Open Letter | To Any Girl Who Has Ever Wanted To Become A "Girl Boss"

Being a girl is a job in itself. We have to worry about make up, hair, nails, clothes, shaving, waxing, aunt flo, being the perfect daughter, becoming an amazing wife, and possibly the best mom one day.

Taking on the career world should really be the last thing on our mind, but for many its the first.
Not to go all feminist on you, but I personally am a huge supporter and believer in other woman lifting each other up. Unfortunately in today's society there are more opportunities for us to tear each other down.

Thanks to facebook, instagram, (or okay, dating myself here but my OG social media source, MySpace). Among others like twitter, youtube, tumblr, and about a million others I've probably never heard of.

It's all about how many likes you get, what angle to take your selfie, and how good of lighting you have. As a blogger, beauty enthusiast, and now a business owner of 2 companies, I feel the urge, no the NEED to lay it all on the line, and encourage young girls to FIGHT for what they want in life. I may be the only one to tell you, that YOU matter, YOU deserve to be a girl boss + YOU have what it takes to make a difference in this world.

So here goes nothing...

I've been there

I've been in your shoes.
I've sat in class during high school thinking about when I'm going to see "that" boy again.
I've dealt with mean girls... and when I say mean girls, that's an understatement.
(I'm talking spaghetti throwing, rumor starting, life altering mean girls)
I've had teachers and peers tell me that college is the only answer (for me it wasn't)
I've had set backs. (When I tried college it didn't work out + that's okay)
I've made mistakes, that may or may not have required a lawyers presence.
I've had to go on coffee runs, take someones clothes to the cleaners, have their car washed..
I've had to stand there for 12 hours just watching someone else do hair
I've also had the pleasure of turning to craigslist in search for hair models
I've worked for others who didn't believe in the same things I did, who judge me, or forced me to be someone I was not.
I've lost myself, and found myself about a dozen times.

We've ALL been there
Someones had it worse than me, and I'm sure I have had it worse than some
But don't let whats happened to you change what CAN happen to you

I never took no for an answer

I was that girl that never got broken up with, I was the one doing the breaking
I was that girl that would beg my mom to take me to extra practises at the gym to get a new skill
I was that girl that did the complete opposite of what you told me to do
I was that girl that never gave up

I've had people tell me to my face that I WILL FAIL, that I'm not going to amount to anything
Once I even had a well known Columbus salon NOT hire me because, and I quote, they said I was 'too ambitious' for their program when asked what my goals were in the industry and I replied by saying "Owning my own salon"

I've had friends ask if I even made enough money to live on by "just doing hair" (some friends huh?)
I've been so fueled by every ones doubts that as many obstacles that got in my way, I overcame, and came out ten times higher

So be that girl, say YES to everything, don't let other opinions over shadow your own, don't let your morals get lost and become something you're not.

I believe in myself, more than anyone else

I think the FIRST step to achieving any goal (big or small) is believing in it
I was raised on 'The Law of Attraction' and what you put out is what you get back
My self doubt and negative self talk has been a life long struggle, but at the end of the day I am my biggest cheerleader
If I don't believe in myself, why should anyone else?
So yes, I'm that girl that voted for myself for prom queen

You have to be able to close your eyes and visualize what you want,
before you can physically grasp it in your hands

I've made tons of vision boards, of magazine cut outs or online print outs
I had (no joke) a dozen journals that I have written out my 5, 10, 15 year plans in ...
They all say the same thing;
Married
Children
Salon Owner
Range Rover (still working on that one)

One of my favorite sayings is "you have to believe before you can achieve it"
No one every just wins the lottery without playing, or thinking "hey i might win!"


If there is a will there is a way 

I never knew "how" I would own a salon one day
I never knew where the money would come from
I never knew when it would happen

But every day, every decision, every time I moved salons
I was moving one step closer to that end goal

There have been a handful of times,
where I've turned to my husband and told him
"I can't work here anymore, but we do we do about bills"
& every single time he shows me God's grace by replying
"It's just money bee, we will figure it out."

