Fashion and Beauty Marketing 101 - Tanza, owner of Shear Luxury Salon

In this video Tanza offers three marketing tips to aspiring hair stylists/MUA. Read the rest of the blog to learn about her journey and other helpful tips that can help you succeed.

How did you first get into the hair/MUA business?

My mom used to teach modeling and modeled when she was younger. I watched and fell in love with her hair styling, makeup, and clothes. When I was 3, I started ballet so that just fed my fashion and makeup interest. I have always loved to draw. With makeup application and even hair coloring, the clients hair and face is a blank canvas.

What is your education background?

I attended New Horizons Regional Education Center in Newport News to obtain my cosmetology license while I worked full time at a salon as a stylist in order to complete my apprenticeship program. Because I didn’t attend a private school, I continued my education through various classes, hair shows etc. My mentor and the educator I have learned most of my skills from is Patric Bradley.

Being that it SEEMS like there is a surplus of customers in the hair and makeup industry, is succeeding in this industry easy except for the fact that it requires a lot of long hours and hard work?

I feel success depends on the dedication of the individual as well as the area they live in. Just like with any business, you have to decide what your target clientele is and make yourself available in that location. You also have to always keep learning. Styles and techniques change all the time so being up to date on the latest trends will make you more in demand.

How long did it take for you to be successful?

At the time I started styling in the salon, the walk in traffic was very high still. You didn’t have the "youtube stylists" teaching people what they thought is the correct way to style hair and so many kitchen beauticians. So building a clientele came rather quickly. But later I had to rebuild as clients changed especially in this area having a large population of military. So rebuilding consisted of referrals and me staying ahead of the next stylist with styling techniques. I used to be HORRIBLE with passing out my cards and very shy. So once I was able to be more confident and knew my worth it has become much easier to find new clients.

If you could travel back in time when you first started doing hair and makeup, what advice would you tell yourself?

Be forward and exude confidence. Like I said whether people believe me or not I am probably the shyest individual around. I wish I approached people more and I probably would not have had the gaps I had in steady clientele. I also would have made a better plan and did more research on what I wanted to do with my career. I have always wanted to work on TV, movie, video sets and with celebrities but Virginia really isn't the place for that. So now almost10 years into my career I am being given those opportunities but now I have a family and it’s more difficult to up root and relocate.

How long did it take until you opened the second shop in Georgia?

I just started last summer so it will be 8 years and still it is just me at that location. What I am doing is building a clientele and getting a feel for the area. I love Atlanta but before really making a commitment I want to make sure it’s where I need to be.

I don’t know why I remembered this but a long time ago you posted somewhere a story about a time you were out somewhere and a fan of yours remembered you from all the youtube videos you post. Talk about that time.

That was really funny. I was in Target and this young lady and her boyfriend and daughter were near me in the shoe department. I really don’t think about others watching my videos even though I have millions of views but she kept glancing at me. It was really awkward and I thought well maybe she thinks I’m looking at her man lol. The next day she emailed me saying she wanted to say something but didn’t want to look like a stalker. She was very sweet. I have met fans at random events several times. It never gets old and always shocks me. What really excited me is getting calls from women who watch and move to or near the Hampton Roads area and come in as a client. Their excitement and energy makes what I do awesome and so worth it.

You have two hair salons one in Chesapeake and one in Georgia. Is there another step in the process or are you content with where you are now?

Right now I am focusing on building both my personal brand and the brand of the salon. I want Shear Luxury Salon and Tanza Ne'Ale to be a household name. I may open another location in the future but right now I just want to experience as much as possible. I want to be able to retire and only work if I want to do an event in the next 10 years.

Are you doing any shows in the future?

I do not have any in the works personally. However I do participate in shows with others. My next scheduled show is the 2nd Annual Beauty of The Heart Fashion Show with Kenn U Imagine this fall.

What business lessons can you share to aspiring hair stylists/MUA?

Never "Arrive". Stay humble and keep learning. I see so many self-taught unlicensed artists who talk down to other stylists in the industry. I’ve always felt what God has for me is for me. I’m not in competition with anyone but myself and I believe in supporting others who do the same job I do. We don't work together and that tears us all down.

How did you build customer loyalty?

I’d have to say my people skills. I haven't always been the best at what I do and I have seen my skill set grow tremendously. When you are courteous and treat people well by having a wonderful spirit, clients will come to you just because of your personality. I love my clients and I hope they feel that every time they come in.

What were three things that helped your business boom?

1. My faith in God that with him all my dreams and aspirations could come true.

2. My determination and drive. When I want something I will not sleep literally until it is done.

3. My God given talent. I have always been very creative and an out of the box thinker. I got that from my

grandmother. I would watch her take something simple and make a masterpiece out of it.

Thank you Tanza for sharing your journey with us and helping aspiring hair stylists, MUA, and entrepreneurs grow. If you would like any more information about Tanza and Shear Luxury Salon, feel free to check out the social media links below.