I have known Morgan since our early 20’s. She is one of those people who can light up a room with a simple smile. No matter how long in between we go in between seeing each other we pick up without skipping a beat. Morgan inspires not only me, but many with her drive to make people feel beautiful inside and out. She has a presence that instantly makes you feel comfortable and welcome. I have had the honor of watching not only her business grow, but her family also. She began Morgan Ashley Salon in 2001 and most recently opened Mae Studio in downtown Birmingham. She is a wife and mother to three of the cutest littles. Here Morgan shares a bit about business, motherhood and life at home. She is full of wisdom and was kind enough to share it here on Two Ellie.
CONVERSATIONS WITH MORGAN MONDY
LETS TALK BUSINESS…
HOW DID YOUR PASSION FOR HAIR AND BEAUTY FLOURISH INTO A FULL-FLEDGED CAREER?
I read this book by Simon Sinek, Find your Why, a couple years ago that helped me figure out why I do what I do and why I love it. In the book he talks you through the journey of taking yourself back to childhood and through to adulthood. In this process you take note of experiences/memories that stick out to you--like defining moments-- and as I did this I realized there were many times as a little girl I was picked on for being really pale, chubby, and awkward. Now, while this is super sad, I realize that I never wanted anyone else to feel that way. I also have memories of my dad reaffirming that I was beautiful and speaking words of love over me and remember how good that made me feel. These experiences really awakened a passion to help others feel beautiful. When you are the ugly duckling, so to speak, you know how crummy it feels to be bullied. I think it is such a cool thing that I now get to help people feel beautiful not only outside, but inside too and I am pretty passionate about it because of my own experience.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU FACE WHEN IT COMES TO OWNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
I think the one of the biggest challenges I have faced in owning a business has been keeping boundaries. I can struggle with staying up all night problem solving or researching, or checking my email after hours, or letting a work situation that is not going well ruin time with my family. It sounds like such an obvious thing, but I do struggle to keep home at home and work at work.
I would say the other challenge is managing so many different types of people, this is my favorite and probably most challenging part. My staff have incredibly valuable insights which I love hearing, but sometimes all of the perspectives can get me spinning. Also, I am a very high feeler and try to empathize with every perspective, this is good, but it can be an overwhelming thing. I am trying to find balance in that.
AFTER MANY SUCCESSFUL YEARS OWNING MORGAN ASHLEY SALON, HOW DID THE IDEA FOR MAE STUDIO COME ABOUT?
The idea for Mae has been brewing for several years. A few years back I kept thinking about opening a smaller salon more towards downtown Birmingham to be a part of the revitalization. As I was thinking and praying I really did not feel like it was time yet. My children were small and I had not yet developed the vision for it. Over the last 3 years though, I felt like the timing was right and I also gained more vision as to my “why.”
I started seeing myself and my business in an area that was diverse as well as gaining energy for revitalization. I wanted Mae to be more than a business, but really a part of a community that lifts each other up.
HOW HAS THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY CHANGED SINCE YOU BEGAN YOUR OWN SALON AND DO YOU SEE AND SHIFTS IN THE FUTURE?
Wow, the beauty industry has changed so much since I started in 2001. I think a huge factor in that is social media and youtube and the accessibility to education for not only the stylist, but also the client. I think this is good in so many ways because it really does require hairstylists to up their quality and education.
The ways I see it changing in the future is that I think there will probably be a more disconnected experience in the salon--it may become more of an independent experience--I honestly hope not, but I could see this happening.
WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
The best business advice I ever received was in conjunction with my challenges of keeping work at work and home at home. The advice I got was to be present wherever I am. Pretty simple advice, but I feel like this crosses to all areas of life, being present is so rewarding and actually lowers my stress so much.
ON A PERSONAL NOTE…
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR UNIFORM OR PERSONAL STYLE?
As much as I try to do a uniform, I start getting bored/antsy for different. But I would describe my style as feminine tomboy. I love a unique piece that is maybe from a thrift store or market, but then I will always have my go to madewell or levi jeans as an almost everyday piece. Some days I feel extremely minimalistic, and some days I add some flare, so much of this depends on my creative energy that day/where I am going. I also wear what feels right and comfortable and as Marie Kondo would say, “sparks joy.”
WHAT PRODUCT OR PRODUCTS ARE IN YOUR ROUTINE THAT YOU SWEAR BY?
Kevin Murphy Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner, Full Again, and Bedroom Hair.
Bumble and bumble Go Big Treatment for volume.
Honestly though, I love trying all of our products, so I may change my faves every few months.
{all products can be found in her shops}
HOW DO YOU STAY INSPIRED?
I stay inspired by new experiences and trying new things/places/meeting new people. I love that in every conversation there is a possibility to expand my perspectives and learn something new. I love to try different types of food and read about different cultures. I think that experiences inspire me the most and learning new things do too. I love a good brainstorming session with creative people and I love to take action together. Haha, I get inspired through a lot of outlets.
WHAT IS THE BEST LIFE ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?
The best life advice I ever received has been probably from reading Brene Brown. She puts a high value on being authentic, actually she puts all the value on being authentic. I sometimes will ignore what I think or what I know just to make a situation more comfortable, but I am learning that being authentically myself is so freeing and it helps others to do the same. And people can choose to like me or not, but it is based on who I actually am, not what I am trying to perceive they want me to be.
IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND GIVE YOUR 18 YEAR OLD SELF ONE PIECE OF ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Advice to my 18 year old self would be to enjoy each season and don't wish it away or try to get to the next one too fast. I love all the experiences I have gotten to have in life so far, and I struggle to slow down, but I feel like finally at 36 I am starting to get it.
ON HOME LIFE…
IMAGINE YOU HAD ONE DAY OFF WITH NO WORK TO THINK OF, HOW WOULD YOU SPEND THE DAY?
I may spend part of the day with self care like a pedicure and exercise and then a family adventure like hiking or some other adventure.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPACE AT HOME AND WHY?
Favorite space in my home is my den right off the kitchen. We bought a fixer in August, so many things are not “pretty” yet, but even in that state its so cozy. There’s a fireplace and sectional and usually a cuddly child that keeps me company in that room. Its the place we read, watch movies, play games and have dance parties.
WHAT ARE THE GREATEST LESSONS OR VALUES YOU HOPE TO PASS ON TO YOUR CHILDREN?
I want my children to know that they are incredibly valuable and made with intention. This seems counterintuitive, but I want them to also know that when you choose to lose your life for the sake of others, you gain it. The best things in life are often what you choose to give.
SINCE I AM CURRENTLY ON MY OWN INTENTIONS KICK, WHAT IS YOUR 2019 INTENTION {GOAL} FOR THE YEAR AND ONE ACTION YOU ARE TAKING TO GET THERE?
My intentions for 2019 are to have rhythms that feel right. I feel like I am always evaluating the balance in my life, there will always be a tension as long as I am a mom, wife and business owner, but those aren’t changing anytime soon, so finding a rhythm with it is my goal.
The way I do this is trying new patterns for when I do things--finding my work rhythm and home rhythm is tricky, but knowing I am productive at certain times of day and what times I actually need to play and be more mindless is something I am finding is valuable.
Follow Morgan on her personal IG, here. Both her IG’s for Morgan Ashley and Mae Studio are full of daily inspiration too.
