Mona Lisa Salon & Marketplace Ministries

I embarked on my professional journey immediately after high school, fueled by the dream of establishing my own salon. During my time in school, I met my husband, and as we discussed our aspirations, he suggested naming it “Mona Lisa Salon” – a unique choice that stood out from typical salon names and incorporated my own name. Following our marriage, we purchased our first home, and when the moment arrived to christen our business, I insisted on “Mona Lisa Salon” as it was an integral part of our shared dream.

In 1991, we initiated the business in the front of our residence, initially unplanned when we purchased the house. Starting with two stations, over the years, we expanded to incorporate additional stations, a spa, and professionals in massage and nail services. In 2012, facing a transformative period, we acquired a vacant downtown building to establish a second location, responding to the overwhelming demand at our original salon.

Amidst various challenges, I completed my master’s degree in theology. Seeking fresh direction, my husband and I swiftly formalized the paperwork for a new venture – Marketplace Ministries. Despite skepticism about the speed of the administrative process, we began hosting weekly meetings at the downtown location, featuring speakers from national and international arenas.

After a series of impactful events, we decided to sell the downtown building and redirected our efforts towards ministering in the marketplace through speaking engagements. Marketplace Ministries, as my husband aptly put it, is wherever I am, with our residence serving as the physical address. The salon, boutique, and ministries seamlessly intertwine, creating a harmonious working dynamic.

While our journey didn’t unfold exactly as planned, it has proven to be even more rewarding. I firmly believe that every experience prepares us for our ultimate destiny. Although clarity may elude us during challenging times, I advocate for persevering and continuing to walk through life’s challenges, trusting in the path that God has guided us along.

Presently, we find ourselves back at our initial setup – a single salon and boutique. In 2023, we introduced a mobile boutique, and now we are venturing into the realm of online retail. The future promises more travel, and it feels like God is orchestrating a new chapter. None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the unwavering support, love, and insights of my devoted husband.