Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan McCoy.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My dream was actually never to be a hairstylist. My plan was to go to college for intercultural studies and be a missionary somewhere around the world. As I started getting closer to beginning college, I felt the Lord pulling me in a different direction. I quickly decided to begin my career at Tennessee school of beauty.
I had no clue how far I would go in this career, I just knew that being at TSB was where the Lord had me at that moment. I began to fall in love with the hair industry, graduated from beauty school, and began a two-year associate program. I was so thankful for my time as an associate because I learned so much, and stepped out in faith to then become a booth renter in a salon in downtown Knoxville.
There I met my industry mentor, Daima Hines who has helped me become the stylist I am today. If it wasn’t for her help and guidance I wouldn’t be where I am today in my career. After being a booth renter for 2 years, I decided it was time to open my own space. That was where studio 45:11 was born. I chose the name studio 45:11 because growing up my mom would always write the Bible verse Psalm 45:11 on my mirror, which states “The King is enthralled by your beauty”.
I knew this was the perfect name to choose for starting my small salon suite. I had no clue where I would end up just one year later. My husband and I got pregnant with our first baby, and I quickly decided I did not want to be so far from him when I had to go back to work. I started looking around the Seymour area, and God perfectly hand-picked the place that is now the home of Studio 45:11. I signed the lease, and we opened in May of 2021.
I have 3 amazing ladies that work inside of Studio 45:11 with me, and I’m so very blessed to have them on my team. Just 5 months after the salon opened, I partnered with my business partner, Morgan Redman to open Studio 45:11 Boutique. I feel so blessed to have these two growing businesses. The Lord knew exactly what He was doing, and my only hope for these businesses is to shine His light for the world to see.
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?
This is a great question. I actually opened studio 45:11 right in the middle of a pandemic. There were times when I wondered if I would ever be able to open my doors, and I wondered if life would ever feel normal in the salon again. Fortunately, I feel like we are well on our way into a new normal! I am loving being back in the salon, and getting to see smiling faces after a rough 2020, for not just me, but everyone!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a hairstylist in the small town of Seymour! My salon is all things beauty. Hair color and cutting, makeup, weddings, spray tans, and lash extensions! I personally specialize in blonding, as well as grey coverage! I love doing all types of hair color and cutting, but those are the two things I love the most.
I am most proud of the fact that I feel my salon is bringing a high-end feel to a small town. We work very hard as a team to provide high-end services, as well as a high-end experience.
What does success mean to you?
Success to me was never about money. Success to me is knowing that I am helping others realize they have a purpose, they are valued, and most importantly that Jesus loves them. Money is needed to run a business, but it was never a goal of mine to make millions.
I just want to be remembered as someone who changed lives, and I feel like building relationships in this career is giving me the opportunity to try my best to do just that.
Contact Info:
- Email: studio4511boutique@gmail.com
- Website: www.studiofortyfive11.com
- Instagram: @Studio4511salon
- Facebook: Studio 45:11
- Other: @Studio4511boutique
Image Credits
Rebeccah Stewart
