We recently connected with Monica Eischeid and have shared our conversation below.
Monica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Folks often look at a successful business and imagine it was an overnight success, but from what we’ve seen this is often far from the truth. We’d love to hear your scaling up story – walk us through how you grew over time – what were some of the big things you had to do to grow and what was that scaling up journey like?
I started my business in December of 2014 at the young age of 24. I had previously worked in a commission style salon after graduating cosmetology school. Looking back, I cannot believe I took such a giant risk and leap of faith. Not only was I moving to a new area but also becoming an independent stylist with almost no clientele. The first year was tough. Social media was primitive but was my best advertisement. I shared a small studio space with another stylist and took any extra job that came my way. Eventually, I was able to support a chair and then a salon studio of my own. I worked solo for several years before opening my dream salon, Ethereal Beauty Lounge. It took a year of searching for the right location, but eventually it presented itself. I opened in August of 2024, almost 10 years after starting my independent styling career. I wanted to create a space where stylists could work together in a supportive setting but also have independence. I feel so fortunate to have started literally from nothing 10 years ago and now to have such a beautiful space and career.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Monica, and I own a salon in Des Moines, IA. I am proud wife, mother and small business owner. I got into the beauty industry in 2011 and have been creating ever since. Doing hair has always been a passion of mine. Helping people achieve not only the look they desire, but the level of confidence that they deserve is my greatest goal. At the heart of my business, I want people that sit in my chair to see how beautiful they truly are. I feel so lucky that I have been placed in this industry every single day. I think that is something that sets my craft apart from others. I truly value each and every person who comes to the salon and I enjoy seeing my guests above all else. I am proud of the business that I have created. Lifting other stylists up and encouraging them is something I feel strongly about. I want to be known for how I make you feel and that is truly my style of hairdressing.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best source of new clients for me is and probably always will be word of mouth. My clientele grew slowly and steadily, but it always seemed to be a great fit. I attribute this to all of the wonderful people that sent me other wonderful people that sent me their wonderful people. I have not utilized a ton of advertisement and have been blessed with a robust clientele with patience.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I started college thinking I would become a vocal music teacher. Two years into my program, it was becoming clear to me that this was not my path. After moving to a new university and studying one more semester, I challenged myself to think about what I truly wanted. I had always wanted to be a hairdresser and quickly pivoted to planning that execution. A local stylist told me about a school she had always wanted to attend for hairdressing. I looked into this option, applied, and started a few months later. Forever will I be grateful for that pivot in my life and where it has brought me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @hair.by.monicaclaire @ethereal_beauty_lounge
- Facebook: Ethereal Beauty Lounge
Image Credits
Joelle Blanchard of Figment Art Photography