Meet Trailblazer Taryn Bolt

Today we’d like to introduce you to Taryn Bolt.

Taryn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Well, I started out my hair journey at the age of 23, I started at one school going to night school and soon realized I would not get the education I was looking for and decided to withdraw and enroll in The Paul Mitchell School in Dallas. It took about six months and three jobs to get on the right track. While at school, I held two jobs and attended night classes and was still able to graduate early. My love for giving back to the community comes from my Paul Mitchell foundation. I have known I always have wanted to make a living out of doing what I love but also using my tools and gifts to give back in some type of way. After I graduated, I assisted and grew at two smaller salons in Keller and Colleyville but knew I still hadn’t found my “home.” Then, I finally found myself at Esoterica Studios where I went thru their education and boot camp and met some of the most inspirational group of ladies that all encouraged and pushed each other to be better. Still, something was missing… in October of 2014, I decided to take my next step and join Panther City Salon as a lease stylist, it was a scary leap for me at the time but I knew it was the right step I needed. While continuing to build my clientele Mandy Skaggs was referred to me and this is when I found my purpose. Mandy is head of a non-profit organization called House of Hope for autism. What they do is basically help with the social isolation that comes with a diagnosis on the spectrum. Mandy asked me if I would be willing to help her and I was ecstatic.

In January of 2017, we had our first sensory haircut party hosted out of her house. That was the day that changed my outlook on life. It took two stylist and six handlers to complete our first haircut. It required speed patience trust and being able to cut at all angles. Today, that same kiddo stands in front of one stylist and gets his haircut like a champ. From that first day, we have evolved into opening the salon the first Sunday of every other month for sensory cuts. We turn off the lights the music and pretty much let the kids roam the salon and get comfortable and then proceed to cut their hair. People don’t understand how big of a deal this is to the 10 family’s we currently have. I’m always spreading the word and inviting as many families as possible to these events. I have a couple of stylists that volunteer their time with me and I’m forever grateful because it definitely takes a village. But at the end of those Sunday’s, the three hours of my time I give up for those families is worth it time and time again. I’m super thankful to be in a salon that allows me the freedom to host these families and to help be the little bit of normalcy in their lives.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not always been smooth, I feel like drama in hair school prepares you for the drama in the salon. You’re going to end up in places that aren’t really your jam, but you will always learn something from every step along the way. It may be how not to run a business, it may be a new technique to add to your tool belt, or how to handle a customer. But every step along the way helps carve you into the stylist you aim to be. My advice is research the salon you go to, make sure it provides education and that the vibe is right for you. Don’t just jump at the first opportunity that opens up to you. Your environment is everything and nothing stifles creativity faster than negative energy.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Panther City Salon – what should we know?
I do it all. Color and cutting are my favorites. I absolutely love fashion colors but it’s not my bread butter. I’m working on becoming a curly hair specialist. I’m super excited about my class in June. Somehow along the way, I have acquired quite a following of pixie haircuts and I gotta say… I love them. What sets me apart from other stylist is my work with House of Hope, I don’t know where I get the patience from honestly but I just morph into this different version of myself when I have one of my sensory sensitive kiddos in the salon.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
When finding a mentor, focus on someone who: A. Produces the work your looking to produce, and B. Speaks your language, if you need a technical teacher find a technical mentor, if your a visual learner find a visual teacher. Social networking is the new marketing, post your work constantly… I’m terrible at this but hey, sometimes, I’m just to busy to take a picture and I’m a terrible photographer, today’s day in age, you gotta be able to do great hair and take great photos of said hair. That’s something I’m still working on…

Pricing:

• Color services start at 95.00- 380.00
• Woman’s haircuts are 65.00
• Men and children are 35.00

Contact Info:

• Address: 1300 Hemphill street
  Fort Worth, Texas 76104
• Phone: 4695831826
• Instagram: @tarynpcs

Image Credit:
Jamie Ford Rapp Photography

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