Seven years ago, I stood in an empty space with more hope than answers. The kind of hope that whispers “what if…” and makes you want to throw up a little because it’s terrifying and electric and thrilling all at once. That space would become Mosaic 1.0. And I had no idea just how much it would shape not only my career but my entire identity as a woman, a mother, a creative, and a leader.

Today, on the heels of celebrating Mosaic’s seventh anniversary, I’m feeling all the things: gratitude, disbelief, nostalgia, pride, and, most surprisingly, excitement that feels eerily similar to what I felt that very first day. The difference? Now I’ve got seven years of experience (and probably seven years of mistakes) behind me, and I know we’re just getting started.

So let’s rewind for a minute. Because I think our story deserves to be told—messy, beautiful, and real. And if you’ve been with us from the beginning, thank you. If you just found us recently, welcome. This is where it all began.

The Origin Story: Built From Guts, Grace, and Good Hair

Mosaic wasn’t born out of a perfect business plan or a pile of investor money. It was born out of a deep knowing that the way things had always been done in the beauty industry just didn’t sit right with me. I had worked in salons where creativity was stifled, where leadership meant control rather than care, and where burnout was a badge of honor.

I kept thinking, There has to be a better way. What if a salon could be more than just a place to get your hair done? What if it could be a space where women felt powerful, seen, inspired—not only our clients, but our team too?

That dream started as a whisper. Then it became a notebook full of scribbles and sketches. Then it became conversations with people I trusted. And eventually, it became the scariest document I’ve ever signed (my first lease).

I called it Mosaic because I loved the idea that we are each made up of different pieces—stories, experiences, scars, beauty—and when put together, they create something breathtaking. Something whole. That philosophy has guided everything I’ve built since.

Year One: Fake It ‘Til You Break (Then Cry in the Bathroom and Do It Anyway)

Those early days were WILD. I was doing everything—booking appointments, sweeping hair, managing inventory, doing color corrections on three hours of sleep, and googling things like “how to unclog a drain” and “what is a P&L.”

I look back at photos from that first year and laugh because I look so…fresh. Like I had no idea what was coming. (Spoiler: I didn’t.) But what I did have was a deep, unwavering belief that we were building something meaningful. Lot’s of days felt hard, but I never once felt like it was a mistake.

What kept me going? Our clients. The people who walked through our doors and trusted us—not just with their hair, but with their confidence, their stories, their time. And the team that said yes to the vision, even when we were flying by the seat of our high-waisted jeans.

Growing Pains, Glow-Ups, and the Power of Reinvention

There have been seasons where everything felt like it clicked—when the culture felt electric, the work was flowing, and I’d go home feeling like YES. THIS is what I was made to do.

And then, inevitably, there have been seasons where everything felt like it was falling apart. Leadership is not for the faint of heart. I’ve made mistakes. I’ve had to let people go. I’ve questioned my own worth. I’ve cried after team meetings and stayed up late wondering if I was cut out for this.

But every hard season forced me to get clearer. About our values. About what kind of leader I want to be. About what Mosaic is really here to do. And those lessons? They’ve made us stronger.

Mosaic is not just a salon anymore. It’s a living, breathing ecosystem of creativity, education, empowerment, and—yes—some really damn good hair. We’ve grown our bridal team, launched extension education programs, expanded our product offerings, and created a space that people travel to experience.

And through it all, I’ve grown too.

What I’ve Learned As a Founder (The Hard Way, Mostly)

If I could go back and tell 2018-me a few things, here’s what I’d say:

• You don’t have to know everything. Just be willing to learn and ask for help. No one builds anything alone.
• Boundaries are not mean. They’re kind. They protect the vision and the people building it.
• Your team will mirror your energy—good and bad. Take care of yourself.
• Success won’t feel how you think it will. Celebrate the small wins.
• Your worth isn’t tied to the numbers. Or the Instagram likes. Or the opinions of people who don’t get it.
• Rest is not weakness. It’s strategic.

There’s no manual for building a business while raising babies and trying to stay true to your values. But damn, I’m proud of how far we’ve come.

What’s Next for Mosaic?

Here’s the part that gives me goosebumps. Seven years in, and I feel like we’re entering our most exciting chapter yet.

We’re dreaming bigger. We’re refining what we offer. We’re investing in our team in deeper ways—personally and professionally. We’re exploring partnerships that reflect our values around clean beauty and sustainability. We’re pouring into education and mentorship. And we’re continuing to create a space where artistry and authenticity can coexist.

The world doesn’t need more cookie-cutter salons. It needs spaces that honor people. That welcome vulnerability. That prioritize health and wholeness over hustle and hype. That’s what Mosaic will always be.

Whether you’ve been in our chair once or a hundred times, thank you. You’re a piece of our mosaic. And we wouldn’t be here without you.

To My Team, My People, My Why

This anniversary isn’t mine alone, it’s ours. To the team who’s weathered storms with me, celebrated wins with me, challenged me, supported me, and made Mosaic what it is—thank you. You are the heart of this place.

To my family, thank you for the sacrifices you’ve made to make this dream possible. For holding me up when I didn’t think I could go another day. For being my soft place to land when I came home tired and unsure.

To every client who has trusted us, cheered for us, and spread the word—thank you. Your loyalty is the reason we’re still here. You are our best marketing strategy, hands down.

And to you reading this, wondering if your wild dream is worth chasing? Let this be your sign. It will never be easy. But it will be worth it.

Cheers to Seven Years

Seven is the number of completion, they say. But this doesn’t feel like an ending. It feels like a beginning.

I don’t know exactly what the next seven years will hold, but I know who we are. I know what we stand for. And I know that as long as we keep showing up with heart, courage, and a little grit, we’ll keep creating something beautiful.

Thank you for being part of our story.

Here’s to the past that shaped us, the present that grounds us, and the future that calls us forward.

With all my love and gratitude,
Kendra