Sometimes you have to just take a leap of faith
There have been about a hundred times during this whole 'salon opening' process where
I've questioned if it was going to happen, or wondering where we were going to come up with the money for paving a parking lot 😜 .. but every single time it has worked it self out

One of my partners sent me a quote last week that said;

God never gives you a dream that matches your budget
He's not checking your bank account
He's checking your faith

Can I get an AMEN

Find Your Tribe

This is the final and most crucial part to becoming a girl boss
You have to surround yourself with like minded people
You have to hunt for a mentor, and become best friends with them
You need to make nice with the people you want to be like

A dear friend of mine and I were recently catching up and gushing over a hair show she just attended, when she was telling me about this motivational speaker she heard, whom spoke on the beliefs of author Jim Rohn and his book "Five Major Pieces to the Life Puzzle"

This book goes in depth about how the 5 people you spend the majority of your time with, you begin to embody and become like each of them forming the person you are today. This fascinated me, and really makes you stop and think about who you are giving your time to

I have had frienimies, and even just friends that were life suckers and caused more harm than good in my life forcing me to divorce them. It's hard. Hell, it's heartbreaking. But it CAN be done and SHOULD be done.

You do not want to look back and realize you could have gone so much further had you just chosen different friends.

So here's to you girl boss'
The girl who budgets and plans every little detail to save for her future
The girl that reads self help books like it's her job
The girl that is hustlin on social media getting her name + brand out there
The girl who stays up once her kids go to bed to work on her business
The girl who works full time, and on her days off spends another 6-8 hours creating her business plan
The girl who never stops, never gives up, encourages, supports, and loves other girl boss'

HERE'S TO YOU!

Love,
Just some dumb blonde 😉

How to pack for a weekend trip

As a woman I have a tendency to overpack. When it comes to everything. Down to my everyday essentials. 

My daughters diaper bag is stuffed to the max and my purse is always over flowing.  

So when it comes to vacations and getaways I never fail to disappoint or overpay for additional luggage. 

However the last trip I went on I didn't use/wear half the stuff I packed. 

As I leave for Nashville in just 24 hours, and will only be in town for 30 hours I knew overpacking wasn't an option. 

Here are my essentials that I'm taking on a 2 day trip to for a hair show I'm attending with my girlfriends. 

One word. ROMPERS.  

Less items to pack. Less matching games to play. Easy. Just throw it on & go!! I plan on taking three separate rompers that can be paired with ONE pair of boots. 

This first outfit will be spent doing some sight seeing for breakfast and then in and out of classes all day at the hairshow. 

{Romper: Target, Jacket: Target, Necklace: Altared State, Boots: DSW}

 

I plan on just taking my jacket off from the first outfit and wear that little black romper out to dinner, taking my daytime to evening wear easily. 

But we're more than likely going to hit up all the Honky Tonks, into the wee morning hours and I'm always one for an outfit change! 

So here's to my Girls Night Out attire. 

{Romper: Target, Necklace: Walmart, Boots: DSW}

Last day you will find me in you guessed it, A ROMPER! 

We will be in an out of classes again at the hair show & then driving 6 hours home! To me there is no better go to than a romper. 

{Romper: Target, Shaw: Target, Necklace: Premier Designs Jewelry via Barb Cline, Boots:DSW}

If I don't use it daily, I'm not taking it. 

Since I'm only going for 2 days there is no need for shampoo and hair tools. Dry shampoo is my best friend & gets me by when I don't have time to wash and style. 

Of course I'm taking make-up, but not my whole collection. I'm literally just taking the necessities that I use every morning. 

Along with my make up remover, toothbrush & paste, D.O., self tanner (because you never know) & my Rodan Fields Eye Cream I can't live without. 

I also packed an oversized tee and pair of my new LuLaRoe leggings as pj's. 

Last minute things I will toss into my awesome Nfinity cheer book bag that my amazing cheerleaders got me at the end of our season this year, is my cell & iWatch Chargers and some snacks for the road trip. 

If you follow me, be prepared for it to look like Nashville threw up in your newsfeed. It's MY city. I seriously think I belong there. It makes my heart sing. From the music, to the lifestyle, to the food, shopping, the river & southern hospitality. Maybe one day. Girl can dream right?!

Nashville, I'm coming for you. 

Quick tips to save money in a pinch

If you really knew me, you would know how ironic me sitting here passing out financial advice is. 

I used to be the worst at saving money. 

I used to make late payments. 

I was irresponsible when it came to my financies. 

I had a serious spending problem. 

