Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Young.
Hi Monica, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Honestly, it all started when I was a little girl, I laugh. I loved doing my baby dolls’ hair and going to the beauty salon with my mom. That’s where my passion for hair really began, and it never went away—it just grew stronger over time. Today, my brand, KMKbyM—short for Kolor Me Kreative by Monica—lets me share that creativity with the world. I chose the name because it reflects my love for vibrant, bold, and creative expression, and the Ks just make it unique, just like my approach to beauty.
By high school, I was doing hair for classmates at home, and the more I practiced, the more I fell in love with it. It didn’t feel like work—it felt like purpose.
When senior year came, while everyone else applied to universities, I applied to Dudley’s Beauty College. I got accepted but couldn’t afford to go. I found Carolina Beauty College nearby. I went, completed all modules, graduated, passed state board, became a licensed hairstylist, and later went back to earn my cosmetology educator’s license. There were setbacks, moments of doubt, and times I had to reset—but I never gave up.
In 2020, when the pandemic hit and salons shut down, I had time to think. That’s when Lip Glow by KMKbyM was born. I wanted something bold, fun, and expressive—just like my approach to hair. That idea grew into a full brand, expanding into hair care. There were highs and lows along the way, but I kept going.
Today, I specialize in hair color and continue building KMKbyM behind the scenes. Everything I create whether gloss or hair care represents creativity, confidence, and color. My journey shows that the dream you start with as a little girl can really become something beautiful when you refuse to give up, no matter the obstacles.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not, I laugh. It’s been far from a smooth road. I’ve experienced a lot of obstacles during my journey. Some of the biggest challenges came from trying to build a clientele while also being a single mother, and learning how to actually run a business when I didn’t have a blueprint to follow. There were times I wanted to give up, moments where I questioned if it was even worth it but something in me just wouldn’t let me give up.
What I’ve learned is that every setback was really preparation. Each struggle built resilience, taught me patience, and helped me grow not just as a stylist and business owner, but as a woman. Looking back now, I can see how even the hardest seasons were part of the process.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Creativity is at the heart of everything I do, I explain with a smile. I specialize in custom, bold, vibrant hair coloring, silk presses, and more. I love helping people transform their look in a way that feels uniquely them it’s all about confidence and self-expression.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just follow trends—I create experiences. KMKbyM isn’t just hair or lip gloss; it’s a way to celebrate individuality, color, and being unapologetically yourself.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see the beauty industry growing bigger than ever, full of innovation and new opportunities. For KMKbyM, I’m exploring new products and services, and I hope to one day expand into a school and salon suites franchise. It’s all about taking bold, creative steps toward the future.
Pricing:
- Full Color Transformation: Starting at $200 – includes a complete color application using bold, vibrant shades tailored to your style.
- Partial Hair Transformation: Starting at $150 -including, highlights, money pieces, balayage, and skunk stripes
- Silk Presses: Starting at $90 price varies depending on the length and density of hair
- Smoothing Treatments: Starting at $200. Price varies depending on the length and density of the hair
- KMKbyM Lip gloss varies in price between $8-$15. Assorted flavors and tubes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kolor-me-kreative-lipglosses-and-lipstains125.square.site
- Instagram: Kolor_Me_kreative_by _Monica
