Today we’d like to introduce you to Darlene Palkovic.
Hi Darlene, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When I was very young, my mom was actually a cosmetologist who I looked up to; sadly, she passed away when I was 20 years old. It was a few years later that I decided also wanted to do hair like her. I enrolled in school, and because I didn’t have a car at the time, I had to take a 2-hour trolly & bus ride there and back five days a week. I did this for duration of my enrollment in beauty school. When I finally finished school, I had just gotten out of a really bad relationship and was sleeping on a friend’s couch. Her mom gave me ride to LA so I could take my stateboard test. When I was handed my license that same day after passing, I remember walking to the bathroom going into a stall, and sobbing. I had worked really really hard to finish school through a lot of turmoil, I was so overwhelmed and proud of myself. I knew my mom would be very proud, too. It took a while to get on my feet and figure out where I fit in in the hair world. I decided to focus on men’s hair and did that for about four years. Once covid hit, I reevaluated what I wanted to do in my career and decided I would switch over to learning women’s hair again. I started in a salon, and it felt like I had just gotten out of school because I had to relearn everything when it came to doing women’s hair and color. About a year later, I decided to go out on my own, and that’s when I started my small business. I’m so thankful with how far I’ve come and how hard I’ve had to work to get to this point in my career.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has been far from smooth, in fact it’s been bumpy at every turn. Actually, when I was in beauty school, I was in a very abusive relationship, so every single day was a struggle. I’m so thankful to God Elohim that I got out of that situation and now have a supportive and loving husband who is always cheering for me. I fought so hard to finish school and get my Cosmo license. I’ve never taken my achievements for granted and have made every effort to stay in the industry without giving up because I always remember how much sacrifice, courage, and ambition it took to get my license all those years ago.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I currently run my own small business called Monarch Beauty inside of Studio 203 in Chula Vista. I started with only a handful of clients, and over the past year of owning my business, I have grown to have a clientele whom I love. I’m proud to say I have all 5-star reviews on my website. I specialize in time-saving techniques. Most of my clients are also busy, hard-working moms, so I’m always mindful of how hard it can be for them to spend hours in the salon. I offer a wide range of services, from keratin treatments to balayage, tape-in extensions, and everything in between.
What were you like growing up?
I’d say I was always very perceptive to my surroundings and environment. It seemed like I was always noticing the little things that other kids didn’t pay much attention to. I also loved to draw, so I always had sketchbooks full of art and doodles. I was also shy when it came to letting loose in front of people that weren’t my closest friends.
Pricing:
- Full Highlights $185
- Haircut $55
- Keratin smoothing treatment $250
- Hair gloss $65
- Root touch up $90
Contact Info:
- Website: Monarchbeautysalon.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mustbedari?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
