Glamour, Grit & Growth: Angela Welsh on Rebuilding, Rebranding & Owning the Beauty Business

Nick Mirabella

The beauty industry has changed — and so has the way we build a career inside it.

In this standout episode of The Mirabella Podcast, veteran stylist and salon owner Angela Welsh takes us behind the scenes of what it really takes to grow in this new era. From social media anxiety and client consultations to navigating controversial products and building a business beyond the chair — Angela pulls back the curtain on both the glamour and the grit of modern salon success.

Whether you're just starting out or rebuilding from scratch, this episode is your sign: it’s time to level up.

From Mall Salons to Social Media: How Clientele Building Has Evolved

Angela has been in the beauty game for over 20 years. She started the traditional way — handing out cards at a mall salon and relying on referrals.

But when life forced her to restart in 2018, she went all-in on something she'd previously avoided: social media.

“You have no idea — this is your untapped resource of unlimited clientele.”

Her secret? Imperfect but consistent posting. Product reviews. Hair tips. Conversations that feel real.

“It’s not a Grammy. You’re not performing. You’re just posting about hair — and that should be easy.”

Social Media Is Just Talking to Your Friends

Angela admits she was intimidated by social media at first — especially talking to the camera.

But the breakthrough came when she realized:

“I was really only talking to my friends. People who already loved me. So of course they’d listen.”

She recommends thinking of social content as a conversation — not a performance. You’re not trying to go viral. You’re trying to connect.

A Second Chance Through Social: Rebranding After a Restart

After a break from the industry, Angela rebranded herself through Monat, a network marketing haircare brand — and used product education and reviews as a way to get back into the game.

Her new approach didn’t just bring her a clientele. It helped her build a new salon and reach a six-figure income while only working three days a week behind the chair.

Let’s Talk Retail — and the MLM Model

Retail sales used to be a key profit driver for salons. But today, most brands sell direct to consumers, cutting salon owners out.

Angela saw an opportunity with Monat and now uses the MLM/affiliate model to:

  • Sell products through links (even when she’s not in the salon)
  • Earn from inventory she doesn’t have to stock
  • Support other stylists in doing the same

Yes, she knows it’s controversial — but she’s unapologetic about the impact it’s had on her life and business.

“Monat allowed me to make money without standing behind the chair.”

Addressing the Controversy Around Monat

Angela doesn’t shy away from the criticism — especially the lawsuits and hair loss claims.

“Every hair brand has lawsuits. Monat won all of theirs — and even filed a counter lawsuit for defamation.”

She explains that the shedding some clients experience is often due to detoxing waxes and silicones — not damage from the product.

“When you switch to clean products, you shed all the hair that was superficially stuck in place. It’s part of the process.”

Monat’s Key Products & Salon Support

Angela calls out Monat’s Rejuvenique Oil as a standout for scalp health and hair growth, and says it's the only oil she knows that penetrates all three layers of the hair shaft.

Other highlights include:

  • A clinically proven growth serum
  • Full lines in skincare, wellness, and CBD
  • Discounted rates for market partners and VIPs
  • Higher Amazon pricing to drive traffic back to stylists

Consult Like a Pro: Diagnose Before You Prescribe

Angela and the host both agree: stylists should act like professionals — and that means not jumping into services without fully understanding the client’s goals.

“What are your hair goals? Let’s talk through them — because this isn’t a one-visit solution.”
“You know you’re good when you talk someone out of what they thought they wanted — and they thank you for it.”

Haters? Use Them for Engagement

Angela is no stranger to online critics — especially when it comes to network marketing.

“I love haters now. They used to bother me, but now I use them to boost engagement and educate my audience.”

She puts trolls on blast (with class), uses their comments as teaching moments, and keeps showing up anyway.

Final Thoughts: The Glamour & The Grit

Angela Welsh's story is more than a comeback — it’s a masterclass in reinvention.

She shows us:

  • Social media is a tool — not a threat
  • Retail can still be powerful — with the right model
  • Authenticity > perfection, every time
  • You don’t need to be everywhere — just consistent and clear
  • There’s no shame in using alternative paths to build wealth in this industry
“I’m busier now than I ever was before — and I’m only in the salon three days a week.”

Want to Learn More?

📩 DM me “GLAMOUR + GRIT” and I’ll send you Angela’s free ebook for new stylists or info on her podcast The Weekly Herapy.

Back to blog

Leave a comment