Megan Willson

Tell us about yourself!

Megan began her hairstyling journey in Las Vegas in 2007, where she trained and worked shortly after graduating. She later took time away from the salon to raise her four children and navigate moves across multiple states.
Her passion for hair never left. Upon returning to the industry in 2019, Megan completed a one-year color apprenticeship under the guidance of the talented stylists at Deep Roots ATX in Texas. That experience reignited her love for creating dimensional, natural color and helping clients feel their most confident.
At Gem Salon, Megan specializes in brunettes with warm dimension, blondes, lived-in color, and soft, blended highlights—always with an emphasis on wearability and healthy hair. Clients love her warm, approachable personality, eye for detail, and the genuine care she brings to every appointment.

What’s your experience?: Megan brings over 15 years of experience behind the chair, with a career that’s taken her from Las Vegas to Austin and now to Minnesota. After taking time away to raise her four children, she returned to the industry in 2019 with an intense one-year apprenticeship at Deep Roots, one of Austin’s top salons, where she trained as a color specialist.
She went on to build a thriving independent business in Austin, known for her expertise in dimensional color, blondes, and lived-in styles. Now at Gem Salon, Megan combines her technical skills with a warm, welcoming approach, helping every client leave feeling confident, refreshed, and truly seen.

What’s your specialty?: Megan specializes in creating dimensional, natural-looking color that enhances each client’s features and lifestyle. She loves working with brunettes with warm dimension and lived-in, low-maintenance blondes that grow out seamlessly. Her approach is all about healthy, wearable hair—beautiful color and cuts that look amazing the day you leave the salon and stay effortless in the weeks after.

Why do you love what you do?: Megan knew she wanted to be a hairstylist at just five years old and has never wavered from that dream. A naturally creative person, she loves that doing hair allows her to express her artistry while also connecting with people on a deeper, more genuine level.
For Megan, the most fulfilling part of her career is making someone feel as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside, while sharing stories, laughs, and life moments in her chair. To her, it’s more than just hair—it’s about building lasting relationships and creating confidence, which makes this career the most rewarding she could ever imagine.

How do you express yourself? : Megan expresses herself by showing up authentically and staying true to who she is. Through her creativity with hair, her personal style, and the genuine relationships she builds with clients, she brings her whole self into her work every day.

How do you get out of a creative rut?: Megan gets out of a creative rut by researching new trends, continuing her education, and finding inspiration from other talented hairstylists. Stepping back to recharge, staying curious, and bringing fresh ideas back behind the chair keeps her passion and creativity flowing.

Where do you go in the Twin Cities to be inspired?: Megan finds inspiration at the lake or anywhere in nature, soaking in the beauty of each season. She especially loves boating and feels grateful for the 10,000-plus lakes that offer a chance to pause and recharge. Outside of nature, Megan is a huge foodie and enjoys discovering new restaurants and cozy coffee shops around the Twin Cities. She also spends a lot of her time in hockey rinks, ballet studios, and football fields, cheering on her kids and finding joy in their passions.

Most noteworthy era?: For Megan, the 90s will always be iconic—less screen time, more real connection, and let’s be honest… those chunky phones were way easier to hang up on. When it comes to hair and fashion though, nothing beats the drama of the 18th century à la Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette: sky-high wigs, over-the-top gowns, and enough extravagance to make even the 90s look low-key.

What do you do for self-care?: For Megan, self-care means carving out time to recharge both mind and body. She loves getting in a good workout, spending time in the sauna, and being out on the lake whenever she can. Quiet moments with a coffee, good food, or simply enjoying nature help her reset. She also loves curling up with a good book—whether it’s a lighthearted rom-com or a gripping psychological thriller. Cheering on her kids at hockey, ballet, and football brings her joy in the busiest seasons of life. And when all else fails, a little retail therapy never hurts.

Piece of advice for those struggling with self-confidence?: Megan’s advice is to remember that confidence doesn’t come from fitting into someone else’s mold—it comes from embracing who you truly are. Focus on what makes you unique, surround yourself with people who lift you up, and don’t be afraid to express yourself authentically. Even small changes, like a fresh haircut or color, can be the spark that helps you see the beauty that’s already there. Confidence is built one step at a time, and you are more than enough exactly as you are.

Must-have product at Gem?: Mr Smith Texture Spray