Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonesia (Toni) Vaughn
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey began with a vision from God back in 2009. It was a profound experience that gave me clarity and purpose. I felt a calling to help women feel beautiful, not just externally, but from the inside out. This vision was the catalyst for everything I’ve achieved since. I alway knew I wanted to be in the “helping field somehow as a kid. I attended school right here in Kansas City, Ks. Graduated from Washington High School. I then went on to Undergrad at an HBCU called Langston University, right outside of Oklahoma City. I studied psychology & graduated with a BA in 2006. I then went on to graduate school and studied Counseling psychology and graduated with my MA in 2009. I didn’t stop there, I knew that there was more that God was calling me to do. In, 2009 I seen a vision of me owning my own salon & immediately got discouraged because I had no desire to get back in to school. After a lot of prayer I took a leap of faith and attended Xenon Cosmetology School in Olathe, KS. I graduated in 2011 and became fully licensed in the state of Kansas & Missiouri. After working independently to build my salon business for several years, I opened The Hair Gallery Extension & Blow-out Bar in downtown Mission, Ks. I’ve always maintained a job in mental health while building my brand & business. I often get teased by my friends and family about how much I work & how hard I “hustle.” But I’m a strong believer that God gives us many gifts & assignments so while I am physically well & able, I’m going to make it happen. I currently serve as the Director Of Prevention & Intervention at Adhoc Group against crime where I lead the therapy & violence prevention program. I am still the proud owner of The Hair Gallery where I will soon celebrate my 9th successful year in business! God is good!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Balancing two professions has been extremely challenging! The things that keep me motivated are the people that I’m serving & those that are watching. I know that my life is not my own & everyone that encounters me for a service in therapy or behind the chair in the salon needs me to show up. I have a daughter now, and nieces that look up to me so that alone is my driving force to go hard everyday. I remember a few years ago I was feeling really stuck creatively. I was feeling discouraged, and just not sure of the season I was in. My niece was graduating from 8th grade and I was attending her graduation. During the graduation there was a slide show that the kids prepared and the question was “what do you want to be when you grow up?” My niece put ” I want to be a hairstylist & own my own salon one day like my TT Tonesia, she inspires me!” I had no idea that she felt that way, and it came as a complete surprise. It was in that very moment that I was reminded of my life’s purpose & mission! Being a Entreprenuer & business owner is very challenging. But the vision received from God was always in the back of my mind, guiding me. I was deeply motivated by the desire to make a difference in women’s lives. Seeing the transformation in my clients, both in how they looked and how they felt about themselves, was incredibly rewarding. Each success story fueled my passion further.
We’ve been impressed with Toni Vaughn Counseling & The Hair Gallery, 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?
My mission statement is “To help women feel beautiful from the inside out!” It started with a lot of self-reflection and planning. I realized that to fulfill this mission, I needed to equip myself with the right skills. So, I pursued education in both therapy and cosmetology. I pursued my college degrees first, which allowed me to understand the psychological aspects of beauty and self-esteem. Then, I trained as a cosmetologist to gain the practical skills needed to help women enhance their physical appearance. Combining these two fields felt like a natural progression to achieve my vision.
As a therapist I specialize in relationship education, depression, anxiety, life & career changes, women’s health & infertility. As a cosmetologist I specialize in natural hair & extensions,
In 2015, when I opened my salon I felt ready to take the next step. I wanted a space where I could fully integrate my skills and offer a holistic approach to beauty and wellness. I started small, with a single salon that offered both therapy sessions and beauty treatments. The idea was to create a sanctuary where women could come and feel cared for in every aspect. Over time, word spread about the unique services we offered, and the business grew steadily.
What matters most to you?
Faith & Family matter to me the most. The center of who I am is rooted in my Faith. I truly believe that God has a plan for every single one of us on this planet. I believe what we do with the gift of time that we are given makes all the difference. I’ve been blessed to have a family of my own. Becoming a mother has been one of the most rewarding things of my life. Motherhood is challenging, Becoming a mother has been one of the most transformative and fulfilling experiences of my life. It has deepened my understanding of love, responsibility, and resilience. My family is my support system, my inspiration, and my motivation to keep striving for my goals. They remind me every day why I started this journey and keep me grounded in my values. The type of legacy I leave for my daughter is what living is truly about. I want to see so many changes happen in the world. Especially for little brown girls like my daughter & nieces. I want to push so hard for doors to open that she can walk thru them gracefully when its her turn!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thehairgallerykc.com
- Instagram: @thehairgallerykc / @toniv.therapy
- Facebook: thehairgallerykc
- Youtube: TherapywithToni
