We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tara Ames. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tara below.

Tara, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

The story behind Restoration Marketing is a small-town girl with big dreams! I grew up in Minnesota, a low-grade student who didn’t think further than the day I was in. I hit senior year and was introduce to the hair industry by one of my long-time best friends. I dropped out of high school and went to private school to be able to complete my high school diploma during the night and work full-time in the salon during the day. I feel like this was a pivotal moment in my life as I found an industry that fills my heart 100%. I moved out of my mother’s home and started cosmetology school shortly after. I went through trials and tribulations as all teenagers do. But as you grow older you see that those moments shape you into the adult you once will be. I had my daughter, Aubree, at 19 years old and took a break from cosmetology school to be able to support my daughter and me. I always say, she saved me and is my biggest motivation to this day. I ended up completing cosmetology school when Aubree was around one years old and went into the industry. I was hit with trials being behind the chair because of being a single mother. I made the decision to leave the career I loved and head to corporate America to be able to support the two of us. Fast forward a few years, I got married and we moved to Houston, TX to start our new life together. This was a fresh start for everything, and I took full advantage of it! After a few months of job hunting, I landed my first job that introduced me to marketing. It was then that I found my second passion in life. The variety, creative avenues, and people that marketing brings to my life fills every bucket I have! So, I’ve spent a few years since then between corporate marketing jobs, managing salons, earning my degree, and building relationships in the industry to land where Restoration Marketing’s vision and mission is today. Restoration Marketing is a successful woman owned marketing & development business hyper focused in partnering with women in the beauty industry. You see one word in common there, women. My brand is solely focused on helping these women hit their true and full potential. 

Restoration Marketing today is a pack full of inspiring women who are on a path to excellence. Each one on their own specific path and plan tailored to their core beliefs. I am inspired and motivated daily by these women. I am exactly where I dreamed to be, and I know that small town girl would be proud. 

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

There is one word, referrals. I always preach that if you care for your people, clients, or employees, you will be rewarded. I started out my first-year advertising and pushing towards my inner circles. But after I landed a couple clients, by year two I was fully referral based and have been since. I take care of my people and have always valued quality over quantity. This has shown to flourish my business because they have referred their friends, over and over. One tip is to always care for those people that are supporting your dream and the rest will fall in line.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building your social media brand is a marathon. It starts with really identifying your brand and how you want to be seen and felt in the digital world. Once you have this down, I like to build a list of problems I can solve with my services. I’m always about solving problems, not selling business. Once I have this list, I start in Canva and build out filler content. Once you have your content, it is all about consistency. Posting consistently, engaging consistently, and really giving that “human” feel to your profile. I know social media is always changing, this is why I stay consistent with the basics and don’t get distracted by short term trends.

If you need help with managing your socials, I encourage you to invest as the return on investment is there! The world we live in is completely digital, make sure you show up how you want to be seen.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: restorationmarketing
• Facebook: restorationmarketing

Image Credits
Ashley Owens Photography