Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Lindley.
Taylor, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I graduated high school in 2017 and originally planned to take a gap year before starting college when I turned 18. My mom encouraged me to tour a cosmetology school in Lubbock, Texas, about two hours from home. I’ll be honest—I wasn’t interested at first. Then I toured the school, saw all the cute boys, and figured, “Why not?” So I enrolled.
At first, I didn’t take cosmetology school very seriously. That all changed when one of my instructors challenged me to do my first highlight. Something clicked. I realized I had a natural talent, and for the first time I felt genuinely passionate about what I was doing.
After graduating, I became a booth renter at the same salon where I had always gotten my hair done. Building a clientele wasn’t easy. I worked a part-time job just to pay my booth rent while working early mornings, late nights, and doing everything I could to grow my business. There were plenty of moments when I wanted to give up.
During COVID, I packed up and moved to Dallas to attend barber school at Blade Craft Academy in Deep Ellum. While I was there, I met Lilly Benitez, and she reignited the passion I had felt back when I did my very first highlight. That was a turning point for me. I stopped just hoping for success and started creating a plan to build the career and life I wanted.
One of the biggest dreams on that plan was opening The Extension Edit.
As I continued growing, I traveled to Austin, Dallas, Odessa, and Nashville, learning from incredible stylists and business owners who challenged me to think bigger. Every city, every class, and every mentor helped shape the stylist, educator, and entrepreneur I am today.
In 2025, I was honored to be nominated in the Top 100 worldwide for Hair Extensions and Redheads at the One Shot Hair Awards. In 2026, I was nominated again—this time in the Top 100 worldwide for Hair Extensions and Brunettes. Those moments were incredibly validating because they reminded me that all the sacrifices, long hours, and hard work were worth it.
Today, I own The Extension Edit, where I’ve had the privilege of building an amazing team and creating a salon culture I’m truly proud of. Looking back, it’s surreal because so much of what I’m living today started as pictures glued to a vision board in cosmetology school.
The exciting part is that I don’t feel like I’ve made it—I feel like I’m just getting started. Every goal I’ve accomplished has inspired me to dream even bigger, and I’m excited to continue building opportunities not only for myself, but for my team, my clients, and the beauty industry.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to where I am today definitely wasn’t a straight line. There were moments I questioned if this career was right for me, times I worked multiple jobs just to stay in the industry, and seasons where I felt like giving up.
One of the biggest challenges was realizing that finding mentors and people in the beauty industry who genuinely want to educate, encourage, and see others succeed is harder than it seems. Along the way, I learned to be intentional about who I surrounded myself with. The mentors who poured into me not only helped me grow as a stylist, but also shaped the kind of leader I want to be.
Because of that, I’ve made it my mission to build a salon culture where education, collaboration, and lifting each other up aren’t just words—they’re the foundation of everything we do. Those bumpy roads ultimately led me to create the environment I had always been searching for.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a hair extension specialist, salon owner, and educator. I specialize in luxury, low-maintenance hair extensions while creating an elevated experience that helps women feel confident and beautiful.
What I’m most proud of is building The Extension Edit from the ground up and creating a salon culture centered around education, teamwork, and growth. Watching my team succeed is just as rewarding as serving my clients.
What sets me apart is my passion for continuous education and my belief that success is meant to be shared. I strive to create an environment where both clients and stylists feel supported, inspired, and empowered. My goal isn’t just to do great hair—it’s to make a lasting impact on the people who walk through my doors.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Growing up, we moved around a lot because my dad worked as a pipeline worker in the oil field. We were often packing up and starting over in a new place each year, but no matter where life took us, my parents always made sure we made it back to my grandparents’ house every summer.
Those summers became some of my favorite memories. My cousins and I would spend our days outside, tying a rope to the back of the golf cart, taking turns driving and holding on with rollerblades as we raced around the yard. Looking back, those simple moments taught me the value of family, adaptability, and finding joy wherever you are.
I think growing up that way shaped who I am today. Constantly adjusting to new places and new people helped me become comfortable taking risks, building relationships, and stepping into unfamiliar situations—which has played a huge role in my journey as a stylist and business owner.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theextensionedit.vip
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theextensionedit.salon
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Y7oov8fwX/