My husband, bless his heart was so gracious to accept me and all my flaws when we got married. Debts included. 

He really helped by putting me on a budget, planning, and helping me pay my bills accordingly. 

Now a few years later, after watching and learning I am a new business owner and am able to manage and handle my own finances again. 

However saving has always been a struggle of mine. Like many of you I'm sure, we get caught up in the wants more than our needs in life. 

Cost of living is increasing. 

Our necessities are increasing.

Thanks to society and social media our wants are ever increasing. 

It's important to prioritize. 

Here are some quick tips to save in a pinch: 

1. Order a small

I don't know about you but I have a coffee obsession. A green straw coffee obsession. Sure I could make it myself at home & it would be so much cheaper however it doesn't feel the same when I don't have that Starbucks cup in hand. So cut down on your size to cut back on the price. It's only a few dollars but if you are like me and get it multiple times a week, those little savings can add up quick. 

2. Pinterest Challenge 

I'm sure most of you have seen the 52 week money saving challenge that surfaces on Pinterest around the new year. My hubby and I took the challenge a year ago & it was the simplest way to save money. You don't even know the money is missing! At the end of the year you have a nice little $1300+ stash. http://pin.it/HfSzXrg

3. Say goodbye to cable 

When I was on maternity leave we tried to cut back as much as possible since we were currently living on one income.  We canceled our cable and got Netflix & Hulu instead. Those two combined are only like $20 a month, not the $100+ I know some cable company's can cost. You can watch pretty everything that's on live tv with Hulu & who doesn't love a Netflix binge session.  

4. 5 dollar bill game 

As a hairstylist I always have cash from my tips. I know most don't carry cash, and live in a plastic money state of mind. However this one is simple. Whenever you have a $5 bill in hand - SAVE IT! 

My husband and I have these buckets in our room that are labeled "date night" or "house fund". We're always donating to them and the 5 dollar bill game was an easy and quick way to increase their savings. We even had ones with our names on them that was meant for our own personal spending habits. If it wasn't in cash from the bucket, we couldn't spend it. (I suppose it's similar to the popular envelope system that's gone viral)

5. Credit cards 

I know most think credit cards are a bad thing. I myself only have 1. When I was younger I misused them and got myself into some serious debt with multiple ones. However now I respect them and use them to help me. They are a great tool to build your credit. Some even use them just for gas or groceries to earn their rewards and get cash back! Spending money to save money? Sounds like a win win to me. The educational website Credit Card Insider covers these topics and more!

6. Multiple savings accounts 

I think it's easier to save when you are saving with intention. Open a couple extra savings accounts and divide your earnings into them however works best for you. Say you are planning a vacation, saving for Christmas, someone's getting married or you need a new car?! Whatever the purpose may be when you have a separate account it can make it easier to not touch the money. It's always quiet rewarding to watch the amount grow. 

7. Host a party 

Now days you can have a "party" for just about anything. Jewelry, clothes, Tupperware, wraps, makeup. Whatever your extra spendings may be going towards consider hosting a party with a friend or distributor. I'm sure you know someone, or have seen friends on Facebook you can reach out too. Most company's reward the "host" with free merchandise depending on how well the party goes. For example I just hosted a LuLaRoe clothing party and my guest that attended and purchased things earned me 5 FREE ITEMS totaling in $200+. So I'm essentially getting a new summer wardrobe for free! 

There are always ways to cut back. There are always ways to save. Sometimes you just have to think out of the box, get savy and discipline yourself. 

Home away from home

I don't only have a passion for hair design but interior design. 

I love looking at something old, chippy and out of date- add some chalk paint, glitter or gold spray paint to it & making it look brand new. 

I love walking into a room with four empty walls and converting them into center pieces. 

So you can imagine when I was given a blank canvas with my loft how excited I was. 

My typical decor and fashion sense is country chic. 

Most of my home is covered in chalk paint or has been white washed. The wall are all shades of gray or blue. There are about 4 deer heads that I can see currently from my sofa. 

I have an old ladder from a barn draped with my throw blankets and a guitar hanging on the wall that frame in our tv stand. 

As I have mentioned in other blogs, I wear cowboy boots almost on the daily. I have 7 pairs and I'll take more of anyone's feeling generous. 

I thought my loft should reflect my personality and style while still remaining true to my hair roots of Paul Mitchell which is know for its black & white brand.

