We had the good fortune of connecting with Mylee Quach and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Mylee, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am inspired simply by people, especially ones that sit in my chair. I am intrigued by what others have to say and offer. You get a sense of who this person is from their background, their careers, their lifestyles and more. I felt that in a traditional salon setting you could not get that one on one time and it felt a bit more tense than it really should be. Going to a hair salon should be like a date with a friend. It’s a personal service and a safe space to express what you want and how we can go about getting that result without the pressure of a traditional salon. I know my clients are real people with real lives so essentially I have been inspired to create a space where it feels good to come get your hair done. A space where openness, honesty and integrity are my top priority.
Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I won’t say that it was easy per say but more so frightening. I was scared of all the what ifs and how to prepare myself to be on my own. I eventually knew this was the next step and best decision I could make for my career. As a person who is extremely creative but also a Type A personality, I battled with that fear. I told myself to take it one step at a time, to do all the research I needed to do to start up and ultimately talk to professionals about what was needed to be done to get my salon going. I believe knowledge is power and that gave me more comfort walking into this new journey. Yes there has been a ton of learning along the way and there still is from the business side all the way to the creative work side. I’ve had to learn about the tax systems to how to run a POS/booking system and integrating that into the physical work. My branding has always been to be honest about WHY I started a solo business. I want the world to know that from the outside it may look like everything is always great but there are dips and lows to being your own boss. Being your own boss takes a lot of persistence and consistency. It’s not all rainbows and butterflies. You have to take the storm when it comes as a lesson and find a solution. Having your own business is hard word and dedication but also extremely rewarding. Don’t be scared. Don’t let the fear stop you from doing what you want. You will never know what will be if you never try.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to the infamous Ponce City Market! There are so many different cuisines to choose from along with the rooftop which is great for socializing. Atlanta has so many fun events and festivals so I would definitely look into what is going on and attend those events with my best friend. As of dining options, I love trying new places so I would pick a place I know I would love to experience with my best friend, a place with a beautiful environment like The Garden Room. You can’t forget about coffee and shopping so anywhere from Phipps to Atlantic Station to little local shops in the downtown areas.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My clients! They have been the most supportive group of individuals when it comes to my business. I have a lot of clients that have been with me since I was 19/20 and have seen the growth within myself as a person and business owner. My clients are always referring their friends and family to me and giving me recognition throughout my career. Without them, I am not positive I would be where I am. They are the real MVPs of the success behind my business and to them I have so much love, appreciation and gratitude to be able to be successful.
Website: www.salonlofts.com/mylee_quach
Instagram: mylee_qh & hairby_myleeq
Facebook: Mylee Quach
Image Credits
@vintage.loveco (for my personal headshots)