Conversations with Channing

Today we’d like to introduce you to Channing.

Hi Channing, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I remember at age 11 living in Irvington, NJ and visiting a braid shop near my home with my mother, I was so intrigued watching her and others get their hair braided. I paid attention to everything they did. Now, this was when we had very minimal electronics to keep us entertained or used for educational purposes, so firsthand experience was vital. I never forgot about those pivotal moments, and then later on I realized that was the beginning of my love for hair. We then later moved to Kennesaw, GA and I remember asking my mom to get my hair braided, but my mom thought the pricing in GA was so ridiculously expensive, so thinking quickly I asked her to take me to the beauty supply store so I can do my own hair. Well, I did it and let’s say now looking back, it came out absolutely terrible! BUT, I did it and that is exactly when and where my hair learning journey began. Later on in high school, I was the one that was braiding everyones hair, not only in high school but my siblings and others in my community. Fast forward to when I was 22, I decided of all things to go to school for audio engineering (I was a lover of music too) and I graduated but realized it wasn’t my calling or true love, so 2 years later I decided to go to cosmetology school. I received my license and started doing hair in Atlanta and did that for a few years until I had this urge to want something new; a new environment, new people, new atmosphere, so I decided to pack up my car and drove two days by myself to Los Angeles, CA and started working in a salon there immediately. Now, while I was in living in Atlanta, I braided hair more than styling so trying to find clients outside of braiding was challenging, so when I went to LA, I started my official path to styling hair which included silk presses, sewins and microlinks (extensions). As I started to build my clientele, BOOM 6 months later COVID happens which forced me back to Atlanta to work a 9-5 to sustain myself while having a salon suite to keep building my craft. After 2 years I decide to take a huge risk and moved to Denver while not knowing anyone or even knowing where to live, but I knew only greatness could come from it. Within a month of being in Denver, CO my clientele started to grow while I laid down a foundation working at The Industry ( a salon owned by my now good friend Corinne). Now, almost 3 years later I am in my own salon suite in Denver and loving the risks I took to get here and the ability to provide services to to my clients and future clients.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not. It was definitely a up and down rocky road for me. My personality is of a giver and unfortunately for me, there were many times people took advantage of that and some that didn’t want to see me succeed. But I am also a fighter so those lessons made me stronger and smarter in how I now navigate in and with my business. Some days you can get a full week of clients and some weeks you might get just a few, so it can get stressful because in this business there are no guarantees of steady income. I wasn’t completely prepared for that, so I had to learn how to work through that. Starting your own business is hard, but it is so worth it and I am glad I didn’t give up.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Licensed Hairstylist of 8 years, but 22 years of various hair experience. I specialize in healthy hair and extensions, consisting of Ktip, Itip and invisible Ktip installs and traditional sew ins. I also offer services of silk press, and install maintenance.

I am known for cutting off what’s NEEDS to be cut off to get your hair the healthiest is can be and helping my clients embracing their beauty with flawless Ktip installs.

I am so very proud of myself for never giving up and always taking a chance and Bettin’ on Myself. Not listening to others try to talk me down or out, but doing what I want and using all of my tools to get it done. I’m unstoppable!

What sets me apart from everyone is just being my authentic self and using my education to educate my clients on how help them grow their hair and keep it healthy. Staying on top of continuously and consistently educating myself helps me stay ahead of trends, styles and best ways of how to take care of my clients and their hair needs.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I can be very shy and socially awkward sometimes. When it comes to work, I am very sociable and interactive, so people can have a hard time believing I am shy or a introvert at times. So, now everyone knows my secret!!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Channingmonae.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/channingmonae
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/channingmonaee
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/channing-monae-36bb4881?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@channingmonae