Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Flakes- Parrott.
Tiffany, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started braiding at eight years old. I always had a passion for doing hair, and I didn’t think I would make it into a career one day. Once I graduate from high school, I went to a community college and I majored in Criminal Justice and I wasn’t happy at all. I notice that my school had a cosmetology program so I went home and ask my parents what they thought about me going to cosmetology school and they looked at me like I was crazy and told me they wouldn’t mind if I had a plan. So, I came up with a plan and told them what I wanted my end goal to be. I attended CHI Cosmetology School. When I graduate, I went to work for Jcpenny’s Salon for three months, at that point, I still didn’t have clientele, but I decided that I was going to go into a salon that I could have my own suite. I was so nervous and scared because I wasn’t sure how I was going to pay booth rent with no clientele. I decided to go to two different salons. The first salon manager told me I was stupid if I went into a booth rental with no clients. That day, I felt really bad about it and told my fiancé what happens. He told me to have faith and to keep trying. So, I tried one more place and at that point, if it didn’t work I was willing to give up. I went to the second salon and the owner was super nice and then he ask if I had clientele and of course I was scared to answer but I told him no and he looked at me and said “I normally don’t do this but I’m going to let you rent a booth because it’s just something about you” and I have been at that salon for almost five years now. It was the best decision I have ever made, and I couldn’t thank him enough for giving me that chance.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t always been easy for me. Building my clientele was the hardest and will always be the hardest because of it so many other great stylists and sometimes, it can get intimidating, but I always know that I can trust in God to lead and guide me in the right place. I want people to always remember to Trust in God and never give up even when you feel like you want to.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I do Sew In Installs (Traditional and Closure Installs), Silk press, Relaxers, Color, and Microlinks. I specialize in Sew Ins, Color, Growing Hair and Microlinks. I am most proud of how far I have come. As a stylist, I know it’s always new styles and techniques coming out and I am always willing to learn new things. What sets me apart from others is that I am not going to do anything to their hair that I feel isn’t good no matter how bad they want it. No amount of money is going to make me put their hair at risk. I care about my client’s hair just as much as I care about my hair.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I feel that the biggest barrier to female leadership in the Hair Industry is no respect for one another and always trying to tear down the next stylist. It really shouldn’t be that way. We should want to help and uplift each other.
Pricing:
- First Traditional Sew In Install ($100)
- First Sew In Install w/ Closure $120
- Call or Text for Microlink appointment
Contact Info:
- Phone: 832-535-7215
- Instagram: @_StylesByTiffany_
Image Credit:
Clients: Tesslyn Land, Kendra Hammond, Cortney Kossie, Meca Jenkins
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
