Marking a pivotal moment in her professional journey, Mary Koontz assumed ownership of Monarch Beauty Academy in 2023. Her more than 30 years of experience in the hair industry have added to the academy’s already sterling legacy, which spans six decades. Under Ms. Koontz’s vision for growth and leadership, Monarch Beauty Academy has expanded its offerings from two longstanding programs to four, introducing barbering and manicuring alongside the established cosmetology and aesthetics tracks. This expansion addressed a significant need within the Santa Clarita, California, community, as aspiring barbers previously had to travel to Los Angeles or beyond for training.
During her tenure as owner of Monarch Beauty Academy, Ms. Koontz has overseen substantial growth in student enrollment, increasing from just a handful at the start of her leadership to 60 students across all programs as of 2026. She is actively involved in every aspect of the academy’s operations, from admissions and daily management to organizing educational classes and networking with major companies. Ms. Koontz regularly brings in master educators and inspirational speakers, ensuring students receive comprehensive training and exposure to industry leaders. Her commitment extends beyond academics; she fosters a supportive environment where students are treated like family and encourages their personal and professional development. Underscoring the level of support she provides, Ms. Koontz held an event commemorating the popularity of Monarch Beauty Academy’s new barbering program and its first graduation. Through this, she honored the impact of the academy’s first licensed barber.
Prior to acquiring Monarch Beauty Communications, Ms. Koontz built a distinguished career of over 20 years at Verizon Communications. Beginning as a clerk and advancing to installation manager, she led crews that built networks and installed fiber and cable infrastructure for internet connectivity. While advancing within Verizon, Ms. Koontz continued to pursue her passion for hairdressing by working evenings as a stylist, balancing corporate responsibility with creative pursuits. Among her many accomplishments, she served as a hairdresser on movie sets and video shoots, honing her technical skills and adaptability within dynamic environments.
Before embarking upon her career journey, Ms. Koontz educated herself in the field. She completed beauty school immediately after high school — a decision inspired by her sister’s boyfriend, whose enthusiasm for hairdressing left a lasting impression on Ms. Koontz from a young age. Adding to her credentials, she holds several professional certifications: in teaching hair extensions techniques through Bellami, in microdermabrasion and other skin care procedures, and in aesthetics. This continued professional development reflects her commitment to excellence in service delivery.
Ms. Koontz has also showcased dedication to community engagement through her participation in local events and groups. She is an active member of the local Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau. In 2025, Ms. Koontz participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Chamber of Commerce’s grand opening, solidifying her role as a leader within the industry. Beyond her professional endeavors, she has also contributed to the community through fundraising and volunteer work with Bridge to Home and local food banks.
Noted for her achievements in the field, Ms. Koontz has been recognized through a number of accolades. Most notably, she was presented with an award by California Assemblywoman Pilar Shiavo. Ms. Koontz was named a Power Player of 2025 by Amaré Magazine and celebrated on the publication’s cover. She has also been featured by Canvas Rebel, Voyage LA Magazine and Santa Clarita Magazine.
Deeply valuing family involvement in both her personal life and business, Ms. Koontz is happily married and is a loving mother to two daughters. Her husband helps as a janitor at Monarch Beauty Academy, while her daughters often assist at the front desk, demonstrating a shared dedication to fostering a nurturing education environment. When not working, she enjoys shopping and watching movies.
Bolstered by her success with Monarch Beauty Academy so far, Ms. Koontz is eager to explore more opportunities to expand the business. She is currently exploring the possibility of opening a new location. Additionally, Ms. Koontz intends to continue instilling strong values, work ethic and leadership skills in the academy’s students. She is dedicated to changing negative perceptions within the beauty industry by promoting resilience, self-discipline and purposeful action among future professionals — ensuring that her legacy endures through those she mentors and inspires.