Today we’d like to introduce you to Tierra Jade.
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 doing hair goes back to my childhood. For as long as I can remember I have ALWAYS loved the whole salon experience. I remember, as a kid, loving the smell of the salon the moment I walked in the door. And, of course, the look, feel and smell of my hair on the way out! I loved the positive energy of the salon mixed with the hustle and bustle. Hair days were always the best days…even as a kid!
My whole life my mom took me to her hairstylist. We followed her all over the metroplex as her career grew. But as I got into senior high, I decided I wanted to try someone new. I was at the age of finding my independence and I wanted to find my “own” hairstylist. One day, I happened to walk into a salon in my small hometown, and I met Trish! I have told my story many times and it always comes back to her! Trish elevated my salon experience and really embraced all of the changes I wanted to make to my hair. However, what Trish REALLY did was encourage me to be a hairstylist.
One day when I was a senior in high school, Trish asked me what my plans were after graduation. I had NO CLUE what my plans were…I’m not sure if I was even thinking about it. She asked if I had ever considered doing hair. She really thought I would enjoy it since I loved making so many drastic changes to my own hair. I had always enjoyed being creative, but I had never thought of doing hair for a living. IT WAS GENIUS. By the next time, I saw Trish, I was enrolled at the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis, MN and the rest is history!
I graduated with my Cosmetology license in 2010. I moved around quite a bit in my earlier years; living in MN, CA, and TX. When you move around a lot as a hairstylist, it is really hard to watch your career blossom. While I found lots of fulfillment and had a lot of growth those years, it wasn’t until I settled in Texas that I was really able to see the “fruits of my labor.” I currently work in a salon suite with my great friend/coworker Sarah. We have a really fun little setup and our clients are truly amazing! You never know what’s gonna happen in that salon…we laugh, we cry, we encourage, we do it all! It is definitely more than just “hair;” It’s an experience and a family. In my free time, you can find me Educating for Joico, snuggling my 4 dogs, playing disc golf, watching pretty much anything from football (GO VIKINGS) to the The Bachelor (don’t judge me), and constantly spending time with my friends.
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?
The struggles always seem bad in the moment but looking back over my career I would say the struggles were very minimal. I definitely have had more blessings than struggles. And each struggle has been a lesson and only made me better and my business stronger.
I would say my biggest “learning moments” have been…
1. Realizing that being a hairstylist isn’t “just doing hair.” You are running a business! You are the CEO, COO, CFO, CMO, etc. So, to truly be successful you have to educate yourself on how to manage all of that successfully or learn how to delegate to someone who can!
2. Realizing that most hairstylists are in the business of pampering others because we care. We truly want the world to be a better place and people to leave us happier. However, that doesn’t mean putting yourself (as a stylist) on the back burner. We still have to take care of ourselves in order to be able to give our best to others. Setting boundaries has always been hard for me, but I realized I have to in order to take care of myself. And that’s ok…
3. And realizing that not every salon is where I am meant to be. I have worked at open-concept salons prior to moving into my salon suite. I have found that not every salon is the right fit (drama, poor business model, etc.). Though, even the salons that weren’t right for me still taught me A LOT! You have to like the place you work…from the people, the business policies, the overall vibe, etc. Again, you have to take care of yourself to be the best for your clients. So, if you’re not happy somewhere… find a place where you can be happy and give your clients and your coworkers the best version of yourself!
These are just a few of my struggles. However, like I said, I have grown tremendously from all of these. I am running a successful business and truly feel I have found a good stride and balance! It can only get better!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Willow & Roots Salon, I offer haircuts, all-color services, and facial waxing. I specialize in hair color, but I absolutely LOVE healthy blonding services and full hair transformations! Aesthetically, I tend to lean more natural, and I love making subtle changes on a client’s hair color that enhance and showcase the client’s individual beauty. I want every woman know and be confident in their own- natural beauty. So, if for one client that is a subtle low light to show off their amazing eyes or it’s a full head of pink to make them feel like a rock star… I’M 100% DOWN!
I believe what truly sets my salon apart from others is the vibe. When I opened Willow & Roots Salon in 2020, I envisioned a salon environment that felt like a modern version of an “old beauty shop.” Ya know the ones where EVERYONE talked about EVERYTHING, and it felt like good ole girl time? When you visit Willow & Roots Salon, I want you to feel comfortable to share your highs and lows. I want to develop relationships with my guests so that we can truly lift up and empower each other! The world can be a tough place, but when women stick together…WATCH OUT!
One of my friends once gave me this quote: “I live for the cause; better hair, better people.” I want people to leave my salon feeling exactly that. I want them to leave with better hair and feeling like a better person than when they walked in!
What makes you happy?
I am happy when I see my client light up after seeing their new hair for the first time. I am happy when my client leaves a 5-star review. I am happy when a client says they never knew their hair could look so good or that they could feel so beautiful. I am happy when a client trusts me enough to share their life with me. I am happy when my clients and their families succeed. I am happy when I get a text or selfie a week after a hair appointment telling me how much they love their hair. I am happy when I can give a client results that no one else has been able to. I am happy when a client trusts me enough to send a referral. I am happy when I can help people realize their own beauty.
I am happy when I look around and I see other people happy, and I feel like I have made a positive impact in their day/life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.willowandroots.com/
- Instagram: @willownrootshair
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willowandrootshair/
