Hidden Gems: Meet Natasha Daley of M.G.T Salon & Spa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Daley.

Hi Natasha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey to becoming a cosmetologist was a long one. My passion for beauty started in my adolescence. Living with eczema my whole life forced me to read labels on everything including my hair care products. Being allergic to so many ingredients, caution was key to keeping my hair from falling out. My parents, who are originally from Guyana, were also baffled by what to do.

My mom was not accustomed to the products her new home had to offer. Growing up I always loved helping others.

In 2005, I graduated high school with several awards and scholarships for community service. knew that I wanted to go to school for business management and that is exactly what I did. At that point in my life, I wanted to pursue a career in law and politics so that I can help people on a larger scale, but my interest quickly shifted.

In February 2007, the housing market took a downturn and my title-search business slowed tremendously. I was just another college student looking for a job. I found a place called Glamour Shots, which was hiring a dry hair stylist and makeup artist, and figured “I can do that.” I always had an interest in doing hair and makeup but like most of my art, I thought it was only a hobby. With persistence, I was offered that job. I had little hair and makeup experience but I was determined to succeed. It was there my passion for cosmetology ignited.

After going through training and a few customer mishaps, I became a more confident stylist. Within a year, I was the manager of that location. I continued my education in management for as long as I could. Unfortunately, due to a lack of funding, and new responsibilities, my education was postponed. Although I had to put my goals on hold temporarily I never stopped working and developing myself as a stylist and makeup artist. I decided to do independent learning and freelance as much as I could. I even shadowed a few other artists who are now doing makeup and hair for the stars.

In 2014, after working numerous customer service, retail, and caregiving jobs I decided to officially pursue my dream of becoming a cosmetologist. I enrolled in school. Then, I learned I was pregnant with my second son. We decided it would be best for our family to leave New York, the only place I ever called home, and move to North Carolina. A year after moving, I re-enrolled in cosmetology school and completed it in December 2016. I then went to work for Ulta Beauty salon for 3 years where I met some amazingly talented people. Being a part of that team helped me to build the skills I needed to stand on my own.

In October 2019, I decided to take my career in a different direction. I always knew that one day I wanted to own a business if I didn’t go to law school. By January 2020, I was ready to officially launch my salon, M.G.T Salon & Spa.

It was such an exciting and liberating feeling. After my first month in business, we were told we would have to close indefinitely. I was scared, nervous, and confused. My faith helped me through this season. Today, MGT Salon & Spa is nearly three years old and in the process of expanding. We specialize in healthy hair, hair loss, and extensions. My goal is to help people who are suffering from hair issues gain confidence in themselves again.

I believe that it was strictly divine intervention that changed my course in life. If I didn’t end up changing jobs in college I would have never fuzed my passion for hair and helping others. I love that my husband and I show our 4 children different versions of success. I am happy that I now have this vision of where my life is going and from here there are no limits!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The journey to get here was definitely not easy. I am still going through struggles while trying to expand and scale up. Trying to build a brand and raise a large family can be extremely difficult. I have to maximize the hours in my day with lots of late nights and early mornings.

When I think about how life-changing what I’m doing is, it’s all worth it. I would say that fear of failing is a strong driving force for me. There are so many days when I question if I’m making the right decision or if I should give up and get a “job”. I have to remind myself that my dreams are so much bigger than mine.

We’ve been impressed with M.G.T Salon & Spa, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
M.G.T Salon & Spa is the name of my company. I currently service the Triangle area, which is centrally located in Cary.

We specialize in healthy hair/scalp care, hair loss, extensions, and color services. My brand stands out because of my love of service and extensive retail customer service experience. These experiences, as well as being a consumer myself, makes me uniquely qualified to shine in this field. My compassion for others drives me to always do my best. The brand is currently under construction. We’ll be expanding and adding my services to the menu.

We will also be expanding our retail section. Our new name will be Unity Beauty. Our mission is to unite people through beauty. We will also be launching a global humanitarian project. Soon I’ll be able to share more details. I’m proud to watch my vision unfold and excited for all the lives we will touch.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are many experiences and people who have shaped me into the person I am today. My husband is one of my biggest cheerleaders/supporters. He’s supported me from cosmetology school all the way to starting my own business. To go to cosmetology school I had to quit my job. We had two children, in a new state, with only one income. My husband assured me so many times that we would be ok. He took on that responsibility without a thought. I am so grateful for the partnership and support he has shown me.

I made sure that I graduated on time and secured a job so that I could take some of the pressure off. When I decided to quit my job again to open my business, once again he was very supportive. He invested in me and my business when I didn’t know how I was going to get started. I am still in business today largely because of him always pushing me to keep going even when I feel like giving up. Together, we are building an empire for our children.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mgtsalonspa.salonsuitesolutions.com/profiles/?p=MzV+TmF0YXNoYX5EYWxleX4zNjg0N35wcm9maWxlfn5+fjgvMjQvMjAyMiAxOjQ1OjQxIFBN
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comegrowwitht/?hl=en