When Mandy McDonald envisioned her plans for M Squared Modern Hair in St. Joseph, she wanted to not only create a unique experience for her customers, she planned to craft a training ground for new stylists as well. The resulting showcase salon that wows everyone who walks through the doors is unlike any other in the region, and her fingerprints are on every aspect of the world-class experience afforded clientele and stylists alike. Her high-level customer focus is reflected in the ever-present survey following every visit to assure that the salon is performing at the highest level of customer satisfaction. Ironically, despite a highly competitive marketplace locally, Mandy welcomes new stylists and provides them with state-of-the-art equipment and a client base that would take them years to build on their own. She has set aside competitiveness in favor of a nurturing approach encouraging those who work with and for her to continue to grow into their own success. Many have gone on to open their own salons with the knowledge and experience garnered at M Squared. Mandy uses her knowledge and vision to uplift others to their highest potential. Besides being trusted for two decades by the people of our region to make their hair look amazing, she puts her spare time into helping others. She is a renowned volunteer to help those struggling financially and the elderly, and has volunteered for We Can Ride, United Way, the Area Agency on Aging and beyond. Already an honoree of the Moody on the Market 40 Under 40 Class of 2020, Mandy is now ensconced as a Bold Woman of Business in the Class of 2022. Read on for more.
Name
Mandy McDonald
Where do you live?
St. Joseph, MI
Company or Organization
M Squared Modern Hair
What is your job or role there?
Team Member/Owner
How do you think that Bold Women of Business demonstrate being bold?
I think that Bold Women of Business demonstrate being bold by remembering it’s not called “Popular Women of Business.” A Bold Woman of Business, has to make the tough choices for the good of the business. There are many times in my career where my mind has chosen a different path than my heart would have, for the benefit of my business as a whole.
Bold women are often defined by a number of descriptors. Please choose from the following descriptors to produce the top three that you would say most exemplify your personality?
Risk Taker…Confident…Distinctive
Please provide an example of when you feel you were at your very best in taking action on the job or in your role.
When a new stylist starts in my salon, and I get to watch them grow and succeed. My love for hairdressers is what drives me. We are the ones who didn’t take a traditional role of education, yet are still highly educated. Sometimes, that success and confidence takes them out of my salon, and it is their talent and perseverance that gets them to hit their goals and realize that they are capable. Having the opportunity to provide a space for them to realize their potential always makes me feel at the top of my game.
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened on your road to success?
I once split my pants during a service bending over for a curling iron, that was pretty funny, another time, we had a man come to the salon and ask me to color his hair, it was very odd and he was not acting like perhaps, a sober person would. It was very suspicious, and we called law enforcement to come, as this man was kind of lurking around. The officer sent was a very kind man who happened to be bald. As he was getting my statement he asked me why I found it odd this person asked for hair color. I was like, “Well, um officer, he was bald. He didn’t need hair color.” We all got a good laugh out of that.
Who most inspires your personal drive for success every day?
My husband Scott. He approaches nearly every task with a smile and positive attitude. He is an incredibly, dedicated hard worker. I admire so much about him, and want to make him proud, just as he makes me proud.
What is your best advice to women in Southwest Michigan looking to succeed, as you have, in business?
1.) Do what is best for you, and your situation. No one will ever have your back like you do.
2.) As women we are blessed with intuition. Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, go with your instinct.
3.) There are highs and lows but, not wins and losses. If something doesn’t go as planned, take the lesson learned as a gift.
What does your selection to the ranks of the Bold Women of Business from Moody on the Market mean to you?
I am incredibly humbled and honored by even being considered for this award. I absolutely love the title Bold Women of Business. Bold! What a powerful word, often women are described as mannerly, demure, I plan on using this honor to encourage other women in business to take the risks of changing the work situation they are in, the next move isn’t always the right move but, it is a step in the direction towards your success.
