We recently connected with Megan Ragland and have shared our conversation below.
Megan , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
I started by applying for cosmetology school in 2016. I dropped out of college because it wasn’t what my passion. I remember telling my friends I wanted to be my own boss and start a career as a hairstylist. So while I was preparing to attend hair school, I was looking into becoming a hair distributor as well. I use google to research the pros & cons, how to find a vendor, the process, etc. My goal was to become a one stop shop hairstylist. I wanted people to walk around not only being styled by me, but also wearing my extensions & beauty accessories. I launched my business on my 25th birthday December 2, 2016. Leading up to this point my close friends helped me come up with a name for business. My roommate at the time was a photographer so we set up in our living room a photo session for headshots. I created my own website, business cards, social media business pages, etc. One thing I learned in cosmetology school from our school director was, “you are a walking billboard”. So I carried that mindset with me throughout the first few years meaning looking camera ready 80% of the time. This was helpful for me to get my name and brand buzzing.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I grew up with a mom and other relatives in the beauty industry. As a child, I spent many days in the salon environment and it naturally just felt like my happy place. I loved watching my mom cut, color, & style women hair. It was like a transformation and to see the women smile ear to ear mesmerize by their enhanced beauty is what sparked my love for hair. By the time I was old enough my mom gave me the privilege of styling my own hair. So I would always practice on my hair and my sister Taylor hair. She was & still is my canvas. I knew I was destined to be in the beauty industry. Not only hair, but makeup as well. I like to look at myself as a queen of all trades. I self taught myself before becoming certified to do makeup. I knew if I wanted to advance my skills I needed to learn how to properly apply makeup application to other people faces. So I study, researched, & practice many many times. With these two professions under my belt I became unstoppable. Women are able to get hair services, makeup, & bomb hair extensions all in one. The ultimate beauty package for any occasion. By being a service provider for all three it cuts out the time, stress, & frustration for many people who are unknowingly about these things. What sets me apart is my drive and determination to ensure every single person has their own personal experience while sitting in my chair. I’m mostly proud of myself for not giving up when things get tough. No matter how much I bend I never break and that to me gives me the strength to keep going. I take pride and confidence into the work I provide. I want everyone who sit in my chair to feel good and a boost of confidence when they walk out the door. To know they are beautiful before and after.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Social media has become a very important factor in building my business. We have so many different platforms and the best concept I learned that has helped me was being myself. One of the focus was figuring out my target audience. Once I did that, I made content for what they wanted to see and attract them to my platform. Whether it was posting myself doing my hair or makeup, displaying my wig units, or with the permission of my clients their service step by step revealing the finish look at the end. Also personalizing myself, showing the face behind the brand. Consistency plays a major roll. You have to be consistent regardless if you get 10 likes one day or 100 likes the next day. Don’t let it discourage you because even if you think people aren’t watching you, they are. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Study each platform to see what’s trendy and make it work for your specific business. Be creative, bold, & inspiring.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy has been “word of mouth”. I get so many referrals from clients or just people in general who seen my work online or in person. The experience my clients receive, the thorough consultations, the knowledge I give them to take home & the professionalism i display each time is enough to brag about to the next person. People want others to experience that as well. Also being a walking billboard. Meaning rather I’m going to the movies, shopping at target, out with friends, attending a event my hair and makeup is always done. I learn you never know who you will meet or run into. Those connections may just take me to the next level of my career. Remember finding what’s works for you & your business and make it your own.
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Image Credits
Adrienne Small