Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Monroe.
Hi Paige, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I didn’t initially plan to pursue a career in this profession, even though I’ve always had a strong passion for hair and beauty. Ever since I was a little girl, around 9 years old, I was fascinated by it. I remember asking for a mannequin head for Christmas so I could practice hairstyles, and I would always do my sister’s. I always loved having my hair done and making others feel beautiful.
In high school, I started styling my friends’ hair and even had a few clients who came to me for lash services. I’ve always been drawn to anything involving beauty.
After high school, I started college to pursue a career in nursing but shortly after, I became pregnant and decided to take a break. When I returned to school, I quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. I was working at an urgent care center and just felt unfulfilled. I realized something important: I was helping people, but I wasn’t happy. I wasn’t aligned with my true passion.
That passion had always been in beauty: hair, makeup, and making women feel confident and empowered. So I made the decision to go to hair school, and I graduated in November 2014. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made
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?
My road definitely hasn’t been easy. I began my journey in my early 20s as a young mom with a toddler. While many of my peers were in college, enjoying their freedom and figuring things out, I was juggling motherhood, cosmetology school five days a week from 9 to 4, and a part-time job in the evenings and on weekends. I felt like I didn’t have time to figure things out and that this had to work because I now had a child who was counting on me .
There were days I’d come home after a long shift and still find the energy to work on a wig or finish styling for a client. When I first started, I was really passionate about wigs. I loved coloring and styling them, then selling them to bring in extra income. Even while I was in school, I had a growing list of clients, so weekends and evenings were often spent building my brand and sharpening my skills.
All of this; balancing school, work, and motherhood wasn’t easy. But I’m forever grateful for my village. The support I had allowed me to show up fully, to go to school, work, take care of my son, and steadily grow a clientele and a career I’m proud of.
Looking back, I realize that those challenging years built the foundation of the woman and professional I am today; resilient, passionate, and deeply committed to my craft.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a hairstylist with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I offer a wide range of services, from natural hair care to extensions and wigs. But what truly sets me apart is my versatility and what many of my clients call my ‘growing hands.’
My approach is holistic. Clients come to me to enhance their look with extensions, whether it’s wigs, weaves, or tape-ins , but they mainly come to me to care for and nurture their natural hair underneath. I create customized treatment plans and routines tailored to each client’s unique hair needs. So while they enjoy a new style, they’re also investing in the long-term health of their hair.
I believe that’s what the industry is missing right now , an equal focus on beauty and hair health. Too often, the emphasis is on the exterior, with little regard for what’s happening underneath. I’m passionate about changing that narrative. For me, it’s not just about how good the hair looks, it’s about how healthy it is, and how empowered my clients feel when they leave my chair , knowing they are in good hands .
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about our city is the incredible talent and creativity that lives here. There’s so much passion and potential in our community. What I dislike, though, is that this often gets overshadowed by negativity or a limited perspective of what our city represents. At our core there is beauty, resilience, and brilliance
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.themonroex.com
- Instagram: @iamladymonroe
