Meet Megan Cary | Owner & Operator of MCA agency

We had the good fortune of connecting with Megan Cary and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Where there is risk there is reward BUT also an opportunity to fail. That is why it is called a risk! I did have to take many risks opportunity wise as well as financially giving up a stable salon career to branch out on my own company crossing my fingers for all to stand upright and have consistent work flow.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a Cosmetologist and graduated in 2009 from Kansas City MO. I always have had an “its not enough” attitude along with the desire to make a difference in my community. Upon relocating to Reno-Lake Tahoe, I started my event company that focused on bringing the creatives (photographers, models, hair artists, makeup artists, clothing designers/boutiques) together for collaborations spotlighting each business and helping form connections and work opportunities for all outside the company. This is where I learned very harshly that the road to entrepreneurship was a hard one and many lessons in business were learned. Looking back I realized this was just a stepping stone for what’s to come!

I ended up relocating to Colorado. There I started my working at Sports Clips cutting men’s hair along with marketing myself as a hair and makeup artist in the wedding and commercial industry. This was when Megan Cary Artistry was born. I was starting to have a hard time juggling weddings or having to have shifts covered at my reliable income employment but eventually, with the help and encouragement of many I decided to take the plunge and chase my dreams as an independent freelance hair and makeup artist. Weddings and other opportunities started being abundant and I was having a hard time committing to all. This was when I decided to ask 1-2 girlfriends who also were Cosmetologists to help out. When it came a time when I’d have two opportunities the same day in different locations, saying no was not an option. I had to figure out how to make this happen. I needed to capitalize on these jobs. I realized at this time my name was a well-known brand and I could use that to my benefit while helping other artists who do not have the spotlight on them gain extra jobs and I as well could benefit.

This is when I changed directions and made my brand into an agency. Hiring over 12 amazing talented freelance artists all throughout Colorado. This was helpful as jobs arise all over from Aspen to Denver to Colorado Springs. We had such momentum that we continued to hire on and have artists approaching us for opportunities. Since 2014, we opened our California branch as well which service Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe and everywhere in between in which we have around 35 of the top hair and makeup artists as well as wardrobe stylist set and prop designers. With how our business is modeled everyone benefits, us as well as the artists and we are excited for yet a new location next!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I really enjoy Market Street Downtown Denver. Lots of great apres’ and libations . Colorado is well known for their green chili and would take them to try some of the best, wander over to Golden Colorado which has many cute shops and sightseeing and I wouldn’t forget to jet down to Colorado Springs to visit the Garden of the Gods!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to recognize my family and friends .The ones behind the scenes who see the ups and downs, emotional highs and lows either from success or failure at times. Those and close knit core group of loved ones really make the difference, give direct advice based on being so close vs a professional opinion from a colleague.This was definitely my driving force!

Website: www.megancaryartistry-ca.net

Instagram: @megancaryartsitry