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

Tia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

Ever since I was a little girl, I was fascinated with hair. I’d pretend to be a hairstylist, often getting the comb stuck in my mom’s hair. As soon as I was old enough to do my own, that was it—I was hooked. I started watching thousands of videos, studying techniques, and practicing on myself, my sister, and anyone else who would let me. In college, I became the go-to hairstylist for all of my friends.

Fast forward to adulthood—I was working a corporate job when one day, out of nowhere, I had this thought: “What if I opened a hair shop?” At first, it felt crazy. I didn’t have much money, and the idea of launching a business felt overwhelming. But the more I thought about it, the more I couldn’t shake it. I loved doing hair. What if I could actually do what I love and get paid for it?

So I took a leap of faith. I did some research and found a salon suite for rent. I didn’t have a business plan, fancy setup, or a ton of savings—just a passion for hair and a belief in myself. I officially became a braider and started working out of that suite. It was both exciting and terrifying. I had to figure out how to book clients, how to market myself, how to price my services, and how to run a business on my own. I made mistakes, learned quickly, and kept going.

There was a time when things got tough. Business slowed down, and I wasn’t making the income I hoped for. I made the tough decision to return to the corporate world. But my heart just wasn’t in it. I missed my clients. I missed the joy I felt doing hair.

About a year later, I made the decision to reopen my salon suite—and this time, I came back stronger. I had more clarity, more experience, and more drive. That was two years ago, and today I’m proud to say I’m a successful hair braider in Arlington, Texas.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi, I’m Tia Wright, the founder and creative force behind Tia’s Laboratory—a salon suite in Arlington, Texas where I specialize in natural hair care, braiding, and loc services. My journey into this industry started long before I ever thought of it as a business. I’ve been passionate about hair since I was a little girl, pretending to be a hairstylist and experimenting on anyone who’d let me. What started as childhood curiosity eventually grew into a calling.

In college, I became the go-to stylist for all my friends. I spent countless hours watching tutorials, learning new techniques, and perfecting my craft on myself and others. Even while working in the corporate world, I couldn’t let go of my dream. One day, I had a thought—what if I opened my own hair studio? It seemed wild at the time, especially without a huge budget or formal business training. But I believed in myself and took a leap.

I started small by renting a salon suite, and little by little, I built a loyal client base. I specialize in protective styles like knotless braids, traditional braids, loc maintenance and styling, deluxe shampoo treatments, steam treatments, and more. Every service at Tia’s Laboratory is rooted in care, comfort, and confidence. I don’t just do hair—I create an experience that makes my clients feel beautiful, empowered, and seen.

What sets me apart is my personal touch. I listen closely to my clients, pay attention to detail, and work hard to ensure every style is not only beautiful but also healthy and lasting. I create a welcoming, professional environment where clients know their time, hair, and preferences are respected. I also offer curated experiences like membership packages and custom care guides to help my clients maintain their look between visits.

One of the things I’m most proud of is that I didn’t let fear stop me. Even when business slowed and I went back to a 9-to-5, I eventually found my way back to my passion. Now, two years later, I’ve built a thriving brand doing what I love every day.

To anyone reading this, whether you’re a potential client, supporter, or fellow creative—know that Tia’s Laboratory isn’t just about hair. It’s about transformation, healing, and walking in your purpose. I want my clients to feel confident, cared for, and unapologetically themselves.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

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I keep in touch with my clients through a mix of personal connection, consistency, and creativity. From the moment someone books with me, I make it a point to provide a warm, professional experience—from reminders before their appointment to follow-up messages afterward to make sure they’re satisfied with their service.

I also stay engaged through social media, where I share behind-the-scenes content, styling tips, client transformations, and updates on services or promotions. It’s not just about showing my work—it’s about building a relationship and making my clients feel like they’re part of the Tia’s Laboratory community.

To foster loyalty, I offer exclusive membership packages, referral discounts, and loyalty perks like 20% off for repeat clients who leave a review or refer friends. I also personalize each visit by remembering client preferences and tailoring their service experience to make them feel special and valued.

Ultimately, I believe brand loyalty starts with trust, and I work hard to earn that every single time a client sits in my chair.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One major lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that I needed everything to be perfect before I started—the perfect plan, the perfect setup, the perfect amount of money. For a long time, that mindset held me back. I thought if I didn’t have a fully built-out salon, a huge following, or every detail figured out, I wasn’t ready. But the truth is, perfection was just fear in disguise.

The turning point came when I finally decided to rent a salon suite and just start. I didn’t have fancy equipment or a big marketing budget, but I had passion, skill, and a vision. That step—imperfect as it was—changed everything. I learned that starting small is not the same as thinking small. Every braid, every client, every late night figuring things out was part of the process.

Now, I know that action creates momentum. If I had waited for “perfect,” I wouldn’t be where I am today—a thriving business owner doing what I love. The lesson? Start where you are, use what you have, and trust that you’ll grow along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tiaslaboratory.booksy.com
• Instagram: @tiaslaboratoratory
• Facebook: Tia’s Laboratory
• Other: TikTok: @tiaslaboratory