We were lucky to catch up with Tara Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tara , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Obaven is not your typical salon nor your typical space. The name, Obaven, is derived from the Gaelic language meaning to work and come together to create as a coven. A name has power, and when it has aeaning such as Obaven it can really bring people together. As a stylist of ten years I have worked in corporate, hourly, commission and had my own suite for several years. During this time I curated a traveling beauty team that has been the core of the company for a few years. Once I realized I needed more space I was on the hunt to find the perfect spot. It took time but once I walked through the doors of an old bikini shop, I knew I had found the place for creating something special. I also knew I needed to change the company name for a few reasons so I started researching words in different languages to find what I was looking for and Obaven was born. This salon is a safe sanctuary for anyone. We provide custom services for each individual coming to sit in one of the chairs here. I am building a team of stylists from all backgrounds that want to work in the same space as others who inspire each other. The space is used by the community for further education in beauty and wellness classes for anyone to come and take a breathe. I am collaborating with local artists to turn the walls into an ever revolving art studio to help support those in the community. I am working on putting together an event for the neighborhood to help bring new people to this up and coming neighborhood so they took can enjoy all the amazing local businesses here. All in all I am creating a space for literally everyone to come in and get a service, look at art or just need some spiritual healing done. Obaven is a creative coven expressing our love of humanity through hair, art and more.

Tara , 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?

Obaven is a locally owned salon that welcomes all to come in and enjoy some of the services we offer, such as haircuts and coloring. Not only are the stylists here to help you be the most authentic version of yourself we are also here to help guide you when you are unsure of what way to take your looks. We encourage expression of self and sharing laughter with each other.

The stylists here are all specialized in different areas so no matter what you are looking for, we have someone for you. Not only is the salon providing amazing hair but our traveling beauty team is ready for all the events, commercial shoots, movies, photoshoots and more.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

As much as I hate to admit it, social media has been our main source of gaining new clients. As much as word of mouth is the best way as a small business I know I have to put more effort into social media since it does reach those potential new clients that we may be missing.

Any advice for managing a team?

I am not hear to be your warden, but I am here to help inspire you. I hope that my previous bad experiences in the salon world, which is rather toxic, has helped me become a boss that people enjoy working with. Obviously I still am willing to do what needs to be done to keep the peace and keep the creativity flowing in the space but I too am learning what works the best. Instead of deciding for the salon I ask how everyone feels about any changes I may be considering. I want them to enjoy the space as much as I do and want to be there as much as I do. I want my booth renters or commission stylists to ask me for advice and ideas and I do the same. Obaven literally means a working coven, so that is what I am creating one brick at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.obavenreno.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Obaven.reno
• Other: Tik tok – @obaven