Luckily my loft mate/ partner and I are pretty much the same person inside and out and love all things country , black, gold & girly. She pretty much let me have free reign ! You should check out her new blog if you haven't already!!! She is so wise beyond her years & has a lot of great things to offer. https://theblondedirectionblog.wordpress.com/

We started out with making all the walls a bright white except for an accept wall that was done in alternating black and white vertical stripes. 

We have created the biggest collage wall on this accent wall. It just keeps growing and getting bigger and I loveeee it. 

All of the art work in our loft was gifted to us, made or from tj Max. 90% of it is positive quotes too. 

Emily and I are both very positive, forward thinking upbeat people and we wanted to create that type of environment for our clients while they spend time with us. 

Our coffee bar is one of my favorite parts. Because who doesn't love coffee?

I actually purchased that love bird coat rack at tj Max and painted it gold (along with our huge tin trash can and about a million other things). 

I used the coat rack as a coffe cup holder. 

I always hit the jackpot at the Target dollar bins. Maybe it's because I'm there weekly and get dibs on new merchandise when they put it out. But I'm not complaining.

 I got these cute stripped straws & calendar from them. (I also painted that mason jar gold, go figure.)

One of the main reasons we choose salon lofts over other booth rental options was because of all the amenities and fixtures that our loft came with. 

When I am looking for decor I keep an open mind and leave no department out of the question. 

I found this gold toothbrush holder at tjmax and we use it to hold our money makers. And I don't mean our bums. Our shears, of course. 

This is all the left over retail from previous lines. We now carry Label m and Brazillian Blowout products. But who doesn't love a good hashtag. A gold sequined one at that. 

Our color bar has been a work-in-progress and is finally complete. 

My mom and I searched high and low for this gold sequin curtain that you see as the background to many things here , and in all of my hair post. 

Clients know to pull around back and look for the loft with the big window & gold curtain! It's branded us for sure. 

The reason for the curtain was to cover the back of an old dresser from the outside looking in. All the lofts have huge glass walls, and our has a big sliding barn door as the entrance. 

With all the natural light we receive, this gold curtain is the perfect backdrop for all our before and after photos. 

We have recently started trying to have fresh flowers in the loft as well.  My grandmother was a florist and flowers just instantly brighten up and room and add a natural element. 

We love the black white gold & floral brand we have created for ourself. In this industry you need to do things to set yourself apart & our loft alone does just that! 

So come visit Beauty & The Beehive @ Salon Lofts to see it for yourself. 

Www.salonlofts.com/molly_ingram 

All photos pictured were taking by my loft mates friend and photographer Natalie of Natalie Days Photography. 

http://nataliedaysphotography.pixieset.com/

How to get what you want in life

To get what you want out of life is as simple as believing in it. 

From anything to wanting a new car, owning a home, or that gorgeous Kate Spade bag you have been eyeing. 

Believe you can have it, and you are half way there. 

If you don't believe in yourself why should anyone else. 

I have always been a dreamer. A believer. A goal setter. Passion is not lacking for me. 

I am a small town girl with big city dreams. I love community, brick lined streets, and one traffic light towns. I LIVE in cowboy boots and pair them with red lipstick everyday. 

After being a stylist for almost 7 years now, a mom for 1, a wife going on 5 - I feel like I have some wisdom to share to for the next generation as they begin thinking about their career path, goals, ambitions and dreams. 

Find what you love to do & do that! 

One of my favorite quotes is "Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life." 

That can not be more true for my industry. Now I'm not saying everyone needs to run out and sign up for cosmetology school, however if you do go to Paul Mitchell!!!! 

Everyone has their own hobbies. Everyone is passionate about something. 

These somethings will most likely change as you grow, get older, and you change. 

However if you are seeing a passion constantly reappearing in your life, that is not by chance. 

That is more than likey your God designed path. 

This can be anything from working with the homeless, helping those with addiction, writing, dancing, signing, fashion or design. For me it was doing hair. 

There is no need for anyone to limit them self to a cubical from 9-5 because that's what your college degree is going to get you as an entry position. 

Think bigger. 

Plan. 

And pray. 

Being a hairstylist I never stop attending classes and trainings. I am always researching, googling, and watching you tube videos on the latest trends. 

