Conversations with the Inspiring Tara McCutchen

Tara McCutchen, a graduate from Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy, has been doing hair for as long as she can remember. She grew up in the Cosmetology world because of her Mother who was an instructor for 30 years and owned a salon for a few years as well.

Tara always knew she wanted to do hair, even as she has tried out a few other career paths. She has her Bachelors in Vocal Music and is a Certified Medical Assistant. Recently married to her handsome husband Chad, they are kept busy with a Husky Mix pup doing outdoor actives and drinking lots of coffee!

The name Absolute Strength is kept alive by Tara in memory of her brother, Chas. He passed away at the age of 19 years old from colon cancer. He created this “brand name” Absolute Strength in hopes to one day create something with it. Tara has adapted this as her brand name and motto to work by. She is keeping her brothers legacy alive and uses it to invite others to inquire about him and his story.

Tara enjoys doing weddings the most, but also has a talent for hair cutting and coloring as well. Even after straying away from the path of doing hair, she always knew she would end up coming back to it.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey to becoming a Freelance Wedding Hair Stylist was definitely not an easy one for me in the beginning. I grew up in and around the hair industry and always thought that was what I would do. However, my parents thought otherwise. They had a desire for me to go to college after high school, while I wanted to go to cosmetology school. Being that I didn’t want to disappoint my parents, I decided to go to college for music. During my college years, my younger brother was diagnosed with colon cancer and passed away within nine months of the diagnosis. It took me a while to finish my degree, but I finally got it after seven years. After that, I wanted nothing to do with music. My brother was studying Pre-Med before he passed away so, I thought maybe that was my calling. I got my certificate to be a medical assistant and continued to take prerequisites for nursing school, and let me tell you, college does not come easy to me. After trying and failing my prerequisites many times. I told my husband, of 6 months at the time, that I still had a desire to go to cosmetology school. So, February of 2017, I enrolled in Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy, it was the best decision!! I graduated in February of 2018 and I have been doing Wedding Hair ever since. It took me a while to get to where I am today. I am 29 years old and I am finally so happy and content in what I do. You are never too old to do what you desire.

What should we know about Absolute Strength Stylist? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I work my very best to provide services to all of my brides/clients with the best work, every time. I work hard with them to ensure I can give them a look and style they desire, all while hearing their story. I love getting to know each and every one of my clients on a friend level so that they feel comfortable with me and that we can have a fun time on their wedding day. That is very important to me, as well as giving them my best work.

It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
Since I am new to the game, I have only been doing this for about two years, Thumbtack was extremely helpful to me in the beginning. It helped me get my name out there and to get weddings/events in return for more reviews and referrals.

Pricing:

• Bridal Hair $85
• Bridesmaid/Mom $75
• Bridal Trial $85
• Jr. Bridesmaid $50
• Flower Girl $35

Contact Info:

• Website: Absolutestrengthstylist.com
• Phone: 2482311565
• Email: absolutestrengthstylist@gmail.com
• Instagram: @absolutestrengthstylist