Today we’d like to introduce you to Tesia Merit.
Tesia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
So originally, I was going to go into the fashion industry and work towards becoming a buyer and stylist. I had just about everything ready to go and then life happened and I was kind of lost for a bit. I decided to just go to community college and get my business degree until one day, my mom just looked me in the eyes and asked me what the heck I was doing. She told me that if I did that, I would be miserable and she wasn’t wrong. She told me I should look into beauty school since I had always loved all things beauty. So, I did and it was the best decision I ever made.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I got my schooling and license in California and beauty school was not easy by any means. I think one thing people don’t realize is that cosmetology is all science and math initially. Plus, when you stick a bunch of girls (and some guys) in a small building together, there’s a lot of drama. I was isolated and bullied in school and for a while, it made it difficult to enjoy. Even the instructors I had made it difficult to enjoy. Once I got out of school and got my license, I went straight to booth renting. I didn’t assist anyone or go to a commission salon. Just about everything I did was self-taught. I took as many classes as I could both online and in class. Then, about two years into my career, I moved here to Texas. I immediately started working and went back to booth renting. I actually did free hair for like four months so I could create the clientele I wanted and gain a following. It was pretty hard but so worth it. The advice I would give young women starting their journey is to never let a negative moment dictate their day, work your butt off, and don’t forget to have a little fun.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Hair.by.Tesia – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
With my work, I specialize in blonding, balayage and vivid hair. I also love cutting hair but my main focus is color. I’d say my favorite things to do is balayage and creating rainbows. I feel like what sets me apart from others is that I really create a bond with my clients and really listen to what they tell me. And that goes for everything, not just what they want their hair to look like but when they sit in my chair and they’ve had a rough week or something awesome happened to them and I’m the first person they’ve told. I pour my entire self into my work and I really care about my clients. I want to provide the best possible service… even on my bad days.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well-positioned for?
There are definitely a lot of challenges that women face today but I genuinely feel like there are so many opportunities as well. Women can do whatever they want! If you want to become a lawyer, a doctor, a Supreme Court justice, you can! I think it ultimately comes down to your mindset and if you’re willing to put in the work. I think it’s been proven time and time again that women can do whatever a man can do.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3463 Blue Bonnet Circle Fort Worth, Texas 76109
- Phone: 6615653285
- Email: hairbytesiah@gmail.com
- Instagram: hair.by.tesia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hair.by.tesia/
Image Credit:
Goldenemberstudio
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