Today we’d like to introduce you to Mickey Cohen.
Hi Mickey, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My name is Mickey (like the mouse) and I have been taking creative liberties with peoples’ hair for almost a decade. Growing up I was the typical “scene kid” that had always felt compelled to experiment with gothic aesthetics. I was also known as the girl with the ever-evolving hair colors, which kind of helped solidify my goals in life regarding the cosmetology industry.
The plan at the time? Run my own salon and make people feel/look great.
I was able to complete my cosmetology licensure earlier than expected through a program at my local high school and then worked my way up; from a Sephora educator to a stylist, to a finally a salon manager at the age of 21.
After COVID hit, I had decided to take a step back from salon management and focus more on what my next big milestones in my career would be. I had already hit my endgame of running my own salon… so, what’s next? My fiancé encouraged me to tap into my spooky and creative side in whatever venture I took on next, and it gave me the idea for creating horror-inspired wigs.
In April of 2021, Swamp Witch Wigs was born, and since then it has taken on a life of its own.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Surprisingly it has been smoother than expected. As an established stylist with loyal and open-minded clientele, I have been able to experiment a bit more than I think the average small business would.
Especially in the horror and drag community, people are far more open to new ideas to convey their love for their characters.
You want a Carrie-inspired unit that makes it look like blood got dunked on you? You got it!
You want a unit that makes you look like a glamorous Peppa Pig with pink curls? I can make it happen! Lol.
The possibilities are really only limited by our imagination I suppose.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Central Florida-based wig artist and cosmetologist that specializes in creative and corrective coloring. Not only do I make my own wigs inspired by my favorite movies in the horror genre, but I have been able to work with multiple creatives in the Orlando market (and even across North America) to help them bring their visions to life. I have also been honored to create custom units for people who are undergoing large events in their life such as transitioning, alopecia, and even cancer. It’s become a way to give back to my community and I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity to do what I love and help others at the same time.
What do you think about happiness?
Making other people feel comfortable and beautiful in their own skin brings me the most joy… I think my career has always been the gateway for that. (After all, our hair is the crown that we wear every day.)
There is nothing more pure than a client getting excited over their first “crazy hair color”. There is nothing more humbling than a sickly patient seeing themselves with hair for the first time in weeks. There is nothing more satisfying than a member of the LGBTQ+ community feeling that they are reflecting their authentic self with a wig.
Pricing:
- Custom units tend to begin at $150.
- Pricing for other cosmetology services can be discussed through direct message via email.
Contact Info:
- Email: swampwitchwigs@gmail.com
- Instagram: @swampwitchwigs
- Other: TikTok @swampwitchwigs
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