We were lucky to catch up with Tanya Momi recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tanya, thanks for joining us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?
When I reflect on my journey, the unwavering support of my parents shines brightly as a cornerstone of my strength and success. I had an arranged marriage and moved to the USA in 1983. Just a year prior, my parents had relocated to Canada. Their decision to help me settle in the USA was motivated by their desire to keep me close to them, even as I embarked on a new chapter in life.
Life in the USA brought its challenges. By then, I had two young children, aged 5 and 3, and my in-laws insisted I contribute financially. When a neighbor suggested I pursue beauty school instead of graphic design—knowing the demanding hours of that profession—it felt like a practical solution for my situation. However, my in-laws made it clear they wouldn’t support my education financially. Instead, they demanded I ask my parents for help.
Without hesitation or a single question, my parents stepped in. They sent the money I needed for school, not out of obligation but out of pure love and belief in me. Their generosity allowed me to enroll in a local beauty school, where I thrived. I graduated with high regard from my teachers, who even celebrated my success with a graduation party.
My parents have always been my heroes. They never saw education or personal growth as a burden—they saw it as an investment in my future. They supported every decision I made, empowering me to create a life I could be proud of. Their faith in me gave me the courage to rise above challenges, and for that, I will forever be grateful.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My journey into the beauty industry is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the unwavering support of my parents. I grew up in a family shaped by the incredible strength of my parents, who were refugees during the 1947 Partition of India. They lost everything but rebuilt their lives with determination and ambition, instilling in us the values of discipline, education, and perseverance. My father, a high school teacher and public relations officer, was also a published author of novels and dramas. His passion for writing and education inspired me to dream big and embrace opportunities.
In 1983, I moved to the USA after my arranged marriage, and by 1988, my neighbor’s aunt encouraged me to pursue beauty school while waiting for my state board exams. My parents, as always, supported me financially and emotionally. With their belief in my potential, I stepped into a new world. Beauty became my canvas, a natural extension of my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Despite societal perceptions within the Indian community that undervalue the beauty industry, I embraced this path with dedication and creativity.
Starting with just a few clients, my salon quickly grew into a thriving business. Within eight months, I had over 100 loyal clients who trusted my expertise and artistry. Nails became a medium for me to blend art and science, as the U.S. beauty industry requires rigorous training in anatomy, hygiene, and client care. I consistently invested in my education, took business courses, and sought coaching to refine my skills and expand my services.
What sets me apart is my commitment to my clients. I built relationships based on trust, confidentiality, and a dedication to quality. I prioritized the long-term health of my clients’ nails, promoting natural and safe practices. Over time, I shifted focus to medical-grade pedicures and treatments for clients with issues like ingrown nails or fungal conditions, offering them gentle, effective care.
In 1994, with funding from my parents, I opened my second salon, Spoil Me Spa Salon & Gallery, a full-service haven offering hair, nails, skincare, and massage therapy. Our salon became more than a business—it was a community, a place for families to relax, feel pampered, and connect. Through this journey, I also contributed to charitable causes, making a meaningful impact beyond the salon.
I am proud of my brand, built on integrity, honesty, and hard work. My clients trusted me to deliver consistent, high-quality service, and I stayed true to my mission of serving them with care and professionalism. Today, I continue to educate and innovate in the beauty industry, focusing on health, hygiene, and creating a safe space for clients to feel nurtured and valued.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
At my full-service salon, I managed a team of 15 to 17 independent contractors specializing in hair, nails, massage, and facials. Rather than micromanaging, I chose to empower my team by fostering an environment of accountability and growth. In the beauty industry, independent contractors are self-employed professionals, and this model encouraged them to take ownership of their success while contributing to the collective spirit of the salon.
Key skills I prioritized as a leader included:
1. Deep Listening:Understanding team members’ needs and concerns, building trust, and ensuring everyone felt valued.
2. Keeping Your Word:Consistency and reliability in your actions and promises as a leader.
3. Accountability and Credibility: Owning mistakes and fostering a culture of honesty and growth.
A successful business starts with the owner’s mindset. Mental health, a well-balanced personal life, and a solid business plan form the foundation of good leadership. I believe in lifelong learning and growth, which I encouraged in my team as well.
To maintain high morale and foster connection, I celebrated each team member’s birthday with a special gathering. I brought their favorite cake, and everyone contributed a dish. We marked these dates on our calendars, decorated the lunchroom, and came together for an hour to celebrate. These gatherings weren’t just about cake—they were about sharing stories, laughter, and moments of connection. Sometimes, we even shared the celebration with our clients, strengthening our salon community.
In times of hardship, such as illness or personal challenges, we came together to support one another with group prayers, hugs, and encouragement. The sense of camaraderie we built carried us through even the toughest times, including the challenges brought on by COVID-19. During the pandemic, our shared resilience and mutual support kept us going, as we helped each other and our clients navigate uncertain times.
