An Interview with the Owner

Lanna Welch Horton

Owner Of Olivia Presley Hair Co. and Monroe Hair Studio, Also hairstylist

How long have you been in the hair care industry? 17 as a stylist and 11 years as Owner of Monroe Hair Studio

What do you love about your job?

I love so many things about my job but what stands out is the long term relationships that I get to build with clients.

How did you get into this profession? Honestly out of high school I thought it would be fun and I am a hands on learner so it just seemed like a natural fit. Once I was fully emerged in the industry it was clear that there was an abundance of room to grow and learn so I’ve just never left.

How would you describe yourself in 3 words? Animated story teller!

What’s your secret to success? As a stylist proper communication with your client on realistic expectations with their hair is key. My personal secret to success across the board is leading with the ideal that every person matters. From the story they want to tell you while in your chair, to their signature hair color and cut that represents them. Every client has a unique story and identity. I love that I get to be a small part of that when they come into the doors at Olivia Presley Hair Co.

What is the “craziest” hair story that comes to mind? People tell you crazy things in general, there’s always lots of laughs in the salon. I should have started a quote book years ago. But as far as a crazy hair story…one of my clients texted me desperately. Her flat iron had sparked while flat ironing her long bands and melted the plates together on her hair. Needless to say she was feeling a bit panicked. But, she came to the right place! We were able to get her in immediately to handle her mini hair crisis and get her super cute bangs in place. It’s one we still giggle about every once in awhile together to this day.

Tell us more about you:

I’m a hair stylist with over 17 years of experience and the proud owner of Olivia Presley Hair Co. and Monroe Hair Studio.

Olivia Presley Hair Co. is named after my two daughters. These girls are what motivate my husband Jason and I every day and they are the reason I want to continue to work hard, and strive for success. As many of you can probably understand, being a mom, wife and business owner has its own challenges. I want to show my daughters that you can follow your passions—all of them. So this studio is a tribute to them and an example that hard work pays off!

I grew up in a small Texas town called Trenton, population 662. I received my cosmetology license when I was 19 and moved to San Marcos in 2003 to join my childhood friends who had just enrolled at Texas State. In my mind, I had moved to the big city. I can remember thinking to myself, ‘I will never learn my way around this town’. I landed my first job at Beauty Express at the outlet mall. It’s crazy to say I still have a handful of clients who I met there and who have stuck with me all the way to Olivia Presley Hair Co. After continuing to grow my client base and gain experience at two other salons it was time for me to take the plunge and open my own solon. So in 2009 at the age 25 I became the proud owner of Monroe Hair Studio. I have learned so much through the years. I have grown as a stylist and as a leader at the salon. The idea for Olivia Presley Hair Co. first began during the “dumpster fire” year that was 2020. Even though… scary times… leap of faith.

I knew that the beauty industry was a good fit for me right out of high school. As a business owner I am able to feel confident about this and have security knowing this is a service that will always need to be provided.

What I love about doing business with a company is feeling like I matter. This is something that is important to me. To feel wanted in an environment and know they truly care you are there. A place where everybody knows your name. That’s what we are all about at Olivia Presley Hair Co.

One of the best parts about my job is the long term relationships. I get to build lasting friendships and have instant gratification because all of our clients walk away with a fresh new look. What else can I say other than we have a blast! This type of career opportunity is part of what inspires me to continue growing our studio so that I can bring this same sense to my team of stylists.My secret to success is remembering that every person matters and is unique. From the story they want to tell you while in your chair to their signature hair color and cut that represents them. Truth be told you never know who’s going to be your walking billboard! I would have never guessed mine in the beginning. I love getting to hear about our client’s day-to-day lives and exciting milestones. There’s always lots of laughs in the salon. I should have started a quote book years ago.

Here at Olivia Presley Hair Co. we are about bringing a unique and personalized hair experience to each and every client. I can’t wait to see you at the salon!