Hidden Gems: Meet Courtney Schroeder of Midwest Hair Lounge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Schroeder. 

Hi Courtney, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was in first grade when I decided I was going to do hair. I wasn’t sure in what capacity, but I’ve always loved being creative and working with people. I went to Douglas J Aveda Institute right out of high school and absolutely loved the whole experience of being in the salon, making new connections with clients, and making people feel the most confident. I knew from that point on that I wanted to do this forever. 

I worked at a couple salons in Mason and found my footing in this industry with the help of some very talented and inspiring women in my community. Once I was steady on my feet for a few years. I decided I wanted to take the leap into ownership. Midwest Hair Lounge has been open since May, and we are thriving! The Stylists I work alongside are insanely talented and some of the most genuinely kind people I have ever spent time with. 

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?
It’s been rocky, at 19, in my last few months of cosmetology school, I found out I was pregnant. I was a young single mom with a new baby and a very new career. I luckily had the support of my family, especially my mom, and worked two jobs until I gained enough clientele to quit my second job and dive into the salon full-time. I grew pretty rapidly with the help and support of Stylists who came before me and utilizing social media as a huge asset to my career. 

I met my husband when my son was one, and we have been a solid team ever since. He has supported me through two more maternity leaves and has always pushed me to pursue my dreams. He has always been my biggest supporter. So, when we decided to open Midwest, he jumped in headfirst and put in a lot of late nights and early mornings to make my dreams a reality. 

Since opening, I have been met head-on with a lot of challenges, from navigating the business side of things to the everyday stressors of owning a new small business, it has been so much work, and I have thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Midwest Hair Lounge?
We are super passionate about the culture of our salon; we want everyone to feel loved and comfortable while getting pampered. All of our stylists are certified in different methods of extensions, and we are all master colorists with a flair for lived-in hair and blonding services. We carry R+Co products and are passionate about education; anything you want to know about your hair, we would love to discuss. We want you to feel like you’re coming in to hang out with your besties at every appointment. 

We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
We are expanding into a boutique, which is mostly focus on fun accessories from other small businesses and, of course, an assortment of Graphic Tees as a fan favorite. 

Pricing:

• Cuts $35+
• Balayage/Foilayge $175+

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/midwesthairlounge
• Facebook: facebook.com/midwesthairlounge

Image Credits
@Meganhannonphotography