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

Tajma , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

For the past 16 years, I’ve had the honor of working as a licensed celebrity hair and makeup artist.
I’ve styled A-list clients, starred on a WEtv reality show, curated luxury salons, traveled the world, and worked with major networks like MTV, VH1, and FOX News. I’ve built a six-figure career doing what I love — but none of that has been the most fulfilling part of my journey.
The most meaningful moments of my career happen in the salon, not on the red carpet.
They happen when I spin my chair around and a woman sees herself — truly sees herself — for the first time in a very long time.
So many women dedicate themselves fully to motherhood, to marriage, to their careers, to chasing success. In the process, they often lose sight of themselves. They stop prioritizing their own reflection. Their beauty. Their essence.
But in that moment, when I reveal the love I’ve poured into their hair or makeup, I see it — a tear, a smile, a light that returns to their eyes. It’s not about the glam. It’s about recognition. They’re not just seeing the mother, the wife, the boss, or the employee.
They’re seeing her again. Their most beautiful, authentic, and pure self.
That’s what I live for.
That’s my purpose.
To serve the most unappreciated, the most undervalued.
To serve the woman

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.

Tajma Myles — also known as Stylez By Taj
Celebrity Stylist | Salon Owner | TV Personality | Serial Entrepreneur

I’m Tajma Myles, but many of you know me as Stylez By Taj—a celebrity stylist, salon owner turned TV personality, and a proud serial entrepreneur. Born and raised in the heart of Northern California’s Bay Area, I was shaped by a tribe of strong, resilient Black women who instilled in me the power, vibrance, and style I embody today.
My understanding of womanhood was shaped early on by my mother and grandmother. My mother was my first introduction to beauty—she was like a superhero to me. Her unique style, grace, and the way she perfected her hair and makeup (especially those magical baby hairs!) left an impression that would inspire my entire career. I remember watching her cut and style hair right in our kitchen, transforming our home into a sanctuary of self-expression. She always told me, “Be unforgettable. You are my daughter.” That mantra stays with me to this day.
Tragically, my mother was murdered when I was just 11 years old. Losing her was my greatest heartbreak, but her light continues to guide me. Everything I create—every brand, every salon, every look—is influenced by her legacy.
After my mother passed, my grandmother became my guardian angel. She raised me with grace, independence, and an unshakable faith in God. She is, without a doubt, the strongest woman I have ever known. Despite enduring unimaginable loss—burying four of her five children—she never gave up. She worked tirelessly, pouring love into our family and community, and didn’t retire until she was 87. Her resilience is my blueprint. She taught me that no one is coming to save me—that the power to build, to heal, and to thrive is in my hands.
Stylez By Taj was born to honor women like my mom and grandmother. Each salon I opened was designed to be a luxury experience—feminine, elegant, and unforgettable. From chandeliers to intricate design details, I wanted every woman who walked through those doors to feel swept away into an oasis of beauty and empowerment.
I’ve opened and successfully operated multiple luxury salon locations in Berkeley and Walnut Creek, California. Each one was thoughtfully curated and eventually sold to up-and-coming stylists whom I’ve mentored or taught over the years. Passing the torch and creating opportunities for other creatives has always been a passion of mine—my way of giving back to the industry that gave so much to me.
Everything I do is in honor of my roots, my family, and the women who came before me. I will never stop striving to make them proud.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I think about a pivot, I think of surrender—surrendering to faith, to divine timing, and to the unknown. My faith in God has carried me through every phase of my career. If I had to pinpoint one life-altering pivot, it would be the moment I packed up my entire life in California and moved across the country to the City of Brotherly Love: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
After years of building a successful career in California—owning multiple salon locations, working as a cosmetology instructor, collaborating with major cosmetic brands—I was blessed with an unexpected opportunity: I became one of the lead talents on the WE tv reality show Super Sized Salon. The show spotlighted the world’s first all-inclusive plus-size salon, and it aired in the fall of 2022. Filmed in Las Vegas, it was an unforgettable experience being in front of the camera after spending so many years behind the scenes with celebrity clients.
Seeing myself on national television was surreal. Growing up, I rarely saw women who looked like me represented positively on screen. The media often painted plus-size women with a single brush—usually rooted in pity or shame. But I’ve never fit that mold. Even on my weight loss journey, I’ve always owned my beauty, embraced my style, and carried myself with confidence. When I enter a room, my size is secondary to my spirit. My charisma, my presence, and my unapologetic confidence are what people remember.
Being on the show gave me a new lens on life and on my career. Once the season ended and I returned home, I felt… changed. I had outgrown my routine. The salon that once fulfilled me now felt limiting. I wanted more—I needed more.
So, I listened to the nudge in my spirit. I realized the Bay Area wasn’t big enough to contain my big dreams anymore. In January 2024, I left everything familiar behind and moved to Philadelphia. And over the last year and a half, I’ve rebuilt—not just my brand, but my identity. I’m no longer just a luxury salon owner—I’m a traveling celebrity stylist and a multifaceted industry professional.
Today, I fly back to California once a month for my VIP clients, but my focus has expanded. I’ve worked multiple seasons of New York Fashion Week with major brands like TRESemmé. I’ve led hair and makeup for shows on MTV, WE tv, and even had the opportunity to work on projects at Fox News.
I’m not just StylezbyTai the brand anymore—I’m Tajma Myles the talent. And I couldn’t be more excited or optimistic about what’s ahead!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What sets me apart as a stylist is my integrity. I’m always the first to arrive and the last to leave, ensuring every detail is perfect, no matter if it’s a celebrity booking or a Bridal Glam session. My clients appreciate that they can count on me to handle every aspect with care, no task too small. When I’ve asked my celebrity clients what makes them choose me, the unanimous response is always that no one cares the way I do. I bring a fun, lively energy to the creative space, but I also approach styling from multiple angles—whether it’s creative direction or editing. I’m not afraid to jump in, fix garments, smooth flyaways, or tackle the little things that make the biggest difference.
Above all, my clients love that I’m their number one hype girl. I make sure they feel amazing, and that confidence always shows in the final product. It’s this attention to detail and positive energy that has helped build my reputation. My clients know that with me on set, they are taken care of.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.tajmamyles.com
• Instagram: @stylezbytaj
• Facebook: StylezByTaj
• Youtube: @stylezbytaj
• Other: https://Www.StylezByTaj.com

Image Credits

Kay Manee (personal photo)
Aja Graydon (Kindred The Family Soul)
Chelsey johnson (bride)
Sherlie Lee (grandmother)
Style By Taj Luxury salon.