The Truth About Being a Bi-Coastal Stylist

 

What does it really take to live and thrive as a bi-coastal hair artist in today’s beauty industry?

In this deeply honest and inspiring episode of The Mirabella Mindset Podcast, we sit down with Monroe—a razor-cutting, curly-hair-loving powerhouse—who splits her time between New Jersey and California. She opens up about the emotional tug-of-war of being bi-coastal, the differences in salon culture across the coasts, her intuitive approach to hair artistry, and her big vision for the future. This isn’t just a conversation about hair—it’s a journey of creativity, entrepreneurship, self-healing, and bold reinvention.

Here are the standout insights from our conversation:

🌍 The Bi-Coastal Balancing Act: A Life in Two Worlds

Monroe describes her life as “one foot here, one foot there.” Every five weeks, she switches coasts—leaving New Jersey’s brisk pace for the sun-soaked vibes of California. While she’s grateful (“I am so blessed that I get to go out there—I love my clients”), the shift comes with emotional and logistical challenges. Weather and seasonal depression hit hard on the East Coast, something both Monroe and James—who recently returned to New Jersey from Las Vegas—vividly relate to.

“It was miserable… I lost all my color. I'm now translucent.” – James

🌆 East Coast vs. West Coast: Culture Clash & Client Dynamics

Salon culture isn’t the same coast to coast. Monroe explains that Jersey clients are direct and no-nonsense, while West Coast clients tend to be softer and more emotionally attuned. Even walking into a convenience store is a different experience—warm greetings in Las Vegas versus skeptical stares in Jersey.

“We’re from Jersey, and what? Stop being a little b*tch!” – Monroe

She also breaks down the regional flavors of California—from the hustle of LA to the wine-country sweetness of Tula to San Diego’s laid-back beach vibe.

✂️ Crafting Curls & Cutting with Soul

Specializing in curly hair and razor cutting, Monroe found her niche—especially in New Jersey where curly-hair experts are rare. Her technique? Unstructured, intuitive, and always focused on movement.

“Curly hair needs to be unstructured… to live the right way.”

She’s also mastered the art of razor cutting using a straight blade—not just as a trend, but as a means to deliver softness, longevity, and artistry. But she’s quick to point out: it’s not the blade—it’s the hand behind it.

“It’s not the tool, it’s the person behind the tool.”

🎨 Hair as Art, Business as Growth: Wearing All the Hats

Monroe is an artist first—but she’s now stepping into entrepreneurship, managing her own bookings, finances, and client experience across two states. The interview dives into the hidden work behind beauty: the management, the marketing, and the mission.

“You wear three hats in this business: artist, manager, entrepreneur.”

Her unique in-salon experience—think crystals, scalp massages, and a calming vibe—sets her apart and keeps clients coming back. But as her business grows, delegation (like hiring a virtual assistant) is becoming key to scaling her time and energy.

💻 Future Goals: From Behind the Chair to Behind the Camera

We spent time dreaming big with Monroe about the next phase of her career: online education. With her rare skill set and magnetic energy, she’s perfectly positioned to teach curly hair care and razor techniques digitally. She’s exploring ways to use AI and simple voiceover recordings to create a digital course that shares her gift with stylists across the world.

“Your margins are phenomenal, and you're really giving back… It's a win-win.”

She’s ready to go from artist to educator, translating her magic into modules, voiceovers, checklists, and confidence for the next generation.

🧘♀️ The Inner Work: Healing, Intuition & Boundaries

Beyond hair, Monroe shares her journey into intuitive healing, meditation, and managing life as an empath in a high-contact industry. Energy work and spiritual practices help her stay grounded—and keep her creativity flowing.

“Every day I practice. It’s part of how I protect my energy.”

🔑 Final Thoughts: Find Your Path, Own Your Art

Monroe’s story reminds us that the most powerful transformations often happen behind the scenes—both in business and in life. From her days hustling in NYC (think Devil Wears Prada vibes) to finding her rhythm across the coasts, Monroe proves that artistry and entrepreneurship can co-exist—and flourish.

🎧 Want to Listen to the Full Episode?

Catch the full conversation on The Mirabella Mindset Podcast—available on all major streaming platforms.

👩🏫 Coming Soon: Online Education by Monroe

Are you a stylist who wants to specialize in curly hair or learn razor cutting? Stay tuned for Monroe’s upcoming digital course—more info coming soon!

💬 Tell Us:

Which part of Monroe’s journey resonated with you most? Let us know in the comments or tag us on Instagram.

Watch Full Podcast HERE

 

#MirabellaMindset #BiCoastalStylist #CurlyHairExpert #SalonCulture #HairArtistToEntrepreneur #PodcastHighlights