pricing varies by stylist
Contact Info:
- Website: HTTPS://monarch.beauty
- Instagram: @Monarch.co.studio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1NCQWRPkAC/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Photography by Kennedy
