Community Highlights: Meet Tonesia Vaughn of The Hair Gallery

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonesia Vaughn.

Hi Tonesia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Hi I’m Tonesia Vaughn, affectionately known as Toni!

I’m a Full-time entrepreneur, a new mommy, a wife! I was born & raised right here in KC.

I went to undergrad at Langston University & graduated with a BA in Psychology in 2006. I then went on to study for my masters in Mental Health Counseling and graduated from Webster University.  I currently own The Hair Gallery Extension & Blow-out Bar located in Mission, Ks. I am also a full-time Mental Health therapist. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Sheesh! The journey has been a tough one for me. There are moments when I look back over my life & wonder how I made it. My beliefs often remind me of the Power of my Faith & where my help comes from. I get a little emotional thinking about all I’ve had to endure. However, I live by this quote “There is no progress without struggle!” 

Colliding my hair business & therapy business together was a divine plan from above. It was also one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced. Balancing the two careers at the same time hasn’t been easy at all.  For the last 10+ years I’ve worked a full-time job while trying to build my business. I was completely overworked & stressed all the time. I’m what you would call an extreme work-a-holic.

My daughter was born in June 2020 & I knew things would have to change with how much I worked.  I finally decided in July 2021 to quit my job & go full-time as an entrepreneur. Fully committed to my brands & nothing else. That has been by far the scariest, most rewarding decision in my career! I feel so free, happy, & honestly one of the best decisions I ever made! 

There are countless stories that I could share of tragedy/loss/struggle, but overall, the good outweighs the bad.  I’ve learned the power of embracing the struggles as they come, because it all a part of the story! 

We’ve been impressed with The Hair Gallery Extension & Blow Out Bar, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
It’s so funny when I share with my hair clients that I’m also a therapist, it seems like total confirmation for them to lay their burdens down while getting their hair done.  I intentionally created a salon atmosphere that feels like a safe space for my clients. 

Both of my professions go hand in hand & I love how God brought it all together. I can’t tell you how many times women have come into my salon and cried their eyes out, opened up about childhood traumas, vented about the struggles & left feeling re-assured/empowered to keep going. That’s my true purpose here on earth & what I feel is my gift.

The Hair Gallery celebrated 6 years in business Sept 2021! We specialize in natural hair, extensions, & braid styles. We also have our own styling products that just launched. The products are all available in salon/online for purchase.

Our salon is dedicated to creating an experience catered for each client’s unique needs. We never double book in our salon, and we pride ourselves on being efficient in our craft & mindful of our client’s time. We believe that our client’s time slot is a time slot dedicated to them & only them. 

It’s more than just a service, it’s an experience at The Hair Gallery!

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
YESSSS!! Where do I start! LOL!

Lesson # 1: Always bet on yourself. When you get a vision to start something, don’t wait on everyone else to approve the vision that was given to you! The truth is the vision was given to you first for a reason! Pray about, run after it, & everyone else that’s meant to see it, will catch up!

Lesson # 2:  Always remain teachable! Stay committed to learning new skills/tools in your industry.

Lesson # 3: Keep a Chic-fil mentality!!

First off, I love Chic-fil- a For many reasons! Of course, the food is bomb, but the experience is even better. This company has inspired my business model on so many levels. My end goal is to make my clients/customers feel valued, seen, & appreciated. This creates a powerful rapport that leads to incredible client retention!

I’ve learned so much about myself during this pandemic! I’ve seen so many businesses go under due to COVID so I’m thankful that we survived it. During the shutdown, I dug deep & dedicated myself to self-improvement & goal setting. I researched day in & day out on ways to keep my business afloat. I set new goals and dedicated that downtime to learn ways to safeguard my business during a global crisis. This last year & a half has been extremely tough, to say the least. I’m thankful for all the lessons learned, good & bad! We are still here & thriving!! Cheers to the The Hair Gallery turning 6 this year! God is good!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.thehairgallerykc.com
• Instagram: thehairgallerykc
• Facebook: thehairgallerykc
• YouTube: Toni Vaughn

Image Credits
Steven G Photography
S Jordan Images
Whit Parker Photograph