Meet Meagan Gallman | Salon Owner, Master Colorist, National Color and Styling Educator

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

Hi Meagan, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
My salon is very education based. I typically work with stylists new to the industry because they are the future. At the time that I became a new hairstylist, there were no apprenticeships in my area. The norm was graduating from cosmetology and hoping for the best in your career. I wanted to change that. I created my salon program with the idea of setting up new stylists for success. I want them to learn all aspects of what it takes to be in this industry for the long haul. I want them to have access to things that I did not as a young stylist.
 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My story begins as the typical little girl who thought that playing in hair all day would be fun. I always wanted to be a hairstylist. I never had a plan B. This was going to work. I did not have the support for my career choice that I would have liked, but that was the small town mindset that was so common in my area. In the long run, it actually motivated me to work hard and prove that I could make a big girl career out of what many people considered a hobby. I’ve always been the type to prove a point. Tell me I can’t and I will. But not only will I show you I can, I will do it twice and laugh the entire way. It seems like a petty mindset, but whatever works. I have endured and overcame many obstacles. I have never really looked at my set backs as failures. It’s more of a learning curve. No doesn’t mean never. It just means not right now. Everyone’s path to success is different. Just because one path works for someone else, doesn’t mean that it’s the path for you. There is nothing wrong with slowing down and reevaluating your map. If you rise fast, you fall hard. I’ve definitely learned to be patient and patience has never been my forte.
I am not just a hairstylist. I have worked too hard and come too far for that. I am so much more.

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 live in an area surrounded by history. 5 hours North, and you’ll find the best BBQ in Memphis, TN. 2 hours South and you’ll find New Orleans, LA with some of the most interesting experiences you can imagine. 1.5 hours West, and you will be in Natchez, MS with some fantastic history and a gorgeous view of the Mighty Mississippi River (just don’t swim in it.) You really can’t go wrong, it just depends on what you’re in the mood for.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Gosh, where do I begin? So many people have shaped who I am as a person and professional. At the top of my list are my children. We come from a small town in the South where fighting for our value to be respected as a professional in the beauty industry is a constant battle. My daughters motivate me to continue to do big things. I want them to know that just because you are from a small town, doesn’t mean that you can’t do big things. If you have a dream and a passion, you can make it happen. Also, my salon ladies keep me motivated. The Magnolia Parlor wouldn’t have near the success today without them. They are incredible professionals with immeasurable talent. They each bring something unique to the table.

Website: www.themagnoliaparlor.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/megnaomihair

Facebook: www.facebook.com/megnaomi.hair.1

Image Credits
Amanda Layne Photography Kylie Wooten Joico