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

Alright, Taylor thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

Learning the craft and artistry of hair is the most fulfilling part of my job. Watching myself grow more every year has been my favorite part. I’m huge on discipline and education when it comes to hair artistry; people are coming to you and choosing you to work on their hair so always being up to date on trends and polishing your skills is important- it’s what sets you apart. I’ve trained with some of the absolute best and most talented stylists in the game and each time, the fire in me is lit and I remember why I chose this career. Whether it be mastering formulations of different color lines, to perfecting my techniques of application all the way to how you talk to the client and make them feel loved and heard. Learning this craft more and more each day keeps me from getting burnt out and pushes me forward.

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?

I am a hair stylist based right here in Austin. I moved here two years ago from Kentucky to elevate my career and learn who I wanted to be as a stylist. I do pretty much anything my clients are wanting to do- hair coloring to tailored cuts or even extensions! What really sets me apart as a stylist in a huge city like Austin is that I think of myself as disciplined. I am the biggest perfectionist out there and will always make sure that whatever I do to your hair, you will enjoy. I make sure I’m fully confident in my skills before offering them as services. I believe quality is key in this industry and I don’t want to fall short. I want any potential clients to know that sitting in the chair with me, you’ll have a loyal type-woman. I am a girls girl and will always be a shoulder to lean on and will always hear whatever it is you have on your mind. You will leave your appointment with me always feeling your best and if not, you bet I’ll be quick to fix it.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, I think the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is seeing your work come to life. You paint this picture in your head about how you want it to come out and when the finished product is just as good-if not better than that picture, it’s so exciting. It shows all the grit and hard work you put into this career is paying off.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I had a baby back in November of 2022; being a newer stylist while navigating motherhood was a huge shift in my career. I told myself I would persevere and get the work done while being an amazing mother to my daughter. I worked my butt off part time after a 2 month leave and life-changing transition in order to ease my way back into normalcy. Now, I’m a full time employee while also being a full time mommy. It’s the biggest pivot I’ve had to make but I think it made my passion for this career ignite even more. I love working and doing what I love just to come home and see the exact reason I’m pushing myself this hard. It’s never easy, but it’s so worth it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @taylorduartehair
• Facebook: Taylor Duarte / Taylor Duarte hair

Image Credits
My lovely boss, Melanie, took my portrait photo.