Today we’d like to introduce you to Tia Smith.
Hi Tia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hello. I’ve always had a passion for hair and making people feel their best. I was working at a job overnight and found myself laid off unexpectedly. I was a new Christian and was looking for my purpose. I asked GOD what my purpose is and he directed me to go to Cosmetology school. I said if it was what I’m truly suppose to do then it would be a seamless transition…..and here I am 20 plus years later.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I went to school in my twenties with a young toddler. I decided to go full time as a student and the only income I had coming in was tips and the money I had coming in from doing my friend’s hair at my home. Another struggle I had to deal with was wanting to break the barrier of color when it comes to hair. I wanted to learn how to do every ethnicity and be comfortable with everyone who would reach out to me or walk through my door.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Beautician who specializes in healthy and beautiful hair. I specialize in natural hair, color, cuts and being able to not only grow your hair, but also to maintain the health and integrity of your hair while we do multiple styles and colors. I’m most proud right now of working with smaller children and young ladies who are ready to start their healthy hair journey and show them how to maintain their hair while also making them feel confident. My enjoyment of what I do sets me apart from others. I enjoy seeing the change in how people see themselves after I’ve done their hair.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I believe that you always have to be willing to take some sort of risk. When I started doing hair my clientele were mainly women. After looking at the industry, there are not alot of beauticians who are willing to service younger children. Mainly those between the ages of 4 and 15. This is an open market of people who are not being serviced because of the time and the age. Learning how to communicate with a young child who has never experienced a salon, and to keep them comfortable in the chair takes a lot of patience. I enjoy giving them their first experience in a salon along with their new hairstyle and seeing their smiles.
Pricing:
- Silk press packages $120
- Shampoo and styles $65
- Silk press $75
- All over color starts at $65
- Deep conditioning package $45
Contact Info:
- Instagram: tia_smith.stylist
- Facebook: Tia Smith
- Other: https://Styleseat.com/m/v/tiasmith3219
