Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Ybarra.
Hi Monica, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey in the beauty industry began in corporate salons, where I learned structure, systems, and the fundamentals of running a successful business. From there, I experienced commission-based private salons and booth rental environments, which gave me a clear understanding of what worked and just as importantly, what didn’t for both stylists and clients.
13 years ago, I opened Alter Salon in Belton, Texas, with the intention of creating something different. I wanted a salon that balanced professionalism with creativity, where stylists could build real careers and clients could feel comfortable being fully themselves. The name “Alter” reflects change, not just in hair, but in confidence, self-expression, and culture.
Over the years, Alter Salon has grown into a high-end, color-focused salon known for blonding, extensions, alternative styles, and an inclusive, laid-back environment. We’ve built a loyal clientele, an incredibly long-standing team, and a reputation for great hair paired with genuine connection. Today, Alter Salon is not just a business I own, it’s a community I’m proud to lead.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. One of the most challenging periods was during COVID, which tested every aspect of leadership. Beyond the operational uncertainty, it was incredibly difficult navigating a time when people held strongly differing views, often rooted in fear, personal values, and rapidly changing information.
As a salon owner, I had to balance safety, compliance, empathy, and business survival, all while supporting a team and clientele who didn’t always see eye to eye. That period forced me to truly listen, set clear boundaries, and determine what values were non-negotiable for the culture of the salon.
COVID clarified what was most important, respect, communication, flexibility, and compassion. It reshaped how I lead, how I support my team, and how I define success. Those lessons continue to guide the way Alter Salon operates today, helping us remain a strong, stable, and people-centered business even through uncertainty.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Alter Salon is a color-focused salon known for advanced blonding, creative color, and customized extension work. Our team specializes in multiple extension methods and is deeply committed to ongoing education, which allows us to create highly personalized results while maintaining the health of the hair. We’re known not just for technical skill, but for creating an environment that feels welcoming, inclusive, and genuinely comfortable for our clients.
What I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve built. We’ve maintained a long-standing team with very little turnover, which reflects our focus on sustainability, respect, and real career growth. Clients often say they feel seen and supported here, not just styled.
What sets us apart is our belief that hair services can be both transformative and deeply personal. As the industry evolves, we’re continuing to expand our focus on hair restoration solutions including toppers and custom hairpieces — to better support individuals experiencing thinning, medical hair loss, or life transitions. This work aligns closely with our values of compassion, dignity, and meeting people where they are, both inside and beyond the salon.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success by the well-being of the people around me. Knowing my team is both mentally and financially secure matters more to me than any individual milestone. I trust my ability to take care of myself, but true success comes from being fully invested in creating stability, growth, and happiness for others. When my team feels supported and fulfilled, everything else follows.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.altersalon.com/team
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altersalon
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salonalter
Image Credits
John.johns photos
