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

Tierney , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

The legacy I would like to build would be that I was able to help people in two ways: making hair more approachable and helping people feel more confident. I didn’t want to get into my industry because it felt a little superficial, but once I learned I could use my skills to help others, I was in. I always wanted to do something impactful, when I was young I wanted nothing more than to play music, so it’s cool to have a career that still helps me reach people. As for what I would like to be remembered for… hopefully

I got to make a few people laugh and enjoy the process of getting their hair done. I know getting your hair done can be a stressful experience, so to be remembered for having a fun time while maybe learning more about your hair or one another, that would make me happy. One of the best compliments I ever received was another stylist asking me if all my clients were my best friends, I think about that often. I would love to be remembered for making clients feel like a friend.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Well, I’ve been a hairstylist for about 15-16 years, and I originally started this job because I wanted something that went along with my hours playing music. I think I’ve always been a creative person, so whatever I landed doing for a living, it needed to be in a field where I could create.

I started working for myself about 6 years ago when I was actually asked to leave my job for not looking a certain way. I may technically work in fashion, but isn’t fashion kinda what you make it? I want to feel comfortable, so I make sure I’m feeling like myself at my job at all times. I want my clients to feel that way too. Many of us don’t have the time or the want to spend an hour or so on our look, so why not go for something more natural?! My goals are always to make sure you don’t have to spend a fortune or your extra time working too hard for your look. I mean, it’s been my lifestyle, so why can’t it be yours? Of course, if you like spending the time perfecting your look, I’m all for that too.

I love working for myself, it’s something I wish I would have done even earlier, but it took time. I learned how to take care of my needs, set boundaries, and grow in my field. I overworked myself for so long, so I’m happy to create my own schedule and do things for myself and spend more time with my husband and dogs. I’m always looking to learn, teach, and be creative. I think a key part to this industry is that you can never know everything. I mean, if I did have all the answers, that would be pretty boring! It’s also nice to sometimes have the time to be creative outside of work. I’m not playing music much any more, but I’m knitting more and hoping to sell those projects. It’s so important to have hobbies since I’m such a busy-body. I think that’s also why my job works so well for me, I get to be energetic and chatty, but not totally wiped.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Being kind and listening! Listening is probably the most important tool in my industry. If you don’t understand or can’t hear what your clients are saying, you won’t be able to give them what they want. It’s so important for your clients to leave with something they love and feel proud of. With that being said, word of mouth is also key. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the testimony of my clients. People are more likely to talk about a bad experience they had, but some of my clients have come back and told me my name got brought up at a dinner they were having and that makes me feel like I’m doing something right. To be a topic at a dinner, what an honor! Especially if it’s to share something positive. The last thing I’ll add to this is making sure to remember things my clients have shared with me, where they went on vacation, what life events they went through, or remembering details about people on their lives can make someone feel loved or appreciated. I think these are the most important tools to build lasting client relationships.

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

I’d have to say getting fired from my previous job. I was devastated, but went on an interview the very next day thanks to some encouraging words from a friend. She helped me land the job, feel confident in my ability to work for myself, and gave me some great advice. Getting fired can be such a low point, but because I had to keep going (I had clients to take care of!) I went on that interview that changed my life. A low point turned into a career high point. I was extremely nervous to start, I was broke, I had very little client information, no color… I had to start completely fresh. A clean slate can really be refreshing though! I wanted to lay in bed, be depressed, and change careers, but my clients reached out and asked me where the heck I went. It was such an encouraging moment. I had a client tell me after I had thanked him for finding me that he wasn’t going to the salon because it was that salon, it was because of me. That totally changed my outlook on my job. I stopped thinking that I was only as good as the place I worked and valued myself and my skills so much more. I thought I loved that job, but I was actually really miserable. I couldn’t be myself and I was so overworked. I was only allowed five days off, unpaid (unfortunately this is an industry standard). It was almost a career ender for me, and instead it opened up all the right doors.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shag-106529.square.site
• Instagram: @pizzalyph

Image Credits
Roger Ho