We were lucky to catch up with Alex Mouneu recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alex, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Establishing myself as an idependent hairstylist was the biggest risk I’ve taken so far. It was a decision that required careful thought and planning, as I knew I would be leaving behind the stability and security of a commissioned salon. However, I also knew that in order to truly fulfill my passion and reach my full potential as a hairstylist, I needed the freedom and creative control that owning my own business would provide.

Taking this risk meant investing my own money into setting up a salon space, purchasing the necessary equipment and products, and building a client base from scratch. It also meant taking on the responsibility of managing all aspects of the business, from marketing and advertising to finances and customer service.

There were many moments of doubt and uncertainty along the way. Would I be able to attract enough clients to sustain my business? Would I be able to compete with established salons in the area? Would I have the skills and knowledge to handle all the challenges that came my way?

But despite these doubts, I knew deep down that this was the right path for me. I had a true passion for hairstyling and a strong desire to create a personalized and intimate experience for my clients. I believed in my abilities and was determined to make my business a success.

It was not an easy journey, and there were definitely moments of struggle and setbacks. But with perseverance, hard work, and a commitment to constantly improving my skills, I was able to slowly build a loyal client base and establish a reputation for quality and personalized service in the curl community.

Looking back, taking the risk to establish my own business as an independent hairstylist was undoubtedly the best decision I ever made. It allowed me to fully embrace my passion, grow both personally and professionally, and have the freedom to create the kind of salon environment that I had always dreamed of.

While it was a risk, it was a risk worth taking. It taught me valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, resilience, and the importance of following my dreams. And most importantly, it has brought me immense joy and fulfillment in my career as a curl specialist.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My goal as a hairstylist is to not only help my clients look and feel their best, but also to empower them to embrace and celebrate their unique hair textures. I understand the struggles and frustrations that come with having textured hair, and I want to provide a safe and welcoming environment where my clients can openly discuss their concerns and find solutions that work for them.

I take pride in my ability to cater to a wide range of clients with textured hair. Whether it’s curly, wavy, or coily, I have the knowledge and expertise to handle different hair types and provide tailored services that enhance their natural beauty. From coloring and cutting to styling and maintenance, I aim to create looks that not only suit my clients’ individual preferences but also promote healthy and vibrant hair.

But my services go beyond just the physical aspect of hairstyling. I believe in the power of education and empowerment. I take the time to educate my clients on proper hair care techniques and products, so they can confidently maintain their hair between salon visits. I want them to feel empowered and knowledgeable about their own hair, so they can embrace their natural texture and feel confident in their everyday lives.

Creating a safe space for my clients is a top priority for me. I want each person who walks through my salon doors to feel comfortable and accepted. I strive to build genuine connections with my clients, not just as a hairstylist, but as someone they can trust and confide in. I believe that building these connections and aligning with my clients on a personal level allows me to better understand their needs and provide them with a truly personalized experience.

I am incredibly proud of the safe space I have created for my clients. Seeing the transformations, both physical and emotional, that they experience throughout our time together brings me immense joy and fulfillment. It reinforces my passion for hairstyling and encourages me to continue making a positive impact in the lives of others through my work.

Overall, my journey as a hairstylist has been driven by my personal connection to textured hair and my desire to help others embrace their natural beauty. Through my unique services, commitment to education, and the safe space I provide, I hope to inspire and empower my clients to fully embrace themselves and their hair.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Last summer i had an eye infection that left me blind in one eye. It taught me the importance of adapting to new circumstances and finding alternative solutions when faced with challenges. It also showed me the power of gratitude and the beauty of unexpected friendships.

Having to give up my private studio in Beverly Hills was initially disheartening, as it was a place where I had built my career and established a comfortable routine. However, my eye infection forced me to reassess my priorities and find a new path in the hair industry. I searched for a salon close to my home that I could walk to, and although it was a different environment from what I was used to, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Within this new salon, I discovered a sense of camaraderie and support that I never expected. My colleagues became more than just coworkers – they became friends and companions who understood and empathized with my struggles. We shared stories, laughed together, and supported each other through both professional and personal challenges. Their presence in my life became a source of strength and inspiration.

Going through the eye infection and subsequent vision loss was undoubtedly a difficult experience. There were days when I felt frustrated and defeated, struggling to adapt to my new reality. However, it was during these hard moments that I discovered my own resilience and inner strength. I refused to let my circumstances define me or limit my potential. Instead, I pushed forward, embracing the challenges as opportunities for growth.

Receiving a cornea transplant was a turning point in my journey. It gave me back 70% of my vision, allowing me to regain some of the independence I had lost. While I still have hard days and face limitations, the experience has taught me to appreciate every small victory and be grateful for the progress I have made.

Overall, this journey has shaped me in immeasurable ways. It has taught me to be adaptable, grateful, and resilient. It has shown me the power of human connection and

How did you build your audience on social media?

. I wanted to create a genuine connection with my audience and let them see the real me. I shared behind-the-scenes glimpses into my work, showcased my personality, and shared my journey and experiences in the hair industry.

Consistency was key in building my online presence. I made sure to post daily, providing valuable content that resonated with my target audience. Whether it was sharing styling tips, discussing hair care routines, or showcasing the latest trends, I wanted to establish myself as a trusted source of information and inspiration.

I also embraced the ever-evolving world of social media by staying up-to-date with the latest features and trends. I utilized Instagram and TikTok tools to enhance my content, whether it was creating captivating videos, utilizing filters and effects, or participating in viral challenges. By keeping my content fresh and engaging, I was able to capture the attention of potential clients and stand out in a crowded online space.

However, beyond just showcasing my skills and content, I wanted to create a sense of connection and authenticity with my audience. I wanted them to see the person behind the hair stylist. I shared personal stories, moments from my daily life, and my passion for my craft. By being open and vulnerable, I was able to establish a deeper connection with my followers, making them feel like friends rather than just clients.

Authenticity was my top priority throughout this journey. I wanted my clients to feel comfortable and trust that they were in good hands. By showing my true self, flaws and all, I was able to build a loyal following who appreciated my transparency and authenticity.

Building my online presence took time and patience, but it ultimately paid off. I was able to reach a wider audience and attract clients who resonated with my approach and style. The connections I made through social media have been invaluable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my passion and expertise with a larger community

Contact Info:

• Website: Alexmouneu.com
• Instagram: Lexmaster
• Facebook: Lexmaster Curls
• TikTok: @lexmastercurls

Image Credits
Laura Huertas