Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tina Black. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Tina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear your thoughts about family businesses.

I value the idea of a family business because it aligns with my focus on leadership, legacy, and helping others fulfill their potential. A family business offers in my mind a strong foundation for building generational wealth, teaching leadership skills to your children and grandchildren, and creating a legacy that reflects my values

However, I do approach it with clear leadership principles: setting boundaries, defining roles, and ensuring communication Is strong to avoid common pitfalls of mixing business with family dynamics. My coaching background gives me an advantage in navigating challenges that come with working closely with family members while maintaining professionalism with respect.

I have been a part of family business since I was a child. I witnessed it with my father with my 2 brothers, as well as 3 of my siblings that built a business together as well. I saw the good, bad, and ugly. Later in life my husband and I opened a cosmetology school together, a few years ago he retired from his law practice, and stepped into our schools to offer operations and legal assistance. We’ve navigated highs and lows during that period. In the beginning having to set boundaries on when we discuss business verses being on a date.. This has been the hardest and most difficult part of our marriage, because business doesn’t close down like it does for our employees. We’re always thinking about it 24/7. 10 years ago I partnered with my daughter in the salon business, knowing her expertise is exactly what our business would need, and we would make a perfect partnership. We each bring different strengths to the table, and have been able to navigate those strengths very well. We both have profound respect for one another and this is key in any partnership. She now has 3 children, and of course I pray that one or more of them would want to go into our family businesses. It’s important to me that each partner I work with, whether family or not, is aligned with and called to their role as part of God’s purpose for their life. Maintaining a strong and healthy family relationship is more important to me than any business or relationship. I remember years ago, my husband and I fighting over business strategy, I let him know if and when business ever comes between us it will be time to let go and sell.

I have a coaching company of which I coach salon owners. Most of those salons I have coached over the years has family involved one way or another. I feel I am in a place to truly add value to those owners. I have a strong understanding of the dynamics that come with mixing family and business, which gives me an edge in helping my clients navigate those complexities while preserving both the business and the relationship.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Over 20 years ago I was in the dental industry; my husband encourage me to buy a cosmetology school, he felt with my personality and strengths, the beauty industry would be a wonderful ministry for me. I have always thought of any career I’ve been in to be a business/ministry of which I call my Binistry…. if there is such a word! If not, I made it up.

I have been a cosmetology school and salon over for over 20 years, and have quickly realized that many salons owners struggled with the business side of things. They had trouble managing finances, building strong teams, and creating a culture that retained top talent. Family dynamics also added on an extra layer of complexity, as many salons are family-run, and navigating business decisions while preserving personal relationships is a huge challenge. That’s where I have stepped in. My experience has allowed me to help salon owners not only grow their businesses but also strengthen their team dynamics and leadership skills.

What truly sets me apart from other coaches is my combination of hands-on industry experience and leadership expertise. I’ve been where my clients are, and understand the stress of running schools and salons, managing teams, and trying to balance it all. Most importantly I approach my coaching from a place of purpose. It is important to me that each of my partners, whether family or not feel that they are called to their role as part of God’s purpose for their life. I help my clients build businesses that are not only successful but aligned with their deeper purpose.

One of the things I’m my proud of is the impact I’ve had on all my team members in my businesses as well as the lives of my coaching clients. Ive seen team members and salon owner go from struggling to thriving in their position and business success. The most rewarding is watching people grow in their confidence as leaders, knowing that they are full-filling their God-given potential.

If you’re a salon owner who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to take your business to the next level, I want you to know that success truly is possible! You don’t have to figure it out alone. Through our coaching company, Next Level Salon leadership we provide practical strategies, leadership guidance, and personal support to help you build a salon that reflects your vision and values. Most importantly, I care about you as a person, not just a business owner. My goal is to help you build a scalable business you love without sacrificing the relationships that matter the most. www.tinablack.net

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

As a Maxwell leadership certified Coach since 2013, is why my leadership approach is so grounded in strong values, personal growth, and empowering others. It shaped me as an entrepreneur and why I coach others to lead with clarity, purpose and integrity, I shifted from an authoritative style of leadership to a more empowering, values-driven leadership approach. This explains why I’ve been able to scale our companies so effectively, and help my clients to do the same.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A big lesson I had to unlearn is the idea that authority equals leadership. Early in my career, I believed that strong leadership meant being in control; making decisions, setting the rules, and expecting others to follow without much discussion. To some degree it worked in my early years, but over time I noticed that it led to tension and lack of engagement from my team and resistance to change.

The turning point for me came when I joined the John Maxwell team. Through their teachings, I realized leadership is not about control, but rather about influence, connection, and empowering others to succeed. I learned that when I trust my team, gave them ownership (literally), and lead with vision rather than control, they became more invested and motivated.

This shift transformed me personally and professionally. My focus now is building a stronger foundation, hiring the right people, and creating a culture where my team feels valued and heard.

Unlearning this control mindset allowed me to create the kind of business, and coach others towards this new kind of business that not only thrives financially but also reflects my values, and empowers others to grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tinablack.net
• Instagram: @tinamblackpmts
• Facebook: Tina Black
• Other: email: [email protected]