Meet Meghan Balkan

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Meghan Balkan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Meghan, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I think my work ethic comes from my parents and my husband. I grew up in a working class family which meant both of my parents worked outside the home as long as I can remember. My dad is a self employed brick and stone mason. He started working at 10 years old as an apprentice to master brick mason and never stopped working. My mom is the oldest of 5 siblings and a coda (hearing child to deaf parents). Once she could speak she became her parents interpreter to the outside world. A job she took very seriously and still does to this day. Both of my parents grew up in extremely modest families where everyone went to work everyday. Bills needed to be paid. No hand outs were taken. Nothing was fancy but there was always food on the table and extended family to visit on the weekends. My husband grew up in an impoverished neighborhood of Istanbul, Türkiye. Until he was 10 years old, his family lived in a run-down one bedroom apartment inside the ancient city. His parents worked hard to move up social ladder. As a child, he had a natural entrepreneurial spirit, often selling school supplies to his classmates. His free time was spent playing soccer in the streets or working alongside his Dad, learning valuable life lessons. I am a firm believer in the concept of “You are who you surround yourself with.”

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’ve always been drawn to creativity, art, transformation and the little details that make people feel like the best version of themselves. I discovered my passion of the beauty industry when I was only 16 years old. Once I finished cosmetology school and was licensed, I immediately got to work as a hair stylist. From that point on my entire life revolved around the beauty industry and I was obsessed. Hair color quickly became my specialty. I invested in myself over and over again with education and trade shows. I’ve worked every type of salon job, from receptionist all the way to owner.
I really feel at home in my newest salon business, Bond Beauty Collective. I opened the space in August 2023. The salon is located in downtown Shawnee Kansas, which happens to be my hometown. Downtown Shawnee has been revitalized over the last few years. This has brought amazing locally owned small businesses to the area. I feel lucky to be a part of this community.

My journey into the beauty industry started with a love for artistry and connection. I’ve always been deeply intuitive, which helps me see people beyond just their hair. I know that a great color isn’t just about technique; it’s about understanding someone’s lifestyle, personality and what makes them feel beautiful. That’s why I focus on custom hair color techniques that grow out seamlessly and enhance each person’s unique features.

Beyond the salon, my world is full of adventure, learning and connection. I’m a wife and a mom, always balancing the beautiful chaos of family life. I love traveling, especially finding hidden gems that feel like a step back in time—whether it’s a quiet beach town or a place rich with history. My husband’s roots in Istanbul have given me a deep appreciation for different cultures, perspectives and the way people experience the world. At home, I love spending time outdoors, making our house a home and finding simple joys in everyday life.

My brand is built on artistry, trust and a genuine love for people. I don’t just do hair—I help people feel at home in themselves, whether in my chair or in the connections I build along the way.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Develop your intuition and connection with people:
Listen more than you speak. Take the time to truly understand people—not just their words, but their emotions, body language, and energy. The better you connect with your clients, the better you can create something that fits them. Building relationships is just as important as building skill.

2. Strong creativity and artistic vision:
Never stop being curious. Inspiration is everywhere—art, nature, culture and fashion all influence how we see color and beauty. Push yourself outside your comfort zone, experiment and trust your artistic instincts. The more you practice, the more confident and refined your work will become. Be open to growth and change. Stay curious, invest in education and don’t be afraid to shift when something no longer aligns with your values or goals. Every challenge is an opportunity to refine your craft.
3. Build consistency and work ethic:
Show up and put in the work—even when it’s hard. Talent will only take you so far; success comes from dedication and persistence. Consistency in how you treat clients, how you refine your skills and how you present yourself will build trust and long-term success. The people who succeed aren’t always the most talented—they’re the ones who commit to showing up every single day and improving a little at a time.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to create a balanced environment of unwavering support and disciplined guidance. My mom played the biggest role in building my confidence and self esteem. She encouraged me to participate in every dance class, competition, performance, beauty pageant, or modeling class. She would drive me hours away for modeling jobs and dance competitions. At the same time, my parents maintained a strict approach, always knowing where I was and who I was spending time with. This structure might have seemed limiting, but it instilled in me a strong sense of independence and self-reliance. Their careful balance of support and discipline laid the foundation for my personal and professional growth, teaching me that with both guidance and accountability, I could achieve anything I set my mind to.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bondbeautycollective.com
• Instagram: @meghanbalkan