Whatever new "technique" you are all sharing on Facebook that has gone viral, I am trying to master. 

I love using this blog to answer questions my clients and followers have. 

I do what I do for people like you. 

God gave me the ability to make people look and feel beautiful. I love lifting their spirits. The look they get when I spin their chair around & they see their hair for the first time, it's so heart warming there are not even words to describe that feeling. 

That is why I never want to stop learning. 

True leaders in this world never stop learning. 

Knowledge kills fear.

The more you know, the more you grow, the better you become as an individual and at your craft. 

You are never too good, too experienced or too busy to learn more. 

I was taught to say YES to everything very early in my career. Which I now use in my everyday life. 

When I was a student at Paul Mitchell, they always called me a visionary. In the PM culture a visionary is someone who was always positive, going out of their way to help others & saying yes to everything. Even before they knew what they were saying yes to.

In school sometimes saying yes meant taking out the trash, sweeping up hair, doing laundry, or refilling marker bins. 

But in some cases it meant taking an all expense paid trip to Las Vegas to learn from the TOP stylist in the industry. 

I also got to participate in many fashion shows, fundraisers & giving back to the community by just saying yes. 

As most of you know I recently opened up my own Loft with Salon Lofts. This was an outcome of me saying yes & taking a leap of faith. 

I was leaving stability, and staring an adventure I didn't know much about. I just knew it was the next best step for me. 

And here I am loving every minute of it, never looking back. Wishing I had done it sooner. 

Goal setting is so important. 

I'm always daydreaming. 

Thinking. Wishing. Planning. 

I am a firm believer in journaling. 

I have had a journal obsession since I was younger. It's actually neat to go back and read them years later. 

I have found a pattern with them all. 

Months or years later everything I write ends up coming true to some extent. 

By putting things down on paper you are making them come to life. You need to get things out of your head sometimes to help make them a reality.

There are many reasons why getting out of bed feels impossible in the mornings. 

You're too cozy. 

It's warm under your mound of blankets. 

You don't wanna wake your dog or sleeping toddler. 

Your job should never be one of them. 

I understand not everyone is going to be fortunate enough to live their dreams. 

But that is only because they don't go after them. We all have the ability to have the same successful outcomes. Others just aren't willing to work harder and put in the effort.

You have to set goals that are larger than life. One quote that I have always liked is "If your dreams don't scare you they aren't big enough." 

Nothing worth having is easy, why should accomplishing your dreams be? 

Never stop setting goals. 

No matter how far you come. 

My goals have evolved and gotten bigger each year. They grow with my passion. 

I normally set goals, put them on paper, and tell my immediate circle of friends and family. 

Outside my go to group I am a pretty personal person. I don't like to blast my business all over social media, especially before it becomes reality. 

However the older I get I've realized the more you talk about it, the more you live like you are already smack dab in the middle of your dream, it becomes your day to day routine. 

You need to walk the walk as much as you talk the talk. 

My current goal is to own my own 4 chair salon/boutique. It has been on my radar for some time now. 

It has all evolved from this blog & the response and support it has gotten. 

Beauty & The Beehive is so much more now. 

I named my loft after this blog. 

And I will name my someday store front after this blog.

Once you check off one goal, make another. They should never be a destination, but a stepping stone.  

No one says it better than Taylor Swift. 

Haters gonna Hate. 

When you are happy,

When you are climbing 

the success ladder,

When you are getting hundreds of likes on Instagram,

When you are achieving your goals,

There are going to be haters. 

The devil always sends doubt when success or happiness is near. 

All of the hate I have delt with all stemmed from immaturity & jealously. Jealous girls. Immature elders. 

I have personally been dealing with it since elementary school. From mean girls. To catty cheer parents. To bitter bosses. It took me a while to form a backbone. 

Once I did...

Once I found myself...

I handled them all one of two ways...

1. Kindness. 

I know I know how cliche. Kill them with kindness they say. But whoever "they" are, THEY ARE RIGHT. 

There is nothing your haters are gonna hate more than you brushing it off. And smiling in their face. Paying them a compliment. Catch them off guard. They probably won't even know what to do or say in response to you. 

2. Ignore Them. 

Or as T Swift says "shake it off". When people say negative things, do negative things, they are doing it to get a rise out of you. Let's not give them the satisfaction of that outcome. Blow it off. Act like it never happened. Delete it. Block them. Shake it offffffff. 

