We recently connected with Tiffani Lyon and have shared our conversation below.

Tiffani, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I’ve always believed that beauty is about more than just how you look; it’s how you feel when you walk out the door. The idea for my business came from a beauty school project. They said to dream big and had us create a one-year, five-year, and twenty-year plan. My one-year plan was to open a hair salon in a ski resort, my five-year plan was to open multiple salons in ski resorts across the Rocky Mountains, and my twenty-year plan is to open salons in ski resorts internationally.

When I first started doing hair, I noticed how deeply personal the experience was for clients. It wasn’t just about color or style. It was about connection, transformation, and trust. I loved that I could help someone walk in feeling unsure and leave feeling powerful. That feeling became my “why.”

The concept really took shape when I realized there was a gap between high-end luxury salons and the kind of warm, down-to-earth environment people actually crave. I wanted to blend both, to create a space that felt elevated but still real, approachable, and full of good energy.

Starting out was scary, of course. There were moments of doubt, wondering if I was ready, if people would follow me, if I could really make it work. But every time a client told me how much they loved their experience, or how being in my chair made their day better, it confirmed that I was on the right path.

What excited me most was the freedom to create something that reflected me, my values, my artistry, and my love for people. I wasn’t just solving a “problem,” I was building a space where beauty, connection, and authenticity could all exist together. And that’s still what drives me every day.

Tiffani, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Tiffani Lyon, a hairstylist, colorist, and salon owner who’s passionate about helping people look and feel their best from the inside out. I’ve been in the beauty industry for 15 years. I’ve always been drawn to transformation, not just the visual kind, but the emotional shift that happens when someone feels truly confident and seen.

My career began when I was in high school, and my best friend’s mom hired me to work in the salon I now own. I started by answering the phone, sweeping hair, and shampooing clients. My dad always told me that doing hair wasn’t a real job, so I decided to go to college. That lasted a year, and I decided to drop out and attend Paul Mitchell. That was the best decision I ever made.

I specialize in modern lived-in color, bridal styling, and healthy, effortless hair. My approach is all about enhancing natural beauty (hence my slogan, Where beauty is elevated), creating looks that grow out gracefully and make clients feel like the best version of themselves. I’m also big on education. I teach clients how to maintain their hair at home and keep it looking fresh between appointments.

What sets me apart is the intention behind everything I do. I care deeply about my clients’ experience and the energy I bring into the space. Every appointment is personal; it’s not just about the hair, it’s about how you feel when you leave. Some call me the “Hairapist”

I’m most proud of the trust my clients have in me and the community that’s formed around my work. Whether I’m doing a bridal look on someone’s biggest day or giving someone a confidence boost with a new color, I never take that for granted.

More than anything, I want people to know that my brand is built on authenticity, connection, and care. I love what I do, and I pour my heart into every person who sits in my chair.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the biggest moments that tested and proved my resilience was opening my salon at just 26 years old – right in the middle of the COVID pandemic.

It was such an uncertain time. The world was shut down, salons were closing, and everything felt unpredictable. A lot of people thought I was crazy for wanting to start something new then, but I felt this deep pull that it was now or never. I told myself the worst that could happen was I would fail, but if I did, at least I had tried.

There were so many challenges, from safety restrictions to financial worries and self-doubt. But every obstacle made me more determined. I spent that time refining my brand, learning, planning, and connecting with clients however I could. When I finally opened my doors, it felt like the most rewarding moment, not just because I had built something tangible, but because I had done it in one of the hardest seasons imaginable.

That experience taught me that resilience isn’t about never feeling scared; it’s about trusting your vision enough to keep going anyway. Looking back, I’m proud that I didn’t let fear stop me. I built a business that not only survived but continues to grow, and that’s something I’ll always carry with me.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

A major turning point in my journey came when I had to temporarily shut down my salon due to unavoidable major construction in the building. What was supposed to be an exciting phase of growth turned into one of the hardest challenges I’ve ever faced as a business owner. Being told I had to close for six months felt devastating, I had poured so much heart, time, and energy into building that space.

At first, I was overwhelmed. I’ll be honest, there were a few tears and mental breakdowns in the process. It’s hard when something you’ve worked so hard for suddenly feels out of your control. But after letting myself feel all of that, I knew I had to make a choice: either pause everything and wait it out, or walk away, or find a way to keep moving forward.

So I pivoted. I started searching for a temporary space where I could continue serving my clients, and eventually, I found one. It wasn’t easy starting over, even temporarily, but it kept my business alive and my clients taken care of. That experience taught me how important adaptability and perseverance are. Sometimes things don’t go according to plan, but if you stay focused on your “why,” you’ll always find a way through.

Looking back, I’m proud that I didn’t give up. That chapter reminded me that success isn’t about everything going perfectly, it’s about how you handle the unexpected and keep showing up anyway.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rockymountainhairco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockymountainhairco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rockymountainhairco/