Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelly Insall.
Hi Michelly, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Truthfully, it’s not often I reflect on just how far I’ve come. When I was 15, I had just given birth to my son when I applied to my high school’s cosmetology program in Texas City, Texas, and was immediately notified that I had actually just missed the deadline to enroll. Perhaps out of sympathy, pure luck, or maybe both, she ended up accepting my application, and just like that, I was in!
I couldn’t afford my introductory kit so I had to raffle off a perfume/cologne kit that my mother had donated to me. Once graduation rolled around, I again was pregnant and ready to pop but nevertheless graduated with my cosmetology license. I began as an assistant at a salon making just $2 per wash and then transitioned to full-time behind the chair at the local JC Penny. Although it was far from glamorous, I was so excited and proud to officially call myself a hairstylist! As I began to grow and the training wheels were no longer needed, I began my own business as a booth rental stylist at Tangles; the only decent salon in my small town.
I made a name for myself and established my chair as the one everyone wanted to sit in for years all while being the proud mommy of now 3 beautiful children! In 2017, I remarried and we relocated to Katy, Texas where I knew my children would have a much better education and quality of life. It was scary since I knew I would have to rebuild from scratch but before I could make that transition, I received an offer to become the Clinic Floor Specialist for Paul Mitchell, The School – Houston. I had often thought of teaching and instructing those young souls whom I saw myself in 10 years prior.
After 6 months my “itch” to be behind the chair and do what I love led me to start part-time at a hair salon owned by a contact I had made at Paul Mitchell. It became clear I could no longer ignore the fact that I belong behind the chair so at the beginning of 2018 it was time to rebuild and go all in. I was terrified! I found myself thinking, “What if no one wants to sit in the new girl’s chair?” “What if I can’t adapt to these new techniques?” After all, in my small town we weren’t even up to date on the balayage technique. I studied, practiced non-stop, and began perfecting my skills, old and new, and quickly grew a repeat clientele.
With the support and encouragement of family and friends, after a year at that salon, I started my next chapter and opened my first suite rental, and thus, “The Hair Alchemist” was created. It was all on me now and I soon learned how much work it would be to balance a full schedule, order products, and keep retail in stock but I loved all of it! It was pure elation to truly be a business owner and to have the opportunity to make my name known once again. It wasn’t always glitz and glamour but with a lot of hard work, dedication, and being fortunate enough to have such wonderful clients I had built something special.
In August of 2020, I was named “Best Salon” in all of Katy / Fulshear by Living Magazine! It became clear that I had to keep going and take the ultimate plunge… open my very own salon. After a 5-month build, “Hair Alchemy” opened in February of 2021. It’s a beautiful 2,000 square ft. space and I’m so excited to see what the next step is for me in my beauty journey! I typically shy away from things like this, writing about myself, being in salon pictures and videos, which I never do.
I think the reason I wanted to submit this is that I want to inspire the next generation of stylists or even those of my generation who feel they can’t do what they’ve dreamed of doing. Just wanted to share my story and simply say that if a young teenage mother in high school from Mexico can come this far… so can you!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I was born in Mexico and grew up very poor. I vividly remember our small home with no carpet or tile on the floor, just dirt. I came to Texas illegally when I was 8 and didn’t speak English. Being from a small town there isn’t as much room for growth and development. I had 3 small children at home and a verbally and physically abusive husband who never believed in me or supported me.
Once I relocated, remarried, and started over at my first salon home in Katy I was told that I was too slow and continuously got passed up on promotions. I’ve always been meticulous and a bit of a perfectionist so I never worried about the timing because I knew my work spoke for itself. Of course, there will always be those who doubt you and tell you that you can’t do something or shouldn’t, so when I created “The Hair Alchemist” and opened my mini-suite I was determined to prove them wrong and succeed.
Then, again when I opened Hair Alchemy in the middle of the pandemic people gossiped and said I was making a huge mistake and it wasn’t the right time. I knew they were wrong and I wouldn’t be deterred from pursuing my vision. If your goals don’t scare you they’re not big enough. Hair Alchemy was built on hard work and determination.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a leading color service provider and I’m recognized by many to be a “blonde specialist” for all color services from platinum card/global lightening, balayage, and highlights. I have trained those on my team and we work closely on the salon floor so I am always readily available for questions they may have regarding formulation or techniques.
We pride ourselves on being the best in the area at a beautiful and unique salon. In addition to all color services, we are also Brazilian Blowout Certified, providing cutting services, deep conditioners, and much more! I am proud to say we are also a certified Kevin Murphy salon so all of our back-bar (shampoo and conditioners), as well as retail, is Kevin Murphy.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Without a doubt my husband and business partner, Justin Insall! Once we were engaged he was determined to move me and my children out of that small-town mentality/environment and get the kids into wonderful schools. He has always pushed me and encouraged me to pursue my interests, whether it was teaching or being behind the chair. He was 100% supportive when I started thinking about renting a suite and even assisted me when he was home from work.
When he lost his job working off-shore in oil and gas during the pandemic he took over my scheduling and began organizing/communicating with clients since I was so busy. With very limited opportunities in his field of work, he went all-in with me and became the driving force behind Hair Alchemy and its possibility! He met with contractors, organized and filed all legal paperwork for the business, and even created our beautiful website!
He is now our general manager and does everything from answering the phone, greeting clients, and all of our client scheduling to employee management and payroll. As much as I love what I do it’s even more enjoyable being able to share my dreams with him every day!
Contact Info:
- Email: contact@truehairalchemy.com
- Website: truehairalchemy.com
- Instagram: @the_hair_alchemist
- Other: @hair__alchemy
