Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Wince.
Hi Megan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The Story Behind Dolls&Flaws: Beauty in All Imperfection
My journey in the beauty industry began in 2012 in Manassas, Virginia, when I enrolled in cosmetology school. Growing up, I had always been drawn to beauty, but I never imagined that owning a salon would one day become my reality. At the time, I viewed hairstyling as a potential backup plan while I figured out what I wanted to do with my life. However, once I began school, I quickly fell in love with the craft and discovered a passion I didn’t even know I had.
Shortly after starting school, I found out I was going to become a mother for the first time. Balancing the challenges of school while preparing for motherhood wasn’t always easy, and there were moments when I questioned whether I would make it to the finish line. Despite those challenges, I persevered, graduated, and earned my cosmetology license. That experience taught me early on that even when the road ahead feels uncertain, determination can carry you further than you ever imagined.
I began my career working at a walk-in salon in Warrenton, Virginia, where I focused on perfecting my skills and building a strong foundation. I continued to invest in myself by taking classes, learning new techniques, and gaining experience. I later moved to another salon farther from home, where I had the opportunity to meet wonderful people and continue growing professionally.
Like many people starting out in their careers, I initially thought success would come quickly. When I realized that building a clientele and creating financial stability would take time, I made the decision to return to college while also returning to my roots in Culpeper, Virginia. I began working out of my mother’s basement, not knowing that this chapter would become a major turning point in my life.
As word spread and my clientele grew, so did my vision. I knew I wanted to offer my clients more than just a hair appointment. I wanted to create an experience—a welcoming space where people could feel comfortable, confident, and cared for. That vision became a reality in 2018 when I opened my first salon alongside my best friend.
The name Dolls&Flaws represents the heart of my vision. As beauty professionals, we love making people feel like dolls—beautiful, confident, and special. But the truth is, no matter how perfect we may try to appear, we all have flaws. I wanted the name to be a reminder that imperfections are a natural part of being human and that beauty doesn’t require perfection. That belief is captured in our slogan: “There is beauty in all imperfection.” To me, beauty is about more than how you look; it’s also about embracing who you are and feeling comfortable in your own skin.
The personality and atmosphere of Dolls&Flaws are also inspired by my love for pink, vintage beauty, and the charm of the 1950s. I’ve always been drawn to the iconic models, timeless glamour, and feminine style of that era. Beyond the fashion and beauty, I appreciate the sense of genuine connection and wholesome charm that I associate with that time. I wanted to bring a little of that nostalgic feeling into my brand while creating a space that feels warm, welcoming, and authentic. I want people to walk through our doors and feel that they are part of something special.
Since opening in 2018, life and business have continued to evolve. My best friend has since gone on to pursue another journey, while I have continued to nurture and grow Dolls&Flaws. What began as a shared dream has become a deeply personal part of my life, representing years of hard work, sacrifice, growth, and the belief that I could build something of my own.
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been the relationships I’ve built with my clients and employees. So many of those relationships have grown into something that feels like family. Being able to serve my hometown, create a welcoming environment, and give back to the community whenever I can is something I will always value. Dolls&Flaws has become so much more than a salon to me; it’s a place where people can come not only to feel beautiful but also to feel welcomed, appreciated, and connected.
When I look back at where I started—from cosmetology school to working out of my mother’s basement and eventually opening my own salon—I feel incredibly grateful. My journey hasn’t been without challenges, but every chapter has helped shape the business owner and woman I am today.
Dolls&Flaws would not be what it is today without the continued support and trust of my clients. I know there are many wonderful options in our community, and I never take it for granted that people continue to choose me and my business. Their loyalty, encouragement, and support have helped make this dream possible.
