We had the good fortune of connecting with Megan Kocher and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
For me, one of the main reasons I fell in love with doing hair was the creative freedom of it all. Early on I knew that I wanted to specialize in hair color, however as a new stylist it is extremely difficult to specialize in a particular field right off the bat. This is where I found my inspiration to become my own business, so that I could build my dream clientele right from the start, as well as having the flexibility to control my own schedule so I am still able to take time for myself as well as time with my family.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a hairstylist in Mesa, Arizona who primarily specializes in creative color and blonding! I love to take on pretty much any color project, whether it be a crazy rainbow masterpiece or a perfect platinum blonde. I am most excited to see how my business will grow over the next few years as well as my skill level.

At first, things were difficult as it took me awhile to find a salon I wanted to call home as well as a mentor. However, after eventually finding my salon home, Drop Dead Hair Studio, I felt so inspired to build my business and explore my creative talents.

One lesson I had to learn along the way was to be confident in myself as well as my abilities, because you are only as good as you allow yourself to be. Being able to overcome my nerves and become confident in myself and my skills allowed me to become a much better stylist and business owner and discover new skills along the way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would of course start by saying to come and visit Drop Dead Hair Studio! It really is a one-stop shop as we have an entire team of hairstylists as well as brow artists, lash techs, and tattoo artists!

Another favorite spot of mine is a local coffee shop called Coffee Rush, they have multiple locations across the valley and is a great place to relax and get some work done, plus they have amazing coffee!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve been apart of the beauty industry for almost five years now, starting as a receptionist then working my way up to become an assistant at a few different salons. However, throughout all of these experiences I can say that there is only one stylist who fully put their faith into my abilities and shaped me into the stylist and person I am today. Kristi Day ( @dropdeadkristi on Instagram ), has been my mentor since January of 2021, and she has not only shown me the skills it takes to be great in my profession but she has also shown me what it takes to be a great business owner.

Instagram: megankhair

Facebook: megankhairllc

Other: TikTok: @megankhair

Image Credits
@andimariephotography on Instagram for the headshot

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.