Daily Inspiration: Meet Ellie Mulqueen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellie Mulqueen.

Hi Ellie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was just 18 years old when I decided to take a leap that most people thought was crazy. I dropped out of college, looked at my parents, and said, “I want to chase this dream of doing bridal hair.” And instead of doubting me, they smiled. They never once questioned me, never once told me I couldn’t do it—they just cheered me on. That kind of belief gave me the courage to pour my whole heart into what would become Braids by Ellie.

I didn’t start in a fancy salon or with a huge budget. I started in one of my parents’ extra rooms. I turned that small space into a tiny salon, my very first “studio.” It was simple, but it was mine. And in that little room, with just my hands and a vision, my dream began to grow.

The beginning wasn’t easy—far from it. I spent nights away from my friends, missing out on family time, and working for little to no pay. My first year, I did almost everything for free. I hustled, I practiced, I stayed up late, and in the first two years, I barely made $10,000. To some, that would’ve felt like failure. But to me, it was fuel. I knew deep down that if I just kept showing up, if I just kept putting in the work, something beautiful was waiting for me on the other side.

I grew up traveling the world with my parents, and that instilled in me a love for freedom and adventure. That’s what I wanted for myself—to live a life on my own terms, doing something I loved, and to build a business that could give me that same independence.

By the time I turned 21, after three years of sacrifice and grinding, my calendar was finally full. Fully booked. That moment felt like validation—that every long night, every tear, every time I chose my dream over instant comfort—it had all been worth it.

Since then, the blessings have been beyond what I could have imagined at 18. I’ve been honored with awards like Best Arizona Hairstylist and recognized among the Top 10 Best Hairstylists in the USA. My work has been published in magazines I used to only dream of being in. I put myself through cosmetology school with nothing but grit and hard work, and today, I’ve opened not one, but two salon suites.

But the milestone that fills my heart the most? I’ve had the privilege of styling hair for over 800 weddings since opening Braids by Ellie. Eight hundred brides who trusted me with one of the most important days of their lives. Every single one of them a reminder that this dream, born in a little room in my parents’ house, has touched far more lives than I ever thought possible.

And the best part is sharing this with my parents—the two people who believed in me when I was just a scared 18-year-old with a wild dream. They’ve watched me stumble, grow, and expand, and now they get to see the success they always knew I was capable of. I couldn’t do it without those two. Truly.

This journey has been anything but easy. It’s been sacrifice, sweat, and sleepless nights. But it’s also been joy, growth, and freedom. And if there’s one thing my story proves, it’s this: you don’t need to start big. You just need to start. With passion, hard work, and faith in yourself, you can turn a tiny room in your parents’ house into a business, a dream, and a life you’re proud of.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. In the beginning, I was working out of a room in my parents’ house, doing hair for free, missing out on time with friends, and barely making any money. I had to build everything from scratch like my skills, my clientele, and my confidence. I was learning how to run a business at the same time I was learning how to be a stylist, which came with a lot of trial and error.

But those challenges are what made me resilient. The hard years are the reason my business looks the way it does today.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a bridal hairstylist and the owner of Braids by Ellie. I specialize in romantic, timeless, and detailed bridal styles especially braids and textured updos. I’m known for creating hair that looks effortless in person but photographs beautifully.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built and the trust brides place in me. I’ve had the honor of styling over 800 weddings, and every single one feels special. I’m also proud of earning awards like Best Arizona Hairstylist and being named one of the Top 10 Hairstylists in the USA, as well as opening two salon suites before the age of 25.

What sets me apart is the experience I give my brides. I’m calm, detail-oriented, and fully focused on making their morning feel easy and enjoyable. I care about the hair, but I also care about the energy in the room. My goal is always the same: to make my brides feel not just beautiful, but taken care of.

What does success mean to you?
For me, success isn’t just awards or being fully booked. It’s waking up every day excited to do what I love, creating a life on my own terms, and making brides feel confident and cared for on one of the biggest days of their lives.

Success is also knowing that the 18 year old version of me would be proud. If I can look at my life and say, “I built this with hard work, passion, and intention,” then that’s success to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.braidsbyellie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braidsbyellie__