Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Murphy.
Hi Megan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story echos that of many other beauty professionals – a childhood love of dress up, beauty, and chopping away at my Barbie doll’s hair. What is unique is the path that has led me where I am today.
Growing up in rural NC, it never occurred to me that hairstyling could be a “real career”, but looking back now, the passion was always there. My friends and I used to save our allowance to buy Manic Panic at Sally Beauty, and I was always known for my funky hair colors. Coloring my hair and chopping away at my bangs in the bathroom mirror helped me explore my identity in an environment where my queerness and quirky self expression weren’t always welcomed.
I spent my high school days tucked away in the art department painting, drawing and sculpting. During this time and with the rise of YouTube makeup tutorials, I also fell in love with makeup. Upon graduating, I enrolled at App State where I spent the better part of two years studying Art History.
Throughout my time in University I knew I wasn’t certain of what exactly I wanted to do, but I was certain that I’d choose a career in art. After some personal struggles I chose to leave school and go back to the drawing board. I continued working in the service industry, but I would come home exhausted and creatively unfulfilled. I spent countless hours scrolling through videos of hair and makeup transformations. Nothing excited me more, and shortly after I toured and enrolled at the Aveda Institute.
After working in several salons alongside many talented stylists and under the wing of a few wonderful mentors, I decided to take a leap of faith and open my salon, Mystic Studio. I wanted to create a space that a younger version of myself would feel excited to step into. I incorporated the elements I loved from each of my previous salons, along with many individual touches that made this space truly my own. I work with brands whose values align with my own – holistic beauty, sustainability, and quality over all else. My space is one I could have only dreamed of, one where everyone is welcome and safe to show up as their authentic selves. At Mystic Studio uniqueness is celebrated, visions come to life, and energy is transformed.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Opening my own business in the beauty industry was not something I saw in the cards for myself, but it’s been so rewarding for my creative and personal growth.
Some of the challenges I’ve faced along the way were inevitable coming from a creative background, with little to no business knowledge. The largest obstacles I’ve faced have been crunching numbers, business organization, and embracing the repetition of the not so glamorous day to day operations. I’ve been artistic my whole life, but rooting down and finding self discipline has never been innate. It has required consistent effort.
Showing up as my authentic self behind the chair and in my business often feels vulnerable, and there were certainly times that it felt easier to hide. Ultimately what I’ve found is that it all comes down to your mindset and returning to your “why”. For me, I’ve learned that authenticity is the best way to ensure I show up and hold sacred space for my clients and myself.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a craft hairdresser.
Many clients ask me what this means, and the simplest answer I have is that I am wholeheartedly dedicated to my craft. Hair is something I continuously immerse myself in. Whether I’m actively working behind the chair, or scrolling on my couch, I continue to educate myself and try new things.
While I’ve always considered myself a bit of a jack of all trades, I would say that my talent shines when I can solve a guest’s hair challenges and give them a one of kind experience. I truly love it all, and I feel the most tapped in when I’m executing large cut and color transformations. There’s something about a big change that feels electric to both the client and myself. Taking someone’s hand and allowing them to step into the new version of themselves is where my passion lies, and it is always an honor.
When I first began my career I wanted to specialize in vivids and fashion color, but after working in a blonding salon I grew to love the meticulous details of foiling and hand painted balayage. I love creating shapes with my razor, shags and mullets alike. I am always expanding my repertoire, and take pride in challenging myself consistently.
The thing that truly sets me apart is my eye for aesthetics, and my relationships with the people who sit in my chair. I am an artist before all else.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I believe in measured risk taking. With business there’s always risk involved. Stepping out on my own and taking a chance on myself with no safety net was the biggest risk of them all, but it was something I felt necessary and still do.
I took a chance on cosmetology school after dropping out of University, and put all my eggs in this basket. But I couldn’t have taken that risk without considering how it would change my life. When you do something you actually care about, the stakes feel much higher and every misstep can feel like a monumental failure. In my opinion though, that’s what makes life worth living. Chasing your dreams and passions always pays off.
There’s an element of intuition involved when I’m weighing my decisions, and when it feels like a “hell yes” I will do just about anything to make it happen. So I don’t take risks for no reason, I take them because my worst nightmare is stagnancy and I feel deeply compelled to keep moving forward.
Pricing:
- Gratuity Free Pricing
- Package Based Pricing
- Sliding Scale Avaliable
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mysticstudio.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megannicole.hair/?hl=en
