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Story & Lesson Highlights with Megan Edd of Temecula California

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Megan Edd. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Megan, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day set the tone for everything that follows. I’m up at 4:30 in the morning and head straight to the gym to get my workout in before the day takes off. Once I’m back, I catch up on client emails and text messages from the night before, making sure everyone feels taken care of. From there, I shift into mom mode—getting breakfast ready, packing lunches, and making sure my kids start their day on the right foot. It’s a busy stretch, but it gives me the balance of fitness, business, and family that fuels the rest of my day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Megan Edd, and I’m the owner and founder of Hair Cocktails, a brand I started 22 years ago as a young stylist renting a single salon suite. What began as a one-woman journey has now grown into a three-chair suite with an incredible team of four talented women by my side. What makes Hair Cocktails truly special is our dedication to producing high-quality hair at prices that remain accessible for our clients. We pride ourselves on continuing our education, staying ahead of trends, and ensuring every service we provide leaves our clients feeling confident and beautiful. Our mission has always been to combine skill, passion, and affordability—helping clients maintain their looks a

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I used to believe that because I was more artistically motivated than academically drawn to science or literature, I might fall behind in life and struggle to find success. Over time, I realized that my artistic ability was not a limitation but a gift—it gave me passion, drive, and a vision that couldn’t be stopped. That creative spirit fueled the development of my business, shaped the level of care and compassion I bring to my clients, and pushed me beyond the idea of working inside a “small box.” Instead, it opened the door to becoming a business owner and proved that I could create my own path and achieve anything I set my mind to.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were definitely times in the first six years of my career when I felt like giving up. Being an independent contractor and small business owner comes with so much responsibility—you’re the one who has to build your clientele, manage your inventory, and keep the business running day after day. It can feel overwhelming, and I think the beauty industry is often glamorized when you’re in school, without anyone really preparing you for just how much work it takes to succeed on your own. There were moments when I wanted to walk away and find a steady hourly job just for the consistency. But looking back now, I’m so grateful I didn’t give up. Not only do I earn far more than I ever could working hourly for someone else, but I also get to experience the freedom, creativity, and happiness that come with owning my own business and doing what I love.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies I no longer believe in our industry is the idea that, as independent contractors, we can’t have retirement or plan for our financial future—that without an hourly job, there’s no long-term career security. For a long time, this myth made so many stylists feel stuck, believing they would always have to sacrifice stability for their passion. That shifted for me when I made the decision to put myself on payroll, invest into a 401(k), and start building a strong financial foundation for the future. Taking that step not only changed my outlook, but it also inspired me to help other small business owners and suite owners do the same. Now I know that our industry can provide not only creativity and freedom, but also security and opportunity for the future.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I were to retire tomorrow, I believe my clients would miss my caring and compassion the most—not just the hair I create, but the connection we’ve built over the years. Every appointment is more than a service; it’s a chance to catch up like old friends. I want to know about their lives, their families, their joys, struggles, and everything in between. My clients have been there to support me through such an important part of my life and business, and in return, I’ve always wanted to be there to support them. I think at the end of the day, what they would truly miss isn’t just my work—it would be my friendship, my time, and the special bond we’ve shared.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Bellaroyal photography

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