We recently connected with Taylor Mann and have shared our conversation below.

Taylor, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

A big trend in the beauty industry is the movement from traditional employee based salons to booth/suite rentals. More artists are moving to independent ownership to gain more creative control and profit control. I am an independent suite renter and I love where I am and what I’ve made my business to be, but a big part of what my business model is I modeled from the salon I worked at previously in another state. I started working at this great salon (personal touch salon in San Antonio, TX) right of out cosmetology school and I think it was the best thing I could have done as a baby stylist. This is an education based salon that is owned by a Paul Mitchell National Educator who is very passionate about the industry and educating. I learned so much there and I honestly don’t think I would be comfortable starting my own business had I /not started there first.
While I think independent renting and being your own boss is great and affords you a lot of luxuries that being a commission stylist doesn’t, I strongly believe that it extremely beneficial to work in a commission salon first. You not only build your knowledge and skills, you also learn things like salon etiquette, proper business practices, pricing strategies, and how to treat your clients.
What you learn in school is great, but growing into a great stylist and eventual business owner comes with experience and guidance from piers. I think it’s great that there are so many options for people in the beauty industry now, but new stylist should not discount the opportunities working commission first.

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

I was born and raised in Roswell, NM and moved to San Antonio, TX to go to school. I had tried the community college in town and it did not work out for me. At the time I was working a decent job and just wasn’t happy. I truly felt called to move out to Texas and as soon as I entered the doors of Paul Mitchell the School, I knew I was home. I worked during the day and went to school at night. Once I graduated, I worked in salon for about 2 years in San Antonio. I moved back to Roswell in ‘19, I had my oldest daughter, Brady, started out on my own in ‘21, and I had my second girl, Noah, last year, I’ve loved every second! It was difficult and I had a lot of challenges to overcome, especially the struggle of being a working mom and every emotion that comes with that, but I’m extremely blessed to have a supportive family and partner that help me immensely. I’ve built a solid clientele who I love and I look forward to going to work every week.
In the salon, I do blonding, color, cuts, Brazilian Blowouts, several different types of extensions, and event styling. I’ve also done hair and make up for a few commercials. I do a very thorough consultation with every client, especially new clients, and I write down everything. It’s a lot easier for me to communicate and come up with a game plan when everything is written down and documented with pictures. I’ve had clients come in with chunks of hair missing from improper extension installs, chemical cuts from over processing, scalp issues, crazy color corrections, extreme hair loss, and of course the normal every day trims and colors. I try hard to go the extra mile for each client and each unique situation and I’ve seen great improvement in scalp and hair health in most of my clients. That is something I’m proud of and I feel honored to have the opportunity to help how I can.
I care immensely about providing my clients with not only a great service, but making sure I am continuing to educate myself properly in order to relay the proper information to my clients. Living in a rural area, it can be difficult to get to in person classes on a regular basis, but there are so many online and zoom classes now that it makes taking classes and staying up to date so much easier. My goal for myself this year is to expand my extension knowledge to include options for people who experience extreme hair loss and to focus on over all scalp health.
I am just starting to take new clients again after I had my baby! If you are a potential client reading this, know that I care about you and it is my goal to help you love your hair.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Living in a small town, the most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been word of mouth. Being on time, treating clients well, consistency, and being knowledgeable go a long way. The referral tree that can grown from one single client can turn into a giant redwood with a little knowledge and consistency. Posting even just a few pictures and videos on social media is also a great tool to use! Not everything has to go viral. I have not been as consistent with my social media as I have been in the past and I still have new clients refer to my pages to see my work.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I first moved away, I was very blessed in the fact that I was able to move in with my aunt and uncle and their 3 kids temporarily because we were so broke. I was determined to make it work because I did not want to move back to my home town. We had so many issues when we got there. We had a vehicle stolen, we had so many vehicle breakdowns, money issues, relationship issues, family issues. You name it, we probably went through it. There were so many times I wanted to give up and move back home, but we always figured it out. I worked 8-4:30 at Target and then went to school 5:30-10 Monday-Friday and I worked Saturdays or events/volunteer work for clubs I was in to get more hours in. I was so tired, so stressed but happy at the same time. For anyone struggling to get through school or certification programs, just show up. Show up even if you don’t feel like it because once you get through the program or get your degree, etc, a whole world of opportunity opens up to you. Do what you have to do, but just make sure you show up.

Contact Info:

• Website: ethereal-salon.square.site
• Instagram: @taylored.styles
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/etherealsalon1720?mibextid=YMEMSu