Today we’d like to introduce you to James Hoff.
James , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my career in the beauty industry over 26 years ago with a deep love for hair and creativity, but very little formal education around the business side of our industry. Like many stylists, I learned by doing—building a clientele, refining my craft, and discovering early on how powerful this industry can be when education and support are prioritized.
As I grew, I noticed a pattern: incredibly talented stylists were burning out or leaving the industry, not because they lacked skill, but because they lacked structure, mentorship, and clear growth paths. That realization shaped everything I chose to build next.
Six years ago, I became a salon owner and intentionally built our salon from the ground up with education at the center. We focused on creating clear career paths, ongoing technical and business education, and a culture where growth is expected, supported, and celebrated. Through consistent training, leadership development, and a team-first mindset, we grew from zero into an award-winning, million-dollar salon—without sacrificing integrity, culture, or work-life balance.
Today, education remains the foundation of everything we do. We believe when stylists are taught how to grow—not just how to do hair—they thrive. My passion now extends beyond the salon floor into mentoring salon owners, booth renters, and independent professionals, helping them build sustainable, profitable businesses through education, systems, and intentional leadership. Everything I teach is rooted in real experience and a genuine commitment to elevating our industry through learning and growth.
Alright, 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?
It has definitely not been a smooth road—but it has been one filled with gratitude, growth, and constant learning.
We opened our salon in November of 2019, full of excitement and momentum, and just a few months later, in March of 2020, salons were forced to close due to COVID-19. As a brand-new business with a small team and no financial cushion yet in place, losing all cash flow overnight was by far the hardest challenge we’ve faced. It tested us emotionally, financially, and as leaders, and forced us to make decisions with courage, transparency, and resilience during a time of extreme uncertainty.
Beyond that moment, the journey has been one of trial and error—learning how to lead people, build systems, and grow a business while still staying aligned with our values. We’ve experienced setbacks along the way, including a difficult season where several stylists chose to walk out. While painful at the time, it became one of our greatest learning moments and ultimately helped us clarify our culture, expectations, and leadership approach.
Today, we’re incredibly fortunate to have a strong, committed team, with many of our stylists having been with us for five years. Those challenges shaped who we are, strengthened our foundation, and reinforced our belief that growth comes from education, accountability, and learning through experience. Looking back, every obstacle helped prepare us for the sustainable, people-focused business we run today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about TEEZ Hair Studio?
Our business is built on the belief that exceptional guest experiences start with well-educated, supported, and empowered stylists. At TEEZ, we are a luxury, education-driven salon committed to growing both our team and our guests through intention, consistency, and care.
What truly sets us apart is our unwavering focus on education and teamwork. We don’t just train stylists on technical skills—we invest in their long-term growth through ongoing education, mentorship, and clear career paths that support both creative and financial success. Our team operates collaboratively, sharing knowledge and supporting one another, because we believe the strongest salons are built on shared growth, not competition.
For our guests, this translates into elevated, reliable, and personalized experiences every time they walk through our doors. We are deeply committed to delivering value and luxury at every visit—from expert consultations and high-quality services to thoughtful details and a welcoming environment that makes clients feel confident, cared for, and seen. Luxury to us isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about consistency, trust, and results.
Brand-wise, we are most proud of the culture we’ve created. We’ve grown from the ground up into an award-winning salon by staying true to our values: education, integrity, and people first. Many of our team members have grown with us for years, and watching stylists build sustainable, fulfilling careers within our salon is our greatest measure of success.
What we want readers to know is that TEEZ is more than a salon—it’s a place where education fuels excellence, teamwork drives growth, and guests receive an elevated experience rooted in skill, care, and professionalism. Every service, every interaction, and every decision we make is guided by our commitment to raising the standard for both our industry and the people we serve.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest advice is to commit to learning early and often—especially beyond just technical skills. Mastery of your craft is important, but understanding business fundamentals, communication, and leadership will determine how far and how sustainably you grow.
I wish I had known sooner that success doesn’t come from doing everything alone. Seek out mentors, invest in education, and surround yourself with people who challenge you and support your growth. Systems, structure, and consistency may not feel exciting at first, but they create freedom, confidence, and longevity in the long run.
Be patient with yourself and with the process. Growth rarely happens in a straight line, and mistakes are part of the journey. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, refine, and get better—if you’re willing to stay open and accountable.
Most importantly, build with intention. Define your values early, protect your culture, and remember that how you grow matters just as much as how fast you grow. If you stay focused on education, integrity, and people, the results will follow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://TEEZhairstudio.com
- Instagram: teezhairstudio
- Facebook: teezhairstudiotx
