Written by Tara Hainsworth
This post was written to contribute to the topic of Self-care for the What Lola Likes blog by Tara Hainsworth. All facts, opinions, and professional tips are Tara’s.
I have been in the hair industry for now almost 13 years, this industry is one that has always intimidated me! I came from a fairly conservative background, hair and makeup didn’t come so naturally to me. I knew 2 things:
- Hair. Hair was it. I wanted so badly to take on the responsibility of helping women embrace their beauty. Confidence has always been the main goal. I wanted do posses these talents so badly because it was something that I didn’t have for myself.
- Entrepreneurship, my dad was an amazing and inspiring entrepreneur. Experiencing the hard work, long hours, sacrifices and successes was addicting to me. It was intimidating, but something I aspired to one day be just like my dad in.
I knew this was an industry where I could achieve these goals and once I got started I was hopeful that I would be able to stay strong and follow my dads example of hard work, sacrifice and success.
I underestimated the intimidation this hair industry has to offer. I came to learn that confidence, the one thing I was searching for. Was required and I will admit I fell asleep many nights with tears in my eyes wondering if I was ever going to have the confidence to achieve the goals, visions and purpose I set out to achieve.
I paved my way in this industry by first finishing hair school at Dallas Roberts Academy in Provo, Utah. I was an assistant doing the dreaded 15 minute head and scalp massage on each client. I then had to suddenly move to working at a men’s cutting only salon cutting dirty greasy hair because a wash was an additional charge (i’m sure you can imagine how many men didn’t want to pay it).
Thankfully, a move to the state of Arizona with my new husband required me to start all over. I had to assist again and for 8 months before I could get my own chair and be a commission stylist. From here I moved on to renting my own chair in 2 different salons.
Almost 10 years! 10 years is how long it took for me to find my confidence. That confidence that I was searching for. The confidence to create my vision and goal that was deeply engrained in me. That business that I new I was meant to create.The goal of creating my own space within this industry, away from the intimidation, a space that other hair designers like myself in this industry were in searching of. Creating a home that possesses the ability to achieve those same goals of confidence and beauty.
Now, if i was to sit here and say this was achieved the second we opened the doors than I’d be lying to you. We are almost 3 years in and I will say we are JUST getting there. The confidence in by ability behind the chair was there but a new journey of finding confidence in salon ownership has been a ROAD! Many tears, many insecurities, many alone yelling and many praying.
The hard work I saw my dad put in, the long hours and the sacrifice, I have quickly learned I only saw a small sliver of it.
In ANY industry, I advice to stay strong, be willing to stand out in the way that you were willing to start from the bottom and allow the industry to rise you up! Don’t force it, don’t fake it, and by all means don’t rush it!
If you are interested in the hair industry as your career I would love to help answer any questions for you! Don’t hesitate to reach out!
TARA HAINSWORTH
I’m Tara Hainsworth, Mama, Hair Designer, Salon Owner, Hair Educator. I look forward to helping women with their hair knowledge and hair goals, business ownership support and most importantly sharing in the joy of motherhood.
VISIT HER PAGE.