Darnisha Monson is one of 11 beauty salon owners from across the nation who have been selected as part of MY SALON Suite’s 2021 Suite Elite Featured Member program. The chosen stylists are members of MY SALON Suite, a co-working style space where salon professionals provide beauty services to their clients in private, fully equipped, custom suites. There are more than 200 franchised MY SALON Suite locations across the U.S. and Canada with more than 5,000 beauty professional members, collectively called the Suite Elite.
Monson is an esthetician who opened her salon in the Highland MY SALON Suite location two years ago. She provides skincare, body waxing, facials, chemical peels, and micro-needling. Pivoting from a career as a full-time teacher, Monson enjoys the flexibility of owning her own business within a model that allows her to feel both safe and inspired by neighboring stylists. While Monson was attending Tricoci University of Beauty Culture, she began posting on social media to start building her business. After visiting MY SALON Suite, she knew she found the perfect place to begin her career. “When I first moved in, I had zero clientele. But I knew it would work!” said Monson. “My amazing colleagues and neighbors sent me so many clients and I’ve steadily built a following and community within my space and hope to continue this growth throughout my career.”
After Darnisha’s suite upgrade, we sat down with her to hear about what it has done for her business.
- Tell us about the entire process and what you loved about it?
“Having different meetings leading up to actual suite upgrade was interesting because I am used to being in control of everything. It’s hard for me to relinquish control. I was very weary of everything. When they came to start suite upgrade that day, I did not want to leave my suite to make sure everything was ok. I was scared I wasn’t going to like it but on the day of the reveal, I just could not believe it. I loved it! Even the small changes that were done made a big difference when you put it together. I really could not have thought that up on my own. I loved the upgrade. The wallpaper really brightened up the suite even more.”
- What are your favorite parts about your suite now?
“I love the yellow chair, the yellow cart is extremely functional. It’s a utility card so I can plug my tools in. I always need more plugs. I love the display of my yellow shelf. Even the small things like the golden apple since I was a teacher, that was so nice. Feels good when someone listens to you and what you want your style to reflect.”
- What have your clients said?
“My clients love it. It’s funny to see clients who haven’t been in a while, they notice it but can’t put a finger on it. My clients love how much more functional it is. I love the turntable. I can use it and it is so much more functional than before. They love the decluttered space and that it is more open and brighter.”
- How has it made you feel more creative in your space? How has it helped you with your craft?
“I said I was going to be filming more Tik Toks and doing more marketing for my business . Want to film more youtube videos with my new yellow back wall. This will really take my business to the next level.”
- What does it mean to you to be a Suite Elite Featured Member?
“I had not thought about the impact prior to it happening; The impact of what it was. It feels nice to have that recognition. Because of this opportunity, it has helped my business.”
- Any final words?
“This is just the beginning. Sky’s the limit.”
To watch Darnisha’s upgrade experience, click here.
Follow Darnisha on Instagram.
Click here to learn more about becoming a Suite Elite Member with MY SALON Suite.