Monarca Salon Space

Joanna opened Monarca Salon Space in downtown Elgin in 2019 and built it while working as a stylist herself. Rather than employing a team, the salon rents space to independent stylists, each of whom runs her own business. The name comes from the monarch butterfly. The salon describes itself as a hair salon of Latina stylists, with a culture that is Latina-led but open to any stylist who fits it.

Members set their own services, prices, schedules and client lists, and clients book directly with the individual stylist rather than with the salon. The salon takes no cut of what stylists earn. Members receive six weeks of maternity leave with their spot kept for them, and two weeks of vacation a year that they choose, with no rent due during that time.

Members get one-on-one business coaching with Joanna, who meets with each member about pricing, client retention and the areas they want to grow. In-house education covers technical skills and the business side of running a chair. Marketing support includes photography, branding and social media guidance, along with member-only events.

The salon is in a historic building with exposed brick and arched ceilings. Members have a lounge, unlimited coffee, professional cleaning, 24/7 salon access and on-site laundry. Every stylist is bilingual in English and Spanish, and clients who are unsure which stylist to choose can take a quiz to be matched. A free parking garage is about half a block away at E. Chicago St. and N. Spring St., and a nearby lot is about one block away at E. Highland Ave. and Douglas Ave. Street parking is limited to two hours on weekdays before 5 PM, and is free and unlimited after 5 PM and on weekends.

Each stylist runs her own business inside a shared space, setting her own services, pricing, schedule and client list. The salon aims to be a supportive place where women can build their businesses on their own terms.

A historic downtown building with exposed brick, arched ceilings and a comfortable lounge.