Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Short-silva
Hi monique, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
How I started.
My journey began at the age of 15 when my family relocated from Southern California to Eastern Tn. I was told being a hairstylist was not a “good enough” career from school counselors. I ignored this, enrolled In cosmetology classes during high school and upon graduation I got my cosmetology license. I entered the hair industry and I landed My first job as a hairstylist in a salon in Walmart. After moving to different states, having a child and getting a degree in business and nursing I still did not feel fulfilled professionally. Following some intense soul searching, I realized my passion has always been in the beauty industry. Which lead me to continue my dream of opening my own Boutique hair salon named Hairgeek Studio on the corner of S roan st. in Johnson City. I grew my career as a stylist by traveling for education, working as an Educator for a major hair company and learning the craft of hair extensions. I now have 15 years of experience behind the chair and for the last 9 years I have been working in Johnson City, TN. This last year has been the most life changing in my career so far, my daughter entered into kindergarten and I opened my new salon, my goal is to keep her following her dreams while leading by example. I do all of it for her. I took a risk to open my own business because I want to show her that it is possible to reach your goals and to live your dreams regardless of what others say. I have so many ideas for my salons future and where I want to take my career I get excited writing about it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I struggled for years with the thought of taking a step out to open my own salon. I am the first in my family to graduate college so I feel the pressure of always wanting to succeed. At one point, I was going to pursue a career in Nursing after I graduated with my bachelors from ETSU. But I soon realized my passion has always been with the Beauty industry. I was searching for awhile to find the perfect salon space. I got close to signing a lease a few times but had other things become excuses each time. At one point I had to help out with some family things so I couldn’t jump on the opportunities at the moment. I truly believe that things happen for a reason. Because after the family situation was resolved I stopped making excuses and felt the fire to find the perfect location for my salon Hair Geek Studio. Taking a risk and opening a business has been the scariest thing I think I have ever done. Scarier than having a 6 year old daughter watching me everyday. I have told her that sometimes the scariest things in life can be the most life changing. I also tell her, being scared can be a good thing, It would be more scary to never try than to fail.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Hair Geek Studio?
My Salon is named Hair Geek Studio. We are located in Downtown Johnson City, Tn. We have 4 booth renting stations with three of the four chairs filled with stylists. We are hair extension specialists and we strive to give our clients the best services for their hair and their soul. I was an Educator for the hair Brand Matrix for a few years and I have certifications in Bellami Hair extensions. I specialize in four different hair extension methods such as sew-in weft, keratin tip, tape-ins and I-tips. Being a hairstylist is so much MORE than just doing hair. My 15 years of experience behind the chair has taught me how to build a business through client connection, Technical skill and social media. I encourage the stylists at Hair Geek Studio to continue to educate themselves and stay up to date with the styles. Also, to utilize the free advertisement of social media as much as possible. There will always be power in knowledge behind the chair and in life. The Hair Geek brand, encourages stylists not to be afraid to show passion about your hair career and embrace the idea of ‘Geeking out” on hair. I love doing what I do and it has been a rewarding CAREER thus far.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck is a tricky one, I guess in a way I could say I have been lucky that I knew at such a young age that I wanted to be a hairstylist. This has allowed me to have many years of experience in the industry, but still seem so young in my career. I am 33 years old with 15 years of experience in doing something I love as a career. It feels pretty cool to say.
Pricing:
- Hair cut $50.00
- Full Highlight $200.00
- Hair extension install $350
- Other color applications $150 and up
- Bridal hair $165
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hairgeekmonique.com
- Instagram: @hairgeekmonique and @hairgeekstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567181121758. hairgeek studio
- Other: https://linktr.ee/hairgeekmonique
