Today we’d like to introduce you to Tania Garcia.
Hi Tania, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi my name is Tania Garcia, 33 years old. I’m from Pomona, California & when I was 16 years old my parents decided to move our family to Nebraska to better our life’s. This was a major culture shock. Being a city girl to a small town was a drastic move. The life, routine, at the time it was just a lot for a California girl. My dream as far as I can remember was to be a nurse. For some reason growing up that was THE career (still is) but after changes in my life things didn’t end up that way.
Nebraska is a place that at the time was behind for some reason.. style for example. My dad was used to his Sunday haircuts every 2 weeks. I remeber this vividly I went with him to get a haircut once in Nebraska and he HATED IT! He mentioned how it would be amazing to have a barbershop he can trust. I’m a people pleaser & I’m bad at filling other people’s cups but not mine so I made it a priority to give my dad the place him & everyone will want to come and get a haircut. Along with other reasons I moved away and went to beauty school, College of Hair Design in Lincoln, Ne. Hated it by the way! School for some reason was not for me always the average student never the honor roll child. Due to fooling around in my early teen years the opportunity of getting scholarships or go to a bigger college was unrealistic. When finishing trade school I moved back to the small town I once hated, Madison, Ne. My sister got pregnant young and with her having my niece I wanted to be around and help her. She was the first baby in our family. Do I regret the move? Absolutely not! Because I believe that things happen for a reason and because of that move I grew MY family. But I do believe I could have not moved and help in another way. I wanted to grow up so fast! I started work at a franchise salon Cost Cutters where everything began for me. Without having a dream or future goals in the beauty industry I was able to grow my clientele tremendously. Lasted at Cost Cutters 7 years. A lot of sacrafrices being there! After a lot of thought and ups and downs in that place I put a lot of thought about renting a chair and doing it in my own. So I did. Fast forward to now 14 years I now own a hair studio in the small town I never saw my self in. Growing in a career I NEVER had in mind shocks me. Owning a business was not in my books & this made me realize that we can have all the plans and dreams but god will lead you to where you belong. Without realizing. I can say I’m successful. Having a business in a small town of 2000 people, attracting clients from around me MILES away is a true blessing. I didn’t and I won’t settle for less. I’m learning every day. But for my kids I’ll do anything to strive for the better. My end goal is to be able to grow even more and keep on learning. Teaching, educating and mentoring is something I think I would love to focus on in the future. If I can do it anyone can. If I can tell younger Tania something it would be “life gets better hun! Keep on going & never give up! God has a purpose for you!”
Growing up I wish I could have done things differently. I was a very rebelled Teenager & me being the oldest I feel like I had the pressure at a very young age so being where I’m at today just brings a huge smile and warmth’s my heart. I’m proud of me.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No! I scarified a lot to be where I’m at. Long days and a lot of night shifts at work. Not being able to attend social gatherings because when growing a business your clients comes first for the first few years. Keeping yourself positive I think is the hardest. And it takes a huge toll on your mental health. Again as the oldest daughter and caring for others before you this career can consume you if you can’t manage it properly.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a hairstylist been around for 14 years now. I do basically everything. I got known (& I believe this helped me have this much growth) for men’s haircuts. But recently I have been mastering my color services (not to toot my own horn). I’m proud of everything I have accomplished in this area because I swear I want to quit every other day. Customer service is one of the hardest things I have ever done. One thing that sets me aside from other hairstylist is that I stay true to myself. I care for the quality than the quantity. I rather see the same client year round because for me it speaks volume that a specific person chooses to come back to me when there’s alot of us out there. I truly care for my clients needs. Even though I’m not the stylist for everyone. I relate and put myself in their shoes. For me money doesn’t mean anything if my clients hate their hair. I’m hard on myself and I know i should be easier but I feel having that care is rewarding me in so many ways. Of course money is why I do this but to me it matters when people are content with MY work. Thats my name in their heads.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I’m my own mentor honestly. I keep myself alive, motivated.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Looksby_tania -business / xo_taniagrcia -personal
