Image courtesy of Monte Durham
Monte Durham
Monte Durham of TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress" to serve as honorary chair of AHS gala.
Most people know Alexandrian Monte Durham from his reality TV show "Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta."
When Durham, 63, opens his new hair salon next spring in Old Town, it's possible he may extend his TV fame to Alexandria.
"Fans have been so gracious wanting to follow me on my adventures and I’ve been approached to share this venture with them in a TV project — I'm excited and honored to bring my passion for client transformation to the women of DC and all around the world through this new journey," he told Alexandria Living Magazine this week.
"I’m putting all of my favorite passions for clients into this new business — pursuit of personal beauty, quality on any budget and above all — 'the full Monte honesty,' so my team and I can give true support to my clients," Durham said. "I’ve been told my honesty and pursuit of perfection is entertaining to say the least — sometimes messy, sometimes emotional, sometimes humorous, but always full of love."
In addition to looking at the prospect of a possible new reality TV show based in Alexandria, Durham is working with an architect to bring the salon, to be located on Union Street, to life. "It's a very small space, very 'boutiquey,'" he said.
He prefers not to reveal the exact location while business agreements are still in the works.
The salon will include three stylists in addition to Durham, who will have his own private area for styling.
Durham's MONTE haircare products will be available at the salon and coming soon to Amazon.com. Products include Moisturizing Shampoo, One Step Conditioner, Natural Lift Spray Mist, Taming Balm and Ever Hold Hair Spray. Durham is creating a men's product line and hopes to eventually add a makeup line.
Durham said he plans to work at the salon about 30 hours a week. "I understand time and talent," Durham said. Those are two things I'm going to concentrate on — not overbooking. That's the way I want the salon to run. If your appointment is at 5, you're going to be in the chair by 5:10."
The menu of services at the salon will be "secondary to your experience," he said.
Durham grew up in West Virginia. Professionally, Durham got his start as a personal shopper at Woodward & Lothrop, and later became a hairdresser and found fame as a wedding stylist.
Durham, who lives in Alexandria section of Fairfax County, lost his mother earlier this year. "My dear mother passed away, we were cut from the same cloth," he said. "Mom and I were very good buddies."
Durham will appear on TLC's "Long Island Medium" with Theresa Caputo in the upcoming season of the show. Caputo specializes in connecting with those who have passed away.