Ultimately, I hope Dolls&Flaws represents more than beautiful hair or a pretty pink salon. I hope it represents confidence, authenticity, connection, and the understanding that we don’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. I’m proud to serve the community that helped shape me, and I’m excited to continue growing, giving back, and creating a space where everyone who walks through our doors feels like a doll—flaws and all.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but looking back, I can honestly say that every challenge has taught me something valuable. Just a couple of months after opening, COVID hit, forcing us to shut down at a time when we were just getting started. It was an incredibly challenging experience, especially when you’re trying to build something from the ground up and suddenly have so much uncertainty about the future.
Another big learning experience has been navigating the journey of business ownership and how much it can change along the way. I started this journey with my best friend, and over time, I had to learn how to carry things forward on my own. That transition taught me a lot about myself, my strength, and what it truly takes to keep something going.
Throughout the years, I’ve also experienced the challenges that come with building a team, saying goodbye to employees, welcoming new ones, and learning how to grow as a leader. Every experience has taught me something new about patience, adaptability, and the importance of trusting myself through the process.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that building something you believe in requires resilience. There will be unexpected challenges, changes you never planned for, and moments when things feel harder than you imagined. But when you truly believe in what you’re doing, you find a way to keep going. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but every obstacle has helped shape me, strengthen me, and remind me why I started in the first place.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Dolls&Flaws?
As the owner of the salon, I also work full-time behind the chair as a hairstylist, so I get to experience both sides of the business every day. My specialty is custom color and color corrections, which is what many of my clients know me best for. I love being able to transform someone’s hair and help them feel like the best version of themselves, whether that means a subtle change or a complete transformation.
But for me, it’s about so much more than just the hair. One of the things I take the most pride in is the relationships I build with my clients. I want everyone who sits in my chair to feel comfortable, welcomed, and confident enough to be themselves. I want my chair to be a safe space where people can come in, relax, talk about anything, and leave not only loving their hair but also feeling good about themselves. Making people feel seen, heard, and beautiful is just as important to me as the work I do.
One of the things I’m most proud of about our brand is how different and personal we’ve made the salon. From the pink color palette and 1950s-inspired theme to the details throughout the space and the meaning behind our name, everything was created to give the salon its own personality. I wanted to create something that felt fun, unique, and completely different from what you might typically find in our small town. I love that we’ve been able to build a space that reflects who we are rather than trying to fit into what everyone else is doing.
At the heart of it all, we’re a small, personal beauty boutique where everyone is welcome. We want people to feel excited to walk through our doors, comfortable enough to be themselves, and confident when they walk back out. Whether someone is coming in for a major hair transformation, a little refresh, or simply some time for themselves, we want their experience to feel special from beginning to end.
More than anything, I want people to know that there’s a lot of heart behind this brand. We’re passionate about what we do, we care deeply about the people who sit in our chairs, and we want everyone who visits us to feel like they belong. We’re proud to offer something a little different, and we can’t wait to welcome more people into our little pink Doll House.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think the beauty industry is going to evolve tremendously over the next 5–10 years, especially when it comes to technology. There are already so many new tools and innovations that I haven’t even had the chance to experience yet, and I can only imagine what’s coming next. I could see things like robotic assistants, automatic color-mixing systems, and other advanced technologies becoming more common in salons. It will be interesting to see how much the industry changes and what new innovations become a part of our everyday lives as hairstylists.
I also think trends will continue to evolve at an incredibly fast pace. With social media right at our fingertips, inspiration is constantly changing, and new techniques, colors, and styles can gain popularity almost overnight. I think we’ll continue to see a mix of new trends we never expected alongside older trends making their way back around with a modern twist. In this industry, there’s always something new to learn, try, and keep up with, which is part of what makes it so exciting.
Even with all the changes in technology and trends, I believe the personal side of the beauty industry will always be important. Hair is such a creative and personal service, and the connection between a stylist and their client is something that will always matter. I think the future will be about embracing new ideas, staying open to change, and continuing to grow with the industry while still providing the personal touch and experience that make people feel special when they sit in our chairs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Dollsandflaws.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialdollsandflaws?psln=c2F1ZXFqYmszM250&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialdollsandflaws?
