Meet Montana Roscoe-Swords | Cosmetologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Montana Roscoe-Swords and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Montana, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Well, starting my own business originally seemed out of reach and wasn’t my idea in the beginning. I was working in a ‘chop shop’ salon and got used to doing lots of haircuts but only making a small amount of commission from them. I was comfortable with it, as it was all I had ever known with my career at that point. My boyfriend at the time was working the same job as me and was getting tired of always doing things someone else’s way. He decided to branch off and start his own business by renting a suite. I remember thinking at least I had a steady job if his business didn’t take off. It did, in a very explosive way. Word got around town and he almost built his brand overnight. After seeing this happen, he convinced me to do the same and said how freeing it was to run things your way. As terrified as I was to jump with both feet in, I did. After the shock of the unknown wore off, I realized I had an opportunity to build something. To build a community in this town, a place for everyone to come and be themselves. I didn’t want to be like all the other salons; I wanted to be something memorable and unique.

What should our readers know about your business?
My struggles with my business mainly came from lack of knowledge. When I started out there was no guidebook telling you what to do, how to advertise or what to file when taxes came around. It was a game of finding out through other people who had done the same, so there was a learning curve for everything (especially taxes). It is exciting and daunting when you realize the fate of your business lies in your hands alone. I’ve found in trusting myself and my skills, my business has grown every year so far. While I have learned lots of things through this experience, I think one big thing is not attaching my self-worth to my business. It’s easy to say if I messed this up then I must just suck at hair, which is a very rigid way of thinking. But if I look at it like a lesson or something that needs to be improved on because we are all humans and make mistakes, then it takes the sting out of it.
About a couple months into owning my own business, I realized there was a hole in our community that I wanted to fill. In a mostly red county, there was no inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA+, anyone alternative or anyone who was a little different. Most shops in town are very black and white, with all blonding services or a “one type of look” was all you were going to get. They also shied away from anything other than the social norm. No one knew how to do neon green hair with a razored shag for the alternative teen for prom or a non-binary person who wanted a masculine cut instead of the other stylists always giving them more feminine cut. I wanted to do all of that and more. So, I started advertising to for all genders. All my haircuts are based on length of hair, not gender. Everyone is welcome in my shop, from a woman who loves gardening and reading to the teen who games and loves horror movies. I wanted to give a space for people to nerd out about their interests and feel comfortable doing it. I also joined Everywhere is Queer which is an app that shows inclusive businesses in every town. I have also been a pescetarian for more than half my life and I translate that into my business. All my products from what I use to what I sell are cruelty free and do not test on animals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, my two best friends do live close by so we would be going to all the places we normally go.
Monday- down to the Museum of Nature and Science (their rotating exhibits are always fascinating) and eat at Bistro Vendome after (quaint French restaurant with amazing pastries)
Tuesday- to the Springs to Cheyenne Mountain zoo (I love that their enclosures are spacious for the animals) and then to eat at Cerberus (a brewery with a vegetarian smoked brisket sandwich)
Wednesday- Manitou Springs for the SunWater spa (hot spring water pools with a cold plunge which is my favorite) and Uncle Sam’s Pancake house (family diner with some pretty good French toast)
Thursday- The ghost museum (it has some of the most ridiculous looking mannequins) then to the Garden of the Gods trading post (where you can ride horses throughout Garden of the Gods)
Friday- A Day for outdoor adventure, back to Castle rock for a hike in Castlewood Canyon (a old, closed dam that now has a creek running through it and lots of vegetation around it) and to eat at Wild Blue Yonder (a locally owned pub with creative menu names like Big Truffle in little China burger)
Museums have to be one of my favorite places, learning about history and the world around us really gives me a childlike wonder again. The outdoor experiences in Colorado are to die for, there isn’t anywhere you can’t go where you can hike, bike, ride or paddle down. I especially like anything involving horses which there are lots of trail riding stables or dude ranch experiences here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my husband and son. My husband has always pushed me to be the best version of myself. He is always right behind me when things get tough and encouraging me to get outside my comfort zone. Without his optimism and drive I definitely wouldn’t have my business or be the person I am today. My son is the kindest 12-year-old you would ever meet. He told me a moment where he felt the proudest of me was when I finally started my own business. He has learned from his father how to be a true gentleman and a good person. Every time I feel like I’ve failed at something, he is there reminding me about resilience. They are both such a strong part of who I am and my support system.

Website: https://the-pale-horse-salon.square.site

Instagram: @palehorsesalon