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

Tasha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

What I’d Do Differently

Looking back, I wish I had worked harder to make conversations around hair loss more mainstream from the very beginning. Too often, clients feel alone or even ashamed, when in reality thinning hair is extremely common. If I had been more vocal—through education, community outreach, and awareness campaigns—I believe it would have helped normalize these struggles sooner and encouraged more people to seek solutions without fear or stigma.

For anyone considering starting their own practice in this field, my advice is:

Find a mentor. Having support from someone experienced in hair loss or hair restoration work can save you years of trial and error and give you invaluable guidance.

Specialize early. Find a niche—like thinning hair, wigs, or color—and become an expert at it.

Invest in training. Clients can tell when you’re truly educated in the solutions you’re offering.

Be patient. Building a reputation in this space takes time.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Tasha, co- founder of Salon Elite and a hair loss specialist who has been working in this field long before it became trendy. I focus on solutions for thinning hair through advanced scalp analysis , toppers, safe extension systems, and specialty haircuts using advanced instruments designed specifically to maximize fullness and movement in fine hair. What sets me apart is the balance of artistry and scalp health, along with years of experience helping clients cut through misinformation and unrealistic promises to find real, sustainable results. Instead of a clinical setting, I provide a salon environment that is comfortable and welcoming—where clients can enjoy a regular salon experience while receiving discreet, specialized care. More than just restoring hair, my mission is to restore confidence and create a space where people can feel like themselves again.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I actually met my business partner Carlie at a prior salon where we both worked—I was a trainer there at the time. We were complete opposites in personality, but those differences turned out to be our greatest strength because we balanced each other so well. The environment we came from was very negative and chaotic, and we knew we wanted something different. So we took a leap of faith and, out of the ashes of COVID, built one of the most successful salons in St. Louis. That experience taught us not only resilience, but also the value of creating a positive, supportive culture for both clients and our team.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

We opened our doors just two weeks before the COVID shutdown. It could have ended us before we even started, but instead we used that time to refine our systems, stay connected with clients, and prepare for a stronger comeback. That experience taught us that resilience is about adapting quickly and never losing sight of your mission—even in the toughest circumstances.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thesalonelite.com
• Instagram: [email protected]
• Facebook: Salon Elite
• Linkedin: th
• Yelp: Salon Elite
• Other: @eliteartist

Image Credits

Self