Today we’d like to introduce you to Toni B.
Toni, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started playing beauty shop in my childhood friend’s backyard shed in the 5th grade. We had all real beauty shop equipment such has Marcel curling iron and stove. When I was deciding on high school, I applied to Skyline Career Development Center’s Cosmetology program. Being in the career technical program helped keep me motivated to do well throughout high school. For parents, I would advise them to research career and technical education programs within their local school districts. I was able to leave Skyline High School with my high school diploma and Texas Cosmetology license. Although, I could have gone straight to work following school. I decided to attend college at Lamar University in Beaumont. I went to school by day, and I was doing hair for my friends, family, and anybody else on campus at night. I studied business and received my Associate’s degree to be a Cosmetology.
After college, I moved to Houston and was a freelance stylist. In 2014, I decided to partner with a local hair company to continue to develop my styling skills and build a solid clientele. I did just that with this opportunity for five years. In 2019, I became a salon consultant and manager of a local hair company while still being available to my clients.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think anything worth having is ever going to be a smooth road. I think the biggest struggle was rebranding and rebuilding in Houston after college. I didn’t know many people, so I relied on word of mouth and recommendations from family and friends. Additionally, the struggle to stay up on everchanging styles and being aware of trends so I can provide them to customers has been a challenge. Another struggle is walking the fine line of being a businesswoman while doing something I love and am gifted in, which is hair. It is so important that your gift isn’t just an expensive hobby, but I want to use my gift to help establish a hair empire.
Toni B. the Stylist – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am Toni B. the Stylist A master stylist who specializes in hair extension installation, custom wigs, and custom hair color. I am known for my Toni Pony, which is a modern take on a classic ponytail. It is a traditional ponytail with a flair that is perfect for the summer, a girl’s trip, or just Sunday Fun day. I am most proud of the next phase of Toni B. the Stylist, which is creating haircare products that my clients can use to maintain their Toni B. creations. My first product was custom hair bonnets so that clients can protect their hair while they sleep. The next product will be Melted Lace glue, which is the glue used to lay down lace wigs and closures. The future is bright, and I am looking to continue to build the Toni B. empire.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I think my proudest moment has been able to make my grandfather proud. He drove me to cosmetology classes or picked me up off the bus stop making my dreams come true. The fact that he was able to see me awarded an award for becoming a Master Stylist lit a fire that still drives me and pushes me to keep pursuing my goals.
Pricing:
- I also have custom bonnets. They come in a set for $25 or individually for $12.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bookingtonibthestylist.as.me/
- Email: bookingtonibthestylist@gmail.com
- Instagram: @keepingupwithtonistylist
Image Credit:
Professional photos by Ron C. Photography
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