We were lucky to catch up with Tina Allen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tina, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

For nine years I worked in corporate America for AT&T. At year 4 I became so frustrated with my job, I wanted to quit! As a child I was always very much into beauty but I never really saw it as a career. I would always say that I wanted to open a full-service spa.

So at year 4 when I became frustrated with AT&T I decided to research the beauty world. It was at that point I begin to build on what became my dreams.

Now… let me add this before I jump too deep into the story I did not have a career in hair nor make up! But I was determined to quit my job and open a Salon that I would not work in but I would manage it! I also wanted to know how to provide each service within my salon so I knew I needed education. First, I went to the cosmetology school that was close to my job as well as the Nail Tech school and neither of their schedules worked with my work schedule. So then I decided to go to the Makeup school which worked perfectly with my schedule. Note that I had never picked up a make up brush in my life! I was amazed at how quickly I picked up on the skill! I had a hidden talent that I knew nothing about! That was God!

I switched my Corporate schedule to their night schedule and I began to build my business as a make up artist during the day. Once I built a steady clientele, I made a name for myself, I began missing out on more money than I was making. I knew it was time for me to step out on faith! I was not afraid at all to leave my corporate job of nine years I was ready! So I decided to take my entire retirement and pour it in to my dreams . I Built my Full Service Salon. And it’s PINK!

Tina, 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?

My business offers hair extensions, hair, restoration, makeup and skin services, permanent make up services, body sculpting services, and lash extensions. We also offer loc services, loc extensions, natural hair services, and braiding services. My goal when opening my salon was to create a one stop shop so that the ladies would not have to go from one location to the next to receive exceptional service. my clients are able to relax and receive all services at one location. The vibe is so welcoming that they are comfortable enough to stay all day if needed. However, we typically only service 1 to 3 clients at a time, depending on the longevity of their service. That way our clients aren’t sitting in the salon all day and are purposely made to feel like a VIP. We respect their time, and we create an experience, that is unmeasured.The level of comfort, professionalism, and customer service makes it impossible to receive better service and care anywhere else.

What I am most proud of in my business is that I have created a well-known band across northwest Georgia from city to city. CashmereFaces became well-known for make up. We have branched off into so many different sectors now.
So many services.. In 2016 I launched my own cosmetic line.. I’m so proud of venture because it gave me so much hope after quitting my job. It was my baby.

The main thing that I want prospective clients to know is that they will not be disappointed when they get to experience the magic that we have brewed up at CashmereFaces. They will feel the love from the moment that they walk through our doors.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I had a really hard time at the beginning Stages of going from side, hustle to entrepreneur ship, and opening a store front location. I started my salon with five employees total. I definitely learned leadership skills, and management skills. I learned that there needs to be a separation between being a boss, and being a friend. I was entirely too friendly, when I should’ve been the boss. I learned how to deal with different personalities, which was major! I learned how to be more considerate I learned that everyone doesn’t have tough skin, and I learned that everyone isn’t meant to work in my business! I learned not to feel bad For letting people go! I learned that just because an employee works for you. Does not mean that they are meant to work with you for the longevity. I learned that out of an entire haystack that there will only be one needle, and you have to be willing to go through multiple people in multiple situations just to find that one needle.

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

After learning the things that I refuse to allow in my business, I had to go through and completely clean the house. The vibe of my salon wasn’t what I wanted so I had to let my employees go one by one, issue by issue. I found myself being so unhappy, depressed, and feeling like, my business was going to fail. I couldn’t allow that to happen at the time I only offered make up services and lash extensions. But I knew I was going to need to do more than that to create a successful business. The Hair side of my business was suffering majorly. And being that I am in a very small town, I have little to nothing to choose from , as far as employees go. So I chose to continue to chase my dream and I went to school for my master cosmetology degree. I graduated with honors and received numerous awards from Paul Mitchell. I had to humble myself for 13 months and I miss out on time away from my family . The time that I sacrificed allow me to become a six-figure hairstylist and salon owner.

Contact Info:

• Website: Cashmerefaces.com
• Instagram: Cashmerefaces glam bar
• Facebook: Cashmere faces glam bar
• Linkedin: Tina Allen