Daily Inspiration: Meet Kelsey Gray

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Gray.

Hi Kelsey, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I look around my salon today — the salon itself and the sound of laughter between stylists and clients — I can’t help but smile. Because this space didn’t just appear overnight. It’s the result of years of faith, resilience, and the kind of grit that only comes from walking through fire and still choosing to build something beautiful.

My journey in the hair industry started over 14 years ago in Colorado, where I fell in love with the art of transformation — not just how hair can change the way someone looks, but how it can change the way they feel. I spent years honing my craft, working at my dream salon, learning the ropes of business ownership, and eventually opening my first salon in Windsor, CO

My first salon was where I learned what it meant to lead — to build culture, nurture a team, and create an experience that felt like home. It was also where I learned some of the hardest lessons of entrepreneurship: partnership dynamics, financial risk, and the courage it takes to start again when life calls for change.

When my mom’s health declined, I made the emotional decision to sell my half of the business and move back to Arizona to be closer to family. That chapter, though hard, reminded me that success isn’t just about numbers — it’s about alignment, priorities, and being where your heart needs you to be.

While in Arizona, I went back to my roots, as a commission stylist. Which was so great to have perspective as a stylist again, not an owner, which reignited my passion for creativity, education, and connection. But deep down, I knew Colorado was still home. My heart was calling me back — and this time, I wanted to build something that fully reflected who I’ve become as a stylist, a mother, a mentor, and a woman.

That’s when MTN + MANE was born.

MTN + MANE is more than a salon. It’s a reflection of everything I believe in — laid-back luxury, lived-in beauty, and the power of genuine connection. It’s a space designed for collaboration, creativity, and confidence. Every arch, every mirror, every intentional detail tells a story of starting over with purpose.

But it’s not just my story — it’s my team’s story, my family’s story, and the story of every client who walks through our doors. My daughters, Blakely and Payton, have watched me rebuild, reimagine, and rise again. They’ve seen that dreams don’t come easy — they’re earned through faith, long nights, coffee-fueled mornings, and an unwavering belief that beauty begins with how we treat others.

Today, MTN + MANE stands as a reminder that grace and grit can coexist. That you can be both grounded and bold. That you can lose everything you thought you wanted and still find exactly what you were meant for.

Because for me, it’s never been just about hair — it’s about heart.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all — but I wouldn’t trade the bumps for anything. Every challenge has shaped me into who I am today, both personally and professionally.

There were seasons that tested everything in me — from navigating business partnerships and financial risks to balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship. Selling my first salon, was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. It meant letting go of something I poured my heart into to prioritize my family and my mom’s health. That chapter taught me humility, patience, and what it truly means to start again.

There were moments of doubt — wondering if I’d made the right decisions, if I’d ever rebuild something that felt like “me” again. Starting over in a new state, rebuilding clientele, and launching new brands required an enormous amount of faith. There were tears, late nights, and so many lessons learned about leadership, trust, and timing.

But what I’ve learned through it all is that the hard parts are the holy ground — the moments that refine your purpose and reveal your resilience. The smooth road doesn’t teach you nearly as much as the one that curves, dips, and challenges you to grow. Every struggle has been a setup for something greater, and every setback has brought me closer to what I was truly meant to build with MTN + MANE.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m the owner and founder of MTN + MANE, a modern salon in Timnath, Colorado built around the idea of laid-back luxury and lived-in beauty. We specialize in customized color, hand-tied extensions, and creating an experience that feels elevated yet effortless — like Colorado itself: refined, natural, and a little wild.

Beyond the hair itself, my true passion is connection. I’ve always believed that what happens in the chair goes deeper than the service — it’s a space where people feel seen, heard, and restored. I think that’s what clients really feel when they leave: not just beautiful hair, but a sense of peace and confidence that carries into their everyday life.

I’m most proud of the culture we’ve built inside MTN + MANE. The team is everything — women who lift each other up, pour into one another, and truly care about the guest experience. We’ve created an environment that’s professional yet personal, where collaboration and kindness are at the core of everything we do.

What sets me apart, I think, is the balance between creativity and leadership. I love creating transformations behind the chair, but I’m equally passionate about mentoring stylists, building systems that help them grow, and designing a brand that feels intentional at every touchpoint — from our aesthetic to our education.

At the end of the day, I’m proud that MTN + MANE isn’t just another salon — it’s a reflection of a bigger purpose: to make beauty feel human again.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was definitely a tomboy at heart. I grew up outdoors — riding horses, dirt bikes, and doing just about anything that involved a little dirt and a lot of freedom. I loved the country life and the simplicity that came with it — long days outside, time with friends, and finding joy in the little things.

Even back then, I think that adventurous spirit shaped who I am today. I’ve always loved movement, creativity, and connection — whether that was through sports, hair, or just being around people. I wasn’t afraid to get my hands dirty or try something new, and that curiosity has followed me into my career.

That mix of grit and groundedness — the girl who could ride a horse in the morning and dress up for dinner at night — really captures who I am even now. I love balance. I love beauty that feels natural and real. And I think that’s exactly what shows up in everything I do — in the salon, in leadership, and in the way I approach life.

Pricing:

• Full highlights: $170+
• Extensions: $180+
• Haircuts: $55+

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mtnandmanesalon.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtnandmanesalon?igsh=MWxzMWp3NWlyOHQzdg==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FNpaXdMYb/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
@lyndseylew
Lyndsey Lewis Photography