Creating a team that feels like family requires effort, empathy, and a focus on shared values. Celebrating successes, supporting each other in difficulties, and maintaining open communication are the keys to fostering high morale and a strong, connected team.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
My journey from running a salon to becoming a full-time artist is a story of serendipity and the unwavering encouragement of those around me. As a salon owner, I poured my focus and dedication into my work. Clients often remarked on how soothing it was to watch me work, likening my precision and gentle touch with the nail brush to that of a painter. Little did I know that their observations would help reignite a passion I had carried since childhood.
Over time, my clients became more than just patrons—they became friends and supporters. They would gift me canvases, brushes, and paint, encouraging me to pick up my long-forgotten passion for art. One Christmas Eve, a dear friend and client, Aruna, arrived at my doorstep with a surprise that would change everything. She brought me an easel.
That Christmas morning, something stirred within me. As the kids slept, I looked at the easel by the Christmas tree, and it felt like an invitation. I retrieved my paints, brushes, and canvases from storage and began painting right there in the living room. By the time my children woke up, four oil paintings stood completed next to the tree. The smell of fresh paint and the sight of me creating something so deeply personal surprised them—they had never seen this side of me before.
Word spread quickly among my clients, and they wanted to see my work. I began bringing my paintings to the salon, where they were met with enthusiasm and awe. To my surprise, clients began purchasing my art and even connecting me with galleries to showcase my work. What started as a spark quickly became a blazing path forward.
Soon, my salon transformed into an art gallery, and I was creating over 100 paintings a year. My art found homes with collectors and even in museums. A dream I thought had been left behind in my childhood came to life in a way I could never have imagined.
Today, I am a full-time artist, living a life I once only dreamed of. My journey from salon owner to artist taught me that sometimes, the paths we least expect can lead us to our true calling. The salon was my stepping stone, not just for my career but for rediscovering my passion.
My art is more than a profession; it is my voice, my story, and my legacy. Through it, I aim to live fully, love deeply, and inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter where they are in life. My philosophy is simple: live with honesty, embrace health, practice generosity, and never underestimate the power of forgiveness and gratitude.
Overcoming Adversity and Empowering Others
My journey into the beauty industry was not just about building a career—it became my lifeline. As my salon flourished, I unexpectedly found myself becoming the financial pillar of my household, but my success was met with resentment at home. The abuse I and my children endured became unbearable. It was a hairstylist at my salon who gave me the courage and guidance to take action. She encouraged me to confide in my parents and ask for their help.
Following her advice was life-changing. My parents, who have always been my unwavering support, came to the U.S. without hesitation or advance notice to confront the situation. When confronted, my ex-husband denied the abuse and escalated matters by calling the police on my parents. Despite his attempts to control the narrative, he was served divorce papers along with a restraining order. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for me and my children.
If it weren’t for the relationships I had built through my salon, I wouldn’t have had access to the wisdom, support, and resources to escape that toxic environment. My salon was more than a business—it was a safe haven and a place of learning. Clients became my friends, mentors, and even teachers, just as I, in turn, supported and empowered them.
The salon taught me that women supporting other women is one of the most powerful forces for change. Many clients came from diverse backgrounds, and their stories inspired me to grow and help others in similar circumstances. Over time, I was able to assist other women facing abuse, offering them a listening ear, advice, and encouragement.
Leaving an abusive marriage as a woman in the Indian community was not easy. Divorce remains a taboo, and societal support for divorced women is limited. However, with the unconditional love of my parents and the solidarity of my clients, I found the strength to rebuild my life. Today, I look back on my journey with immense gratitude and pride. My story, though rooted in pain, became a tale of resilience, empowerment, and growth.
I’ve learned that life isn’t perfect for anyone, and comparison—especially fueled by social media—only leads to dissatisfaction. We must focus on mindful living, mental health, and supporting each other through life’s challenges. My salon was more than a workplace; it was my refuge and my platform to help others.
Now, I encourage women to stand together, not compete, and to extend a hand to those in need. Isolation and mental health struggles are on the rise, but by fostering connection and practicing kindness, we can create a better future. I am here to tell my story because of the strength and love I received, and I hope my journey inspires others to overcome, thrive, and help others along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.TanyaMomi.Com
- Instagram: @tanya.momi
- Facebook: Tanya Momi
- Linkedin: Tanyamomi
- Youtube: Tanya Momi
- Other: https://youtube.com/live/2OHSOFgkmrw?feature=share
https://www.losaltosonline.com/news/sections/spiritual-life/60757-artist-s-work-a-reflection-of-sikh-faith-optimism-for-women
https://boldjourney.com/meet-tanya-momi
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