Get to Know...Malissa Skrastins of MK Willow & Co. Salon
We love the courage and grit displayed by small business owners who are following their passions. After 16 years of working in a salon, Malissa Skrastins and Kasie Peak decided to purchase a salon and make it their own. We asked Malissa to help us get to know her and MK Willow & Co. Salon a little bit better:
Name: Malissa Skrastins
Business: MK Willow & Co. Salon
Title: Owner
How would you describe your business to someone who hasn't had the chance to visit yet?
MK Willow & Co. Salon is a full-service salon focusing on natural and organic hair care.
Tell us the origin story of MK Willow & Co. Salon.
After 16 years working for Eden Salon, we purchased Eden on Western Avenue in October of 2018 and it became MK Willow & Co Salon. Same great staff and services you have received for 30 years!
What do you love about operating a small business in Oklahoma?
The local community of small business owners and having personal relationships with our guests. We know your families, your joys and trials, and we adore sharing them with you.
What challenges or risks have you faced operating a local business?
Competing with online or corporate companies where the money spent there doesn’t stay in our community.
What advice would you give to someone who dreams of starting their own business someday?
Work hard and listen to the advice of those more successful than yourself.
What are the most popular items that you sell? What are your favorite items?
Aveda Haircare / Evo Haircare
What’s your favorite thing about your job?
The people...both staff and guests, hands down.
What’s the hardest thing about your job?
When guests have to move away.
Who do you admire in your line of work? Do you have any professional heroes?
Jan Hill - owner of 3 successful salons including Eden Salon Oak Grove and Eden Downtown. We purchased Eden on Western Avenue from her in 2018.
Do you have any favorite moments or milestones since opening your business?
The support we feel from the incredible reviews we have been given on our FB page and Google reviews.
What is something that people might be surprised to learn about your business?
We are a woman-owned business.
What motivates you to keep doing what you're doing?
Again, the staff and the guests.
In your opinion, why is it important for people to support locally-owned businesses?
Because more of the income generated stays in our community. We support local schools, little league, charities, and fundraisers.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Ha! A dentist.
What was your first job?
I worked in a pear packing shed in Northern California.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Travel / live music / photography
MK Willow & Co. Salon is fully committed to the belief that what you put ON your body is as important as what you put IN your body. Stop by and say “hello” to Malissa, Kasie, and the team at 4200 N. Western Avenue in Oklahoma City, and make sure to show them your Keep It Local Card to receive 20% off a retail purchase. To learn more about their services and prices, or to book an appointment visit willowandcosalon.com (At the time of this post, MK Willow & Co. Salon was offering $20 off service for any new guest. Download the coupon from their website.)
