Daily Inspiration: Meet Tessa Joseph

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tessa Joseph. 

Hi Tessa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As a single mom at 22, I needed to figure out what I was going to do in my life. I worked for my parents at the time but it wasn’t a career. I thought back to when I used to help all my friends with their hair for dance recitals and how I weirdly enjoyed it! I took the leap and enrolled in my local cosmetology school with no clue as to if it was the right move. The first day I walked into class, I was in love! I had found my passion in the strangest of ways. Almost 7 years later, I work for myself and look forward to walking in the salon every day! 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all. From figuring out who would watch my daughter while I was at school each night to how I was going to pay a full tuition myself. After school, I didn’t know where to start so I made the decision to focus on men’s hair. It was so boring and I felt out of place. It was money but did I go through all this schooling just to be bored? I went through a rough time while trying to learn from my next salon job. I didn’t feel respected and knew I deserved something more. From all of my previous salons, I learned lessons and skills I have been able to use while working for myself. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a hairstylist and love having such a creative career. I could never draw, but when it comes to color my mind has such an artistic flow. I specialize in curly hair as I am a curly girl myself. Growing up I always had the worst cuts because no one knew what to do with them. I told myself early on in my career that I wanted to be an advocate for those who have gone through the same troubles. I love doing color when not cutting curls. I specialize in freehand balayage and find it so relaxing. With every stylist having their own niche, it was incredibly exciting when finding mine. I am a people person above all else. I have always been extremely outgoing and interested in getting to know others. Someone may like how I do their hair, but they say they always love coming and talking to me. My clients aren’t just clients – they become my family. 

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a mentor is so important when first starting out in an industry. Whether you go to college or a technical school, you only learn the basics. A mentor will help guide through the necessary steps to start on the right foot. They are able to answer the questions you may not have been able to ask in school. I had a few mentors in my first few years as a stylist. Did I take every single piece of advice? No. But I gained a lot more knowledge and guidance to be successful. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tessaj_stylist/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tessajstylist/

Image Credits
Amber Foster Smith Photography