Today we’d like to introduce you to Meghan Moran.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Meghan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was cutting my Barbie doll’s hair at the age of 5 and was always obsessed with all things hair. I started assisting at a salon/spa in West Palm Beach, FL and began to grow a clientele there. I relocated back to the Boston area and ended up on Newbury Street. After a couple of years, I knew it was time to take a chance. So, I made a business plan and started looking for spaces. Many permits, licenses and credit cards later… I opened up Alainn. I’ll be celebrating 7 years in business this September.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think my biggest moments of growth have been after I fell. You’re not going to know everything off the bat, so you have to be open to constructive criticism and making mistakes. It’s a process and if you got everything right away, you wouldn’t appreciate it. Passion, integrity, respect, and initiative are qualities that can/will set you apart from others no matter what industry you’re in. Go in early, stay later, watch those around you whom you admire and don’t like (you learn from both, trust me). But most importantly, listen to your gut. My parents tried to dissuade me from going to cosmetology school but it was always calling my name. After my 4th college and 5th change in majors, I went with my gut instinct and never looked back. I always knew I was going to be somewhat successful at it and I’ve always been a big dreamer. We have to go after our dreams… they aren’t going to chase us. You also have to take a chance because there’s never going to be that perfect time where everything lines up. Life doesn’t work that way;)
What should we know about ALAINN? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I own a boutique hair salon that’s intimate and super cute. I believe in pampering my guests with complimentary beverages, hand massages, scalp massages, hot towels infused with essential oils…creating an experience for them that they can’t get everywhere. I’m a big believer in continuing education and using products that are cruelty-free and amazing quality: R+Co, Ver, and Oligo. I recycle as much as I can and believe in living a greener life in the world of hair. My color is ammonia free and ppd free: Calura. I service both men and women in cutting and color. Music is a huge inspiration that is a constant at the salon as well as artwork from around the country. We have a very special thing going on at Alainn and find it to be a hidden gem.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
My father had an amazing work ethic and taught my sisters and me that no matter what we do… do our best at it so no one will want to go anywhere else. That has stayed with me through out my career and I believe it’s created the drive and passion I continue to have today. He also taught us that “money doesn’t grow from trees” and I had a pretty solid babysitting business by the age of 13. Working is in my blood.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1 Louise Street
- Website: www.alainn.org
- Phone: 617-393-1768
- Email: inquiry@alainn.info
- Instagram: @alainnsalon
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/AlainnSalon
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