Finding Strength in Vulnerability

Women who turn life’s toughest moments into fuel for change and growth? Yesss that’s definitely something we firmly believe in supporting an celebrating. Megan Coulthurst’s story is one of courage, resilience, and creating a community where none existed, which is so powerful! From personal struggle to empowering others, she shows us what it means to truly embrace your journey, no matter the challenges. In her own words, here’s Megan’s story:

My name is Megan, and my journey started with something deeply personal. I lost the majority of my hair after becoming unwell with a virus. It was devastating. The hardest moments were the panic attacks in the shower. Watching handfuls of hair come away every time I washed it.

Hair loss affects so much more than your appearance. It affects your identity, your confidence, and your sense of self. What I needed at my lowest point wasn’t a wig. I needed emotional support from someone who’d been through it. To tell me everything would be okay. I eventually found that support online through the amazing Alopecia UK.

But there was no support locally, so I built it myself. After posting photos about my hair loss journey, a company called Hairware approached me to review a wig. I’d never been on camera before and hated seeing myself on video, but my desire to help other women outweighed my fear. I built up the courage and filmed my first review.

For the next two years, I reviewed wigs for the most popular UK and international brands. That experience gave me deep product knowledge and invaluable industry connections. Today, I’m proud to supply many of those same brands, including Hairware, the company that gave me my start.

I launched Embrace Wigs on my own, self-funded, with no investors. Just lived experience, knowledge, and an unwavering belief that things could be done better. I’m not a traditional wig salon. I offer consultations in a pressure-free, personalised way. Every appointment is private. Every recommendation is tailored. And every person who walks through the door is met with empathy, not a sales pitch.

From the beginning, I wanted Embrace Wigs to feel different. I created in-house human hair collections. Embrace Comfort, Luxe, and Essentials. So clients with different budgets could still access high-quality, beautiful hair solutions.

As enquiries for toppers grew, I found two incredible suppliers for human hair toppers designed for mild to moderate hair loss. They clip securely onto your natural hair, offering a comfortable, natural-looking solution.

I also voluntarily registered for VAT so I could offer medical exemptions and help clients save 20% without raising prices.

Was it easy? Not remotely. Running a business solo while supporting people through some of their hardest moments is emotionally intense. There have been ferry delays, stock issues, long nights building a website from scratch, and the constant juggling act of being business owner, social media manager, website developer, and accountant. All whilst providing the emotional care and aftercare my customers deserve.

But what’s kept me going are the people.

Like the woman with cancer who said I turned what would have been a traumatic experience into something beautiful and fun. The husband who hugged me and thanked me for giving his wife her confidence back. The daughter who told me her mum has started leaving the house again.

That’s the heart of it. Embrace Wigs isn’t about selling hair, it’s about restoring dignity, identity, and confidence when people need it most.

I’m proud to be an approved supplier for Manx Care Wig Vouchers, supporting oncology and dermatology patients with access to wigs and toppers. I also volunteer with Look Good Feel Better, a charity offering wellbeing workshops for those undergoing cancer treatment.

This month marks Embrace Wigs first year in business. I exhibited at the Alopecia UK Big Weekend in Birmingham, where I met so many wonderful people with similar experiences. Plus connected with like-minded businesses. I’ve also been named a finalist for not one, but two awards: the Elevate You Solopreneur Award and the Media Isle of Man Awards for Excellence New Business Award.

Looking ahead, I am learning how to create human hair wigs myself, with creative, vivid colours inspired by my love of metal and anime. Alongside that, I’ll continue working with my trusted suppliers of synthetic and human hair wigs and toppers.

My goal has always been simple: no one should face hair loss alone.

To anyone with a passion and a dream, my advice is JFDI (Just Effing Do It!). There’ll never be a “perfect” time to start a business, but there’s incredible support available here on the Isle of Man. From the Vocational Training Assistance Scheme to the Business Start-Up Scheme. Reach out, take that first step, and see where it leads. It’s worth it.

If you’re struggling after hair loss, I’d also recommend joining Dr Beth’s Life For Every Body Facebook Group. Beth and I go way back to when we both worked in mental health. Her new venture focuses on self-compassion and building a kinder world for our minds and bodies.

Oh my goodness, Megan got us right in the feels! Megan’s story reminds us that real strength comes from turning vulnerability into action. Whether you’re facing a personal challenge or dreaming of launching your own venture, her courage and compassion light the way. Here at Level Up Club, we’re inspired by women like Megan who build communities, break barriers, and lift each other higher every day. Let’s keep lifting each other up.