We were lucky to catch up with Caleigh Giarra recently and have shared our conversation below.

Caleigh, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

The name “Tomboy” might seem pretty opposite to what you would think of when it comes to a beauty salon. Allow me to explain…

My friend/coworker and I were working on a branding exercise one day. We were naming words that described the type of hair/work we created. She said the word “tomboy”, and I instantly saw the vision for a brand. I held on to the idea in case I’d one day open a salon.

Fast forward, and here I am, 2.5 years into Tomboy Hair Studio, where we specialize in Extensions and Lived In Color.

To me, I felt like the word “tomboy” encompassed everything about the effortless and lived in hair that I created everyday, as well as the relaxed approach I took when working with my clients. I wanted to capture that idea and morph it into a brand and personality.

Contrary to your typical upscale hair salons, Tomboy gives a more laid back feel, rather than something intimidating and snooty – without lacking in quality. It’s Luxury without the overwhelm. It’s minimalistic and edgy, rather than bright and colorful. It’s calm and collected, rather than dramatic and busy.

These are characteristics of the overall atmosphere and environment I wanted to create for both clients and employees. Our slogan is “cool hair, chill vibes”, and that just about captures it. We do good hair, and we do it in a way that is down to earth and transparent. We work with integrity, we want our clients to feel welcomed and understood, and to show we are doing more than selling a product – we want the best for them and their hair.

Caleigh, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I got into the hair industry because I’d always been captivated by doing hair. I was the go-to girl for all things hair and makeup in my friend group and for my family. I knew how to curl the right way, or make a ponytail look good.

Alongside of that, I was deeply inspired when my local hairstylist finally cut my bangs in a way that nobody else did. There was something magical about the fact that she knew how to do something so well.

Though I enjoyed hair, and was impressed by what my hairstylist did, it wasn’t until I had the opportunity to be a hair model for a few successful artists in New York City that my mind was mind up.

I joined the industry in 2013 eager to learn everything.

It wasn’t until a few years in that I really fell in love with color, and later on extensions.

I’m a hairstylist who used to be extremely against extensions, and now they’re all I do.

I found a method (Invisible Bead Extensions) that is gentle on the hair, prioritizes scalp health, and allows the versatility to customize them completely to each and every guest.

I work with clients who suffer from fine or thinning hair, as well as women who are just ready to have the dream hair they’ve always wanted.

I custom color every extension weft I place in my clients’ hair, and pair it with trending, lived in color – looks that grow out beautifully, with soft depth and flattering tones.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I simply put myself out there. I posted the work and content that I liked myself, and figured, if anyone else is likeminded, they might enjoy the content too.

Consistency is key! Though I have a small social media audience compared to some, I have learned so much about how to grow and gain clients this way. Your follower list does not determine how successful your business is. A million followers doesn’t always mean a million clients. Post to your audience as if there are millions. They want to see you and hear what you have to say.

Don’t doubt yourself. It can feel scary, but it will pay off. And hey, the more you post and share, the more you will learn and grow.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Speaking of social media, I think it is a huge tool for growing a clientele. There IS strategy to it though!

Show up authentically, consistently, and be very clear about what it is you do and offer. Have a funnel that links to how to book with you, and anymore information that will create validity and show that you are a real person and business.

I think engagement and interaction is also huge – actively seek out people who fit your target market. I remember when I followed a girl who was new to town and I liked a couple of her photos. She immediately booked with me, and to this day she is a wonderful and loyal client of mine.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tomboyhairstudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caleigh.tomboyhair/
• Facebook: Facebook.com/tomboyhairstudio

Image Credits
Cate Willis