We recently connected with Tanya Pugh and have shared our conversation below.

Tanya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success isn’t just a dream—it’s a mindset, a habit, and a relentless pursuit. To achieve anything great, you need a positive mindset, consistency, discipline, and persistence.

A positive mindset turns obstacles into opportunities and fuels your belief in yourself.

Consistency forces you to show up every day, even when no one is watching.

Discipline pushes you to do what needs to be done, even when motivation fades.

Persistence ensures that no setback, no failure, and no doubt can stop you from reaching your goals

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Tanya Pugh, a licensed cosmetologist since 2003, and my passion began at 13 under the mentorship of Sharon Green. With over 21 years in the industry, I’ve honed my craft, educated aspiring stylists at Empire Beauty School, and balanced my roles as a single working mother with dedication. In 2022, I founded Yayaz Hair Studio and moved to Sola Salons in Monroeville July 2024. Also in 2023 ,I expanded my passion for personal growth by launching a collection of gratitude journals on Amazon. My journey is rooted in resilience, education, and community leadership—values that set our salon apart.

At Yayaz Hair Studio, I specialize in providing personalized hair care services that cater to the unique needs of each client. The service offerings include consultations, scalp and hair cleansing, deep conditioning, haircuts, and various styling options such as silk wraps, roller sets, and flexi rod sets. I also provide specialized services like ponytails with braids , twists and additional protective styles ,including extensions . Yayaz Hair Studio also offers facial waxing and customized press on nail sets to fit the every look or special occasion.

What truly sets Yayaz Hair Studio apart is our holistic approach to beauty and well-being. We create spaces where women, especially Black women, can feel seen, valued, and beautiful. My mission is to empower each guest, both inside and out, ensuring she leaves the studio feeling confident and rejuvenated. 

By focusing on individualized care and fostering an environment of empowerment, Yayaz Hair Studio offers more than just hair services—it provides a transformative experience that celebrates and enhances the natural beauty of each client .

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe that my commitment to being accessible, knowledgeable, and genuine sets me apart in the industry. I’ve dedicated myself to continuous education, ensuring that I offer the latest techniques and personalized care. By delivering consistent, high-quality service and treating every client with genuine care—beyond just the monetary transaction—I build lasting trust and relationships that truly make a difference.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

My best source of new clients is through word of mouth and maintaining an active social media presence. By consistently putting myself in public view, I not only showcase my passion and expertise but also build authentic connections with my audience. This visibility allows me to demonstrate the quality and care I offer, which in turn builds trust and drives referrals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yayazhairstudio.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: Yayaz Hair Studio
• Facebook: Yayaz Hair Studio

Image Credits

Professional Photos taken by : TonyLynn Photographer
Editing. By Dr.Jessica Wilson Dorsey

Gallery of Styles: Tanya M Pugh