We were lucky to catch up with Misha Mills recently and have shared our conversation below.
Misha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
January 2022, I was tired. I had been doing business as Misha D Mills The Experience for 3 years by myself with no support. I felt as though I had built this empire and didn’t know where to go from there. I decided it was best to give myself a break. That break led me to closing down my business and go back into a traditional salon setting. Now I wouldn’t say it was totally a bad idea but in May 2022, I arrived to what I thought was a meeting to then see they had packed my supplies and tools up in a boxes and it would be my last day. Devastated to say the least because still to this day I have no idea what made them make that decision.
One thing I do know is I always find away. Quickly thinking to my next steps knowing I had a month full of appointments I phoned a friend in the industry and asked to use a chair while I recouped.
I reopened my business and decided that would be the last time I gave someone power over me. Although I’m just reopening in my new salon suite its helped me realign with what’s mine. I’ve taken some new steps working with my local SBA and getting into programs like 1MBB. Doing this has helped me understand my business, create a business plan and look forward into owning my own brick and mortar.
In this process I’ve gone from DBA(doing business as) to being an legal entity. At the beginning of may I was fired from a salon without reason, however by the end of May I was a recipient of a $5000 BEauty Changes Lives grant.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
Of course. Hi I’m Misha Mills and I started my career in cosmetology at the Aveda Institute of Washington DC. I moved to Birmingham Al in 2015 a began building a clientele while working for some of the top salons in Birmingham. Because of my determination, expertise and ability to exceed client expectations I made connections that lead to some pretty cool opportunities. I have been featured in publications such as Good Grit magazine, Living AVEDA, and VoyageATL to name a few. As well a go-to for local news segments like Good Day Alabama. In 2018 I placed 3rd in my first hair cutting competition at Premier Birmingham; 2021 I was a semifinalist in the Alfaparf Milano colorist of the year competition.
I’ve also created curriculums like “Texture Chapter 18” an educational tool focusing on embracing, caring for, and protecting curly and coily hair types. Through this tool I share my expertise with other professionals to teach them techniques and to build their confidence while working with curly and coiled hair types.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
May 2022, I was a recipient of a $5000 Beauty Changes Lives grant. I’ve used that to help fund some business expense. As well investing back into my business with profits made. To add, I am actively looking for other business grants and investors to build capital in order to open a brick and mortar shop.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
If resilient was a person, it would be be. I believe over the time I’ve learned some valuable lessons. Now leaning on me and what I know I am capable of, I wont let myself down again.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.mdmtheexperience.com
- Instagram:@mdm.theexperience
- Facebook: Misha D Mills The Experience