Kierra Moog
Owner of Maude Salon
Age: 29
Location: Evans
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
I was born in Helena, Mont., and lived there until my family and I moved to Colorado when I was 12. My parents have always pushed me to be responsible and work hard for what I want. I always knew I wanted to be a hairstylist, so I graduated high school early and went straight to cosmetology school. After completing my schooling, I worked at a local salon for eight years before I decided it was time to open my own place.
Explain your career, achievements and professional highlights.
Making women feel beautiful has always been my passion. I originally thought I would become a makeup artist but realized I had a talent for hair. As a stylist, I also discovered a passion for coaching the next generation, which is what led me to open Maude Salon. I wanted a space where younger women could learn without the harshness that can happen in this industry. My business grew quickly and became a sought-after salon in Northern Colorado.
In what ways do you give back to the community?
I give back by sponsoring school events, dance events and even hosting events at my salon, such as one I recently hosted for mothers of children with autism. One of my main goals is to help the next generation, so this summer I partnered with Greeley-Evans School District 6 to provide internships for high school students. I will also be coaching and teaching in the district’s cosmetology program at the Career and Technical Education Center next year.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment or challenge you’ve overcome, either professionally or personally?
My biggest challenge was leaving the place where I worked for 10 years and opening my own business. I wasn’t met with a lot of support from my previous mentor, which was scary and hard. But my biggest accomplishment was proving people wrong and still moving forward no matter how scared I may have been.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
In five years, I hope to be in a bigger salon with more staff, continuing to educate the next generation in a safe space. In 10 years, I hope to step back from being a stylist and focus solely on my team and business.
What piece(s) of advice would you give to your younger self?
It’s going to be hard, and a lot of people are going to disappoint you. But staying true to yourself has brought so many things and people into your life you would have never dreamed to have. You are so smart and capable, so don’t ever give up. Everything always works out for you.
Tell us something unique about you.
I am big on standing up for what I believe is right. I am never afraid to speak up or speak out when needed. I love that about myself, and I think it’s great to be the voice for people when they sometimes can’t be the voice for themselves.
What led you to organize a food drive when SNAP benefits were suspended during the government shutdown? How much were you able to collect/donate?
I saw countless posts online of people struggling when SNAP benefits were paused. It was coming up on Thanksgiving, and I knew we could help. We offered people up to $5 off any of our services in exchange for five dry goods. We donated 930 pounds of food to the Weld Food Bank just in time for the holiday. My staff and the community really came together, and we were so proud.
How do you mentor the younger generation in your industry?
I’ve participated in career fairs at elementary schools, and I am involved with the Career and Technical Education Center at Greeley-Evans School District 6. Maude Salon is also hosting two high school interns for the summer. In addition, we have hosted interns from local beauty schools such as Designing Beauty Academy and Elysian Academy of Cosmetology to help them finish their hours in a salon rather than at school. I also mentor my staff as they move into their careers. Creating a safe space for others to learn and grow is the most important thing in my life.
