Today we’d like to introduce you to Monika McClain.
Hi Monika, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From a young age, beauty was more than just hair to me. It was connection, confidence, and creativity.
As a little girl, I spent countless hours playing in my two sisters hair, never realizing those small moments would plant the seed for my future. Even then, I knew deep down I wanted to become an entrepreneur and someday own a brick and mortar salon of my own.
At just sixteen years old, that’s when my passion turned into purpose. What started as a dream and a love for the beauty industry quickly evolved into something much bigger. I began building my clientele through passion, dedication, and genuine relationships.
Before opening my brick and mortar salon in 2002, I had already built a loyal clientele base. I’m blessed to say that many of those same clients are still with me today, which speaks volumes to the trust, loyalty, and lasting relationships I’ve built throughout my journey.
Through hard work, consistency, faith and dedication, I opened Moni Monee’s Salon in 2002 with a passion for beauty, creativity, and helping women feel confident.
After years of owning and operating Moni Monee’s Salon, I recognized a need within the beauty industry and was inspired to create a solution. In 2021, I invented the Moni Poni Classic Ponytail ®, combining innovation, beauty, and convenience to meet the needs of women looking for a stylish and effortless hair solution for the everyday woman.
As I continued growing personally and professionally, I became passionate about wellness also. That journey led me into Pilates, where I discovered the importance of movement, strength and caring for the body inside out. I believe beauty and wellness go hand in hand.
Today, my journey blends beauty, wellness, and entrepreneurship building businesses that help women and men feel confident, healthy, and empowered in every season of life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As someone who has been an entrepreneur of twenty plus years, my first year was my hardest year. I wouldn’t classify the challenges as struggles, I viewed them as learning lessons along the way.
One of my biggest learning lessons as an entrepreneur was learning how to create systems that worked efficiently for my salon, scheduling appointments in a way that created balance for both my clients and myself.
Professionally, that was the biggest learning curve for me. Other than that, the journey has been a smooth road filled with growth, creativity, and evolving into the businesses I have today with the Moni Poni Classic Ponytail ®, Moni Monee’s Salon, and soon to open Boutique Pilates Studio.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What I’m most proud of is the journey God has allowed me to walk while balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood.
My children are my greatest motivation, and I am grateful for the opportunity to intentionally demonstrate perseverance and unwavering faith in front of them.
Through my life, I pray they see what is possible when you stay grounded in purpose and trust God’s plan. I trust that my journey is not only shaping me, but also the legacy and generational wealth I am building for them.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I have many meaningful childhood memories, but a few in particular stand out to me.
With my parents and sisters I enjoyed our summer vacations, I loved that my dad coached me and my sisters in softball both at home and on the field.
I remember as a little girl, watching my mom and grandmother create cabbage patch dolls together. My mom has always had a natural gift for creating.
My childhood memories are also rooted in the time I spent with my grandparents. I learned so much from their guidance and work ethic.
My grandmother was creative. She loved to sew and quilt, which taught me the value of creativity, patience and craftsmanship. My other grandmother allowed me to play in her hair, where I practiced roller setting her hair developing my early love for hairstyling.
Both of my grandfathers also left a lasting impact on me. One could fix anything, showing me the importance of being resourceful and hands on, while my other grandfather gave me a money pouch and taught me how to save, planting the foundation for financial wisdom at a young age.
Those experiences greatly influenced who I’ve become personally and professionally. The wisdom, values, and life lessons they shared with me played a major role in shaping the woman and entrepreneur I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://moniponiclassicponytail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniponi.classicponytail/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoniMoneesSalon
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moni-poni-classic-ponytail-28ab8a274
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@moniponiclassicponytail
