We recently connected with Mikaela Oliver and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Mikaela thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you take vacations? How do you keep things going – any advice for entrepreneurs who feel like they can’t step away from their business for a short vacation?

I make it a point to vacation every quarter! I believe that it’s necessary to step away! Life is always going to give you challenges and business will always have its ups and downs. However I know that travel keeps me centered it’s my happy place, Iv fallen in love with seeing the world. Its important for people to break away from their everyday routine and life to do something for them, let’s call it self care! As business owners often times we allow our business to consume us and I had to stop believing in that ideology. I’m Mikaela the person first, and Mikaela the stylist second!

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?

Hi, I’m Mikaela Oliver, but you may know me as Mikaela The Stylist on social media. My journey into the world of hairstyling began long before I ever picked up a professional tool or set foot in a salon. It all started with my mom, who was always impeccably styled, getting her hair done every two weeks. I was fascinated by the process and the artistry behind it. While my mom didn’t have the skills to do my hair, she instilled in me a love for beauty and the desire to learn.

At a young age, she taught me how to do a simple three-strand braid and handed me a Barbie doll head to practice on. Little did I know, this moment would spark something in me that would become my passion and purpose. I started practicing on myself, and soon enough, I was braiding my friends’ hair. I often joke that I began taking appointments when I was just 10 years old — and honestly, I did!

Over the years, I experimented with different styles. I’ll admit, I ruined my hair a few times along the way, but every mistake taught me something valuable. By the time I entered 9th grade, I was certain of one thing: I wanted to pursue a career in cosmetology. I applied to my high school’s cosmetology program during my sophomore year and was thrilled to be accepted. In just two years, I received my cosmetology license before my high school diploma!

After graduating, I found my true passion in the world of weddings and special events. There’s something truly magical about being part of someone’s most special day and helping them feel beautiful, confident, and ready to take on the world. Being able to contribute to that moment, alongside a team of talented professionals, is incredibly rewarding.

I take immense pride in my work, always striving to deliver the best results and ensuring every client leaves feeling more than satisfied. I’m also committed to continuous growth, always learning new techniques and trends so I can offer the highest quality service to every person who sits in my chair.

Every client is a unique experience, and I treat each one with the care, attention, and expertise they deserve. Being a stylist isn’t just about hair; it’s about creating confidence, building relationships, and making people feel their absolute best.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One pivotal moment in my business came when I decided to leave the second salon I worked at due to a difficult work environment. I initially planned to move to another salon to further develop my skills, but that opportunity fell through. This forced me to rethink my approach, and I decided to start doing house calls while searching for another salon. This shift ended up being incredibly beneficial, as it allowed me the freedom to work for myself and select my clientele. Ultimately, this decision led to a successful and fulfilling path that I’ve never looked back from.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

My most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been word of mouth. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to start with a few clients who genuinely loved my work and wanted to share their experiences with their friends. This initial support created a ripple effect, leading to a steady stream of referrals. Additionally, maintaining a high level of professionalism has been key in retaining my clients and earning their trust, which has resulted in many of them sticking with me for years.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Mikaelathestylist