Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Thompson.
Hi Tiffany, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My hairstyling journey began as a high school hobby styling close friends and loved ones for special occasions such a homecomings, proms, date nights, anniversaries, and more. In 2010, I started to take my craft seriously and began booking clients for ‘everyday hairstyles’ who over time, became regulars. One of my regular clients who had been with me from the start was getting married in March of 2013, and she advised she would like me to style her for her wedding. After flat out declining her request and spewing out a list of fears and apprehensions I had related to styling someone for their wedding without any previous bridal styling experience my client did not take no for an answer! Her wedding day arrived and I executed her desired look, which she was extremely happy with! It was that moment where my hairstyling journey completely shifted gears. I began to focus more on the bridal industry and hone my bridal styling skills. In addition to sharpening my skills, I was dedicated to learning the ins and out of the industry as I quickly learned everyday hairstyling and bridal hairstyling were two totally different worlds! Over time, I found that bridal styling truly fit my personality more! Servicing bridal clients has allowed me many opportunities to be myself! I’m naturally outgoing and adventurous, and through bridal, I’ve been able to meet so many new people, explore different cities and so much more! Most importantly, bridal continues to push me outside of my comfort zone as it is a forever changing lane. When I book a bridal client, it’s more about the overall experience as opposed to just ‘doing hair’ for me! I focus on the individual needs of the client while providing my professional suggestions in order to create the best possible experience for all parties involved. At times, when I think back to March of 2013, I can’t help but to be so thankful for my client who saw something in me that I did not see in myself. If it wasn’t for her I’m not sure that I would’ve ever explored the bridal industry in which I’ve grown to love so much, I can confidently say bridal hair is my ‘niche,’ and I love it here!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My hairstyling journey has had its fair share of opportunities over time, some of which stand out more than others. In the beginning, I struggled with a lot of beginner type issues such as; gaining customer buy-in, client retention, not understanding when to say ‘no,’ learning the difference between worth and value, appropriate pricing and so much more! In the beginning, I was so eager to get any and everybody in my chair to show people what I was capable of. This caused me to not only burn myself out quickly, but it also resulted in some dissatisfaction from my clients as well. I wasn’t taking my time with it anymore, and I began to slowly lose my passion. My clients could see it, and I could definitely feel it. I allowed my eagerness to prove myself to overpower my purpose. When something starts off as a fun hobby then turns into a business/source of income, many things can get lost in that transition. I struggled with ‘having fun’ once it became a business. Hairstyling no longer gave me the joy it once did when I was doing it for fun and sometimes even free. I realized I had to find a way to make it work for me or leave the industry alone all together. This is why I feel focusing on bridal has truly saved me because it brought the ‘fun’ back for me!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Tampa based hairstylist with a specialty in bridal hairstyling. I am known for my versatility and ability to style a wide variety of hair textures. Over time, I became most known for my ‘constructed updo’ bridal looks. They have by far given me the most recognition, exposure and client inquiries. In addition to my constructed styling helping me stand out in the bridal industry, I’d like also to credit my communication style, professionalism, and focus on my client’s overall experience as well. Many clients have shared their appreciation of those things with me, and I believe it makes a huge difference, especially in this industry. Planning a wedding can bring a lot of stress to brides, and I truly try to make it a point not to add to that stress. If nothing else, I want my clients to feel relief when they choose me. Providing a certain level of reassurance to a client is truly the least that I can do! It may sound cliché, but if I had to choose something I am most proud of it would have to be ‘never giving up’! Giving up is truly the easy way out, and sometimes it feels like the best option. So many things change over time both, personally and professionally, causing us to want to throw the towel in. Those changes can be so overwhelming, but I’ve learned to maneuver through life’s changes and adjust accordingly.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking in life is an option but risk-taking in entrepreneurship is MANDATORY! Whether big or small, you have to take the risk. I truly believe this is where most people flourish the most; It’s a combination of stepping outside of your comfort zone, challenging yourself and the feeling you have when the outcome is completely unforeseen. Regardless of the outcome knowing that you did something that could take you to new heights motivates you to do it again, and eventually, those risks feel more like possibilities. Personally, a major risk I took recently (2019) was investing in an HD bridal hairstyling course. The course took place in Atlanta, GA, and I had to fund the class, travel, expenses during travel etc. I took the last of my available funds to invest in this course with the hopes that it would result in advancement in my career. It was a huge risk because I knew once I returned to Florida, I would be returning with zero funds in my business checking account, although I still had a business to maintain. Upon my return to Florida, I hit the ground running by taking the styling techniques I learned and adding my personal touch to them, creating a styling method I knew brides were looking for! I immediately felt my entire brand shifting, and I knew all of the risks were worth it. Eventually, I made a return on my investment and much more! Had I not taken that risk and truly invested in myself, I know for sure my brand would not be what it is today! It completely changed the game for Tiffany Stylez.
Contact Info:
- Email: tiffanystylez@outlook.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanystylez/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiffanystylez
Image Credits
@mariowillsphotography, @tracytownsendphotography, @ashleycanay, @dioburtophoto, @creativefxstudios and @stanflo_photography