I know there are circumstances that require a reaction, but when in doubt bite your tongue. 

Negative people don't deserve to take up space in your positive life. 

This quote is so powerful. 

Go ahead and read it again. 

To piggy back off the last paragraph you can not let others have power over you or your destiny. 

You & God should be the ones in charge of it. 

In closing, I want you leave you with one last quote: 

"FAKE IT TIL' YOU MAKE IT". 

& then make it big !!!!

Xoxo Molly. 

{{ If this topic interest you and you would like more info, guidance or references feel free to contact me}} 

{ All photo credit goes to Pinterest for some of my favorite quotes and inspiration. }

The Best Mommy Advice No One Gave Me

As we creep up on my daughters first birthday and I've been a parent for all of 11 months now I can't help but stop and look back at my life this time last year.

The holiday hustle had just settled down & we were planning my shower for the first weekend in February thinking I would be having a mid-March baby.

The crib was put together, the diaper bag was bought, the books had been read.
I thought I was ready. I felt prepared. After all I had been married 3 & half years and we had been planning for her arrival, she was no surprise to us.

But no one can prepare you for the way your life changes.
No one can prepare you for the lack of sleep. (Trust me that's the first thing everyone warns you about, but you can't fully grasp it until your a walking #mombie)

No one can prepare you for labor. Not even if this is your second and you have been through it once. Every labor is different.

No one can prepare you for what you body goes through and how it will never be the same again.

No one can prepare you for the look on your spouse's face when he sees his little girl for the first time, falls in love, and then looks at you with these puppy dog eyes & without even uttering a word I know he said "thank you".. Thank you for the best thing that's ever going to happen to us.

& man was he right.

All the planning, prepping, and anticipating is MORE than worth it.

However the best advice I can new mothers, that no one ever gave me is the following:

ASK FOR HELP!

Don't hesitate! When someone lends a helping hand take it! Especially in those first weeks after, let someone make a meal for you, clean your house, sit with the baby so you can take a shower! Don't feel bad. They are not lying when they say "IT TAKES A VILLAGE".

Heck, 11 months in and I go out of my way to ask for help. I have been blessed with a handful of amazing babysitters that literally fight over days to watch Hadley. But I take advantage of it, as well as my husband.
Even if he is home, but needs to work on his truck or the house we will have one of the girls come over for a couple hours to hang with Haddy while he can get stuff done if I'm at work.

I do the same! Just yesterday I had both of them here, so I did laundry, sorted things out for cheer, worked on stuff for the salon & returned emails. Granted they came over to hang with both of us and we really just wanted to veg out on snacks and recap The Bachelor... but I saw an opportunity where I had extra helpings hands and used my time wisely.

Because lets be honest not much is getting done with a crawling, basically walking 10 & 1/2 month old sassy, Taylor Swift dancing little girl.

SCHEDULE DATE NIGHTS <3

When I was pregnant someone gave me amazing advice that has stuck with my and I really try to enforce it. "Marriage came before motherhood. To be a great mother you must be a great wife."

The hubby and I have started monthly overnights at grandma's so we can have date nights. Though they haven't really consisted of big nights out we usually just order Chinese and stay in.

 However they are much needed. Its nice to take a break from the constant role of being parents & take time for your spouse to touch base. 

We just did our first one last month and we both looked at each other the next day like "why didn't we try this sooner?" haha. As much as we missed her, and mostly talked only of her, it was nice to sleep soundly through the night!!

So now we have a first Saturday of every month schedule in place with my parents to allow us the time we need to make our marriage a priority. 

Prep

Every night before bed I do a walk thru and put the house back together, I stock the diaper bag if i know we are going somewhere the next day.

 I try to lay out her clothes before bath time so that there is less fighting me afterwards while trying to get her dressed. I put all her toys back in their places so she will know where to find them in the morning.

It all takes me about 10-15 minutes but it saves hours the next day!!! And lots of headaches! 

It allows me to start the next day in a positive mood not dreading the mess! 

I'm no expert but this last year has taught me so much & being a mom is as hard and rewarding as everyone says it is! 

So ask for help, put time aside for your significant other & try to set your self up for success as often as possible! 

Xoxo- Molly. 

(Photo credit- Justine Linn Photography.)