We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Megan Straziuso. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Megan below.

Hi Megan , thanks for joining us today. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?

My hero, in my industry and in life, has always been my mother. Toni Straziuso is a badass mother, hairstylist, business owner, friend, wife, and cheerleader. I grew up within the wall of the hair salon that she bought and ran starting at the age of 24! She ran that business until I graduated from beauty school before downsizing to a smaller venture, to allow me the opportunity to intern with her in the salon I held so dearly. She has always encouraged me to follow my dreams, no matter what they would be. When I found my passion within the same industry as her she was there every step of the way. She is who I come to with every problem, no matter how small. She has been pivotal this last year as I embarked on my latest venture as a business owner. I learned so many things simply from watching her. She has been a shining example of what it takes to make it in this industry. She taught me how to make a client feel their absolute beast and she also taught me how carry myself so I feel my absolute best! I am so grateful for everything she has taught me and continues to teach me every day. I am so proud to be her daughter, that we get to share this bond, and that I get to continue her legacy.

Megan , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am Megan Straziuso, owner and operator of Hair By Straz. I am a third generation hairstylist and have pretty much been in the beauty industry my whole life, but officially since I was about 16 years old. I attended the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center while in high school and obtained my license and graduated high school in the same week! I went on to obtain my Bachelors of Business at Bowling Green State University and I am also an alumni of the Chi Omega sorority. I love doing all things behind the chair but I specialize in bolding vivid colors and color placement. I love to learn and I’m always taking classes to stay current in the latest trends and fashions. My current favorite product lines and those available for purchase in my suite are Loma and Surface hair care. My current favorite color lines and those I have been using to create within my suite are Leyton House, All Nutrient, Pulp Riot, and Danger Jones. My main goal within my suite is to make sure every client gets to relax and enjoy. I offer an assortment of beverage and snack options and I also have a TV in my suite so guests can watch a show or movie while they process. I genuinely enjoy all the time I get to spend with my clients and while I do look forward to styling them up to look and feel their best, I also really look forward to getting to know them as a person. Hair By Straz has been in business fora little over a year now and it has been one of the best years of my life. I have no plans of slowing down any time soon and I look forward to what the future has in store.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

My best source of new clients is hands down, my current clientele. My clients are some of my biggest supporters and are always recommending me to the people in their lives. I have entire families and friend groups as clients and it’s the best because I feel like a part of the gang. Knowing word of mouth is such a big builder for me I work hard to ensure every guest experience is the best it can be. Happy clients will tell their friends.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My biggest career pivot was when I decided to officially open my own business in January of last year. While I was an independent contractor before, this was my first time officially being the big boss of my own business. If an issue arose, I was the one who would be resolving it. All the bills were officially paid by me now and I was responsible in ensuring the products I needed to complete a job were always in stock. I had felt I spent a good portion of my time as an independent contractor preparing for a future with this role so I did have some form of preparedness going in. This past year has been a challenging but great adventure. Being the boss came with a great deal of freedom and also many responsibilities. I am looking forward to seeing how this year in business will unfold now that I have a years experience under my belt.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hair-by-straz.square.site/
• Instagram: @hairby_straz
• Facebook: Hair By Straz

Image Credits
KCB Photography