Daily Inspiration: Meet Taylor McGuigan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor McGuigan. 

Hi Taylor, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I got my cosmetology license in high school and was able to graduate and immediately start my career… I worked my way up in the company I was with until I was running my own shop! This time last year I had just left my stable job managing a chain salon to pursue self-employment. I delivered pizzas and did hair out of my apartment. I wasn’t sure how it was going to go in the middle of a pandemic, but I now work at the most amazing salon, Strandz Hair Studio in Littleton, with the most amazing stylists and wonderful clients. I have never ever been happier in my career, and I am so lucky I get to wake up and do a job I love. 

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?
It wasn’t always smooth. I had some health issues develop along the way, and those health issues actually ended up making me lose my apartment and move back home with family. I started at Strandz in January 2021. It was a bumpy start so I kept delivering pizzas when I was starting off. Some early months were very difficult to get by but it was all worth it and I quit my delivery job in May! 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a hairstylist who specializes I fashion colors, cuts, and extensions! I got certified in Invisible Bead Extensions in 2020 and not only recommend them to my clients but wear them myself! I spend a lot of time customizing colors, extension blends, and hair care routines to each of my clients’ individual goals and strive to always be educating myself further. I feel like my love for the industry shows in my clients’ beautiful heads and the relationships I get to build with them. 

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding mentors is so important! If there’s an industry you want to get into, be it hair, tattooing, skincare, find someone who is eager to teach and be just as eager to learn. Go to local businesses and ask around for advice, internships, assisting positions. I found my mentors by being a receptionist for their salon while I was still in school, and some friends found theirs simply going to businesses or waiting for people to come to the school for demos, however, I would say I’m still surrounded by mentors at Strandz who are always eager to help me learn new tips and tricks and that’s what we all need. We need that team of people cheering for us. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @hair.by.taylorm
• Facebook: Hair By Taylor M