Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikayla Stilwell.
Hi Mikayla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My Journey Into Cosmetology
My journey into cosmetology began back in 2017 when I enrolled at Federico Beauty Institute. Originally, I went to school with the intention of becoming a barber. Somehow, I ended up in the cosmetology program instead—and looking back, I am so grateful that I did.
I’ll be completely honest: before cosmetology school, I had no experience doing hair and absolutely no interest in becoming a hairstylist. I simply saw cosmetology as something I could fall back on—a way to make money if I needed to. My mindset was, “If it works out, it works out. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t.” I never could have imagined that it would eventually become my lifelong career.
Within my first two months of school, I absolutely hated it. I was going through an extremely difficult time in my life and struggling with depression. Eventually, I left school for about two to three months. During that time, I was in such a dark place that I wasn’t even taking care of my own hair or myself the way I normally would.
Then one day, I received a call from the school asking me to come back. They told me they were working on silk presses and needed models. I was completely against being a model, but somehow, I ended up sitting in that chair getting my hair done.
That moment changed everything.
There was something about getting my hair done that brought me back to life. For a moment, I felt happy again. I felt like I had been brought out of a dark place and back into the light. It was then that I realized the power that hairstylists have—not just to change someone’s appearance, but to change how someone feels about themselves.
I fell in love with hair that day.
From that moment forward, I knew I wanted to create that same feeling for other people. I wanted to be able to do someone’s hair and give them even a small piece of the happiness that I felt sitting in that chair.
Starting my career in Sacramento was not easy. I didn’t know many people, and I wasn’t originally from Sacramento, so building a clientele from the ground up was challenging. I had to start from scratch, put myself out there, and believe in myself even when I didn’t know where it would lead.
I was part of the last class that was able to take the cosmetology licensing exam before everything shut down because of COVID. At that point, I had a decision to make: wait until things settled down to start my business, or take a leap of faith and start anyway.
I chose to dive in—and it ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Within six months, I had grown my clientele. I worked at multiple locations throughout South Sacramento, continuing to learn, grow, and build my name. Eventually, that journey led me to Fair Oaks, and that’s where I truly feel like my business took off.
For the past five years, I have consistently stayed booked with very limited cancellations. What started as something I thought could simply be a hobby or a way to make some extra money turned into a career, a business, and a purpose.
For the past two and a half years, I have also had the opportunity to rent and operate salon studios. Today, I am proud to have more than 15 tenants renting from me and building businesses of their own.
When I look back, it’s crazy to think that all of this started with a girl who had never done hair, didn’t even want to do hair, and simply wanted something to fall back on.
Now, hairstyling isn’t just something I do—it’s a career I love, a business I’ve built, and a gift that has allowed me to help other people feel beautiful, confident, and happy.
Sometimes, the things we never planned for end up becoming the very things we were meant to do.
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?
Some of the biggest struggles I’ve experienced along the way have also been some of my greatest lessons. I’ve learned so much about myself—what services I genuinely enjoy offering, what type of environment I want to work in, and what environments I know are not right for me.
Honestly, I feel like I’ve experienced more challenges as a studio owner than I ever did as a hairstylist. Running my studios has opened my eyes to different forms of income and opportunities I never knew were possible, but it has also come with its own set of challenges and responsibilities.
Managing a space with multiple people means learning how to navigate different personalities, working with great tenants, dealing with difficult situations, and learning how to lead through both the good and the bad. At the same time, I’ve also found a sense of family within my studio. Watching everyone grow their own businesses and build their own clientele has become something I genuinely take pride in.
One of the things I love most about having a team of talented professionals under one roof is knowing that my clients always have options. If I’m not available to service someone, I can confidently refer them to someone in my studio who may have exactly what they’re looking for.
For me, it’s not just about building my own business anymore. It’s about creating a space where other people can grow, succeed, and feel like they’re part of something bigger. That has been one of the most unexpected and rewarding parts of my journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mulatto Hair ?
I specialize in natural hair care for ALL hair types. When people hear “natural hair care,” they often think it only applies to textured hair, but my approach is different. I believe every hair texture deserves the opportunity to become healthier, stronger, fuller, and longer. My goal is to help you understand your hair and create a routine that works specifically for you.
I’m also well known throughout the Sacramento area for my luxury silk press experience. Every silk press includes a scalp treatment, deep conditioning treatment, wash, blow-dry, press, haircut or trim, and styling — all for $130. My goal is for you to leave not only looking beautiful, but feeling like your hair has truly been cared for.
When you sit in my chair, we create personalized hair goals together. Whether you’re working toward length, fullness, healthier hair, protective styling, or simply learning how to better maintain your natural hair, I’m here to help you get there.
I offer a wide range of services, including protective styles, silk presses, curly hair services, haircuts, treatments, and more, but the foundation of everything I do is the health of your natural hair.
One of my biggest goals is for my clients to see noticeable progress within their first six months of working with me. Many of my clients experience growth and healthier hair because we work together consistently. Staying on track with your recommended trims, following your personalized at-home hair care routine, and maintaining your appointments all play a major role in reaching your goals.
I don’t just want to style your hair — I want to help you understand it, care for it, and watch it thrive.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Beyond my career and everything I have built, my family will always be what matters most to me. I am a proud mother of three amazing children, and I am incredibly grateful to have an amazing partner who has been my biggest support system throughout my journey.
We have been together for 11 years, and through every high and low, he has been my rock. I can remember coming home after making only $25 or $50 and feeling discouraged, wondering if I was ever going to make enough money to truly succeed. I would cry and question whether I was on the right path, and he would always remind me, “Your time will come. Just keep going.”
Those words have stayed with me throughout my journey. His encouragement, along with the love and motivation I receive from my children, continues to push me to work harder, dream bigger, and never give up on myself.
My family is a huge part of the reason I continue to pursue my goals. Everything I do is with the hope of creating a better future for them and showing my children what it looks like to believe in yourself, work hard, and continue moving forward even when things don’t happen overnight.
I am also incredibly grateful for every client who chooses me as their hairstylist and trusts me with their hair. Your support, loyalty, and belief in my work mean more to me than you know. Every appointment, referral, kind word, and returning client has played a part in allowing me to continue doing what I love.
My family keeps me going, and my clients remind me why I love what I do. I never take either for granted.
Pricing:
- Luxury Silkpress $130
- Haircut $30 trims $20
- Wash blowdry and trims $60
- Luxury curls $130
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Mulattohair_
- Facebook: Mulatto Hair
- Other: Tik tok: @mulattohair_
