Today we’d like to introduce you to Tais Montano
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My Name is Tais, but I go by Tatii. At 24 years old, I’m proud to be one of the owners of Divine Eleven Hair Studio. Afro Latino owned business .Growing up in a household where hair was always a passion, I was inspired to pursue a career in the industry. My aunt Fabiola, a seasoned hairstylist, was my biggest inspiration. I would often assist her at salons and learn various techniques, from hair washing to coloring. Her guidance sparked my enthusiasm for the hair industry. With my family’s influence – my mom taught me braiding, and my brother is a barber – I was destined to succeed. I began braiding at 13 and honed my skills on my little sister, who was my loyal model. My first client was in freshman year of high school, and although I was still learning, I persevered. I practiced on friends and family, entered hair competitions, and participated in fashion shows through my high school’s cosmetology program. After graduation, I decided to take a leap of faith and build my own business. I started offering free services to gain clients and eventually charged $25 for hairstyles that took all day and built my way up ! When I met my boyfriend, I discovered a new passion for male braiding and had a wonderful opportunity to practice. In 2021, I experienced a spiritual awakening, which motivated me to journal my visions and goals. I drew a vivid picture of my ideal salon, and four years later, my dream became a reality. Through determination and resilience, I’ve achieved my goal and am now living my passion. My hard work paid off, and I manifested my dream salon.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Becoming a braider has not been easy, especially living in a city like Houston, but it has been an incredible journey of self-discovery and growth. To succeed, you must find your unique niche and build a supportive community that believes in you. Embracing your individuality and standing out from the crowd is key. One of my biggest challenges was gaining clients and earning their trust, but I remained focused on my goals and kept pushing forward. Having faith in myself and my abilities has been crucial, and I am proud to say that I have proven my doubters wrong. As a salon owner, I have learned that it takes courage, resilience, and determination to succeed, but the rewards are well worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Divine Eleven Hair studio?
Divine Eleven is more than just a salon – it’s a testament to the power of god ,passion and purpose. Born out of a miracle, our salon is nestled in the heart of Alief, close to Hastings and Elsik, where we’re dedicated to giving back to the community that raised us. From hosting toy drives to soon launching after-school programs that teach young minds valuable skills, our mission is to empower the next generation and help them unlock their full potential. What drives me is the joy of making a real difference in people’s lives, of helping them rediscover their spark. At Divine eleven we’re not just building a brand – we’re building a legacy of love, passion, and purpose that will inspire positive change for years to come. We empower individuals with diverse services including braids, hair blowouts, facials, tattoos, hair extensions and haircuts kid friendly ! We are seeking visionary team players eager to join our dynamic team.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Life is a dynamic journey of growth, where I uncover valuable lessons and insights, not only from my own experiences but also from the wisdom and stories of others, regardless of age. I’m passionate about connecting with local business owners and learning from their experiences, gaining valuable insights to inform my own entrepreneurial journey.
Pricing:
- Braids $85 and up
- Barber Hair cuts $35 and up
- Tattoos minimal $75 and up
- Dominican Blow outs $50 and up
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatii.yahaiira
