Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Mickles.
Hi Michelle, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
What started as a teenage apprenticeship in Germany became a lifelong journey of learning, mentoring, and eventually opening my own salon. I grew up between the U.S. and Germany, spending the majority of my childhood and teenage years in Germany, which shaped my perspective, work ethic, and approach to the craft. When I moved to Columbia, South Carolina, in 2013, I chose to go through cosmetology school once again here in the U.S. to fully immerse myself in the American beauty industry. After graduating from Paul Mitchell, I began as a salon trainee at a highly regarded Columbia salon known for its training, where I further honed my skills and eventually became an Artistic Team member, mentoring new employees while continuing to build my own clientele.
In 2019, I moved into booth rental closer to home, growing my skills and loyal clientele, which eventually gave me the confidence to take the next step.
I began One.11 Hair Loft in early 2024 and proudly opened in May 2025, building the salon from the ground up alongside contractors—a space that reflects everything I’ve learned over two decades of artistry, education, and leadership.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been hard? Absolutely. Balancing raising three children while building a career is never easy, especially as a military spouse living away from home and family support, where you often have to prioritize your husband’s career before your own. Consistency and determination have carried me through, but opening One.11 Hair Loft brought a whole new set of challenges—I had to learn about construction, contractors, licensing, and permits from scratch. I honestly didn’t know where to even start at first, but every obstacle became a learning opportunity. The process was demanding, but incredibly rewarding, and it reinforced that with focus, perseverance, and the support of family, friends and a loyal clientele, you really can turn a vision into reality.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At One.11 Hair Loft, we offer a full range of hair and beauty services, including cuts, color, extensions, lash and brow treatments, waxing, facials, and spray tans. What sets us apart is our team of passionate beauty industry professionals who bring expertise, creativity, and personalized care to every client. We prioritize ongoing education and staying on top of the latest trends so every service is precise, modern, and tailored to the individual.
I’m most proud of the environment we’ve built—a space that’s professional yet fun, where clients feel right at home. Many tell they love the atmosphere, how comfortable and welcoming it feels, and that they enjoy every visit. At One.11 Hair Loft, it’s not just about the services we offer, but how we make people feel: confident, beautiful, and cared for every time they visit.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I see the beauty industry moving toward more holistic, personalized experiences—clients want to feel confident, cared for, and pampered, not just get a haircut or color. Sustainability, clean beauty, and technology to improve bookings and consultations are also shaping the future. While many industry professionals are moving toward salon suites, I intentionally opened One.11 Hair Loft to keep the sense of community alive. I wanted a space where beauty professionals can collaborate, support each other, share ideas, and have fun together—creating an atmosphere that clients can feel and enjoy as well. Community, connection, and creativity are what set our salon apart.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/one.11hairloft
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576596935199
- Other: https://www.vagaro.com/one11hairloft
