Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Harper.
Tiffany, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My name is Tiffany Harper but everyone calls me T. I have been cutting hair since ’98. I was inspired by four people. My aunt who was in cosmetology school. I had three uncles that could cut hair. Now, One of my uncles was a true artist. He could cut any type of hair and give whatever design that they asked for. He had true talent and the greatest impact of them all. I would watch him give my brothers haircuts while growing up. By the age of 15, I became very interested. A day came and I wasn’t able to get my haircut from neither uncle. So, I took matters in my own hand and cut it myself. Doing so was a true adventure. After messing up my hair time after time, I became much better. I’ve been cutting ever since then. In April of 2003, I enrolled in Trend Barber College. I soon became one of the best student barbers there. 9 months later I was a licensed barber. That was the best thing that happened to me.
After graduating, I wanted to pursue owning a shop but quickly discovered I needed to learn more about the Barber Industry. I worked in a number of Salons and Barber shops throughout Houston in the past ten years. The two that brought about the biggest change in my life was “The Kutting Edge”, which was located inside of the old Sharpstown Mall. I work there from ’05-08. The owner later moved the shop to The Galleria and I followed. I stayed with them for almost a year. While there I was featured in a magazine called Against the Grain. The magazine featured a few other women who were barbers as well. While being at The Kutting Edge, I soon figured out that it was time for me to branch off and own my own shop. I soon took the next step to becoming a barber shop owner by moving to Salon Park in Meyerland. I rented out my own suite from ’10-’16. It was an amazing experience. I was able to meet woman and men who owned there own shop before and decided to close up and rent a suite instead.
After listening to their negative and positive views on owning a shop, It encouraged me to move out and finally open my own shop. June 2016, I opened a shop least then a mile away from Salon in the Park. The barbershop was 800 soft., enough to fit two other contractors in there with me. I soon learned that I prefer to work by myself instead. I stayed there from 2016-2019. I moved to a much smaller location. I prefer to work by myself. By the grace of God, I’m currently located in the Art Warehouse District. The area is so amazing. I’m truly proud of my accomplishments and who’ve I’ve become. I’m not only barber, but I’ve also been a Barber Instructor for over seven years now. I’m currently working on becoming an Ambassador for one of the top clipper manufactures. Being an Ambassador will take me to places I’ve been striving to get to! A few years from now, I see myself owning a barber school. I would love to retire from cutting hair and teach students the art of barbering.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Success requires some type of struggle. Some of my struggles came from dealing with people that I worked around. The other struggles was just me going through the process of becoming a shop owner. True blood, sweat and tears! Sometimes the negativity would get the best of me! Trying to stay positive through hard times is very challenging.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Suite Life – what should we know?
I have a Barber Salon called The Suite Life. The establishment is a historical landmark that was built in the early 1800s during the civil war. Pretty amazing huh? At The Suite Life, We ofter a variety of services for customers. From hair units for my men to facials, hair designs, hair-line restoration, and Loc maintenance and installments. Specializing in giving great customer service to each client or customer that comes in. I make sure I cater to there needs by making sure there’s no wait. Also, knowing some people may have had a long day, I provide complimentary water or alcoholic beverages and relaxing music. As a company, I’m proud of being able to give what some barbers can’t give their client, which is a relationship, quality service and comfort.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First and foremost, God deserves it all!! If it wasn’t for God, none of these people probably would have crossed my path. The clients that’s been with me along my journey, constantly showing me reasons why I should continue pushing to conquer my goals. I have someone in particular that came in my life as a client in 2005 and is now like a brother to me. His name is Joseph Plumbar. Joseph has helped me in so many ways. I look up to him. He inspires me to be better. As he would say, Don’t settle! Know your worth! He deserves credit! Another person is my grandfather. He passed about six months ago. He was my biggest cheerleaders. I actually got my current shop the day he passed. If he could see me now he would be so happy for me. I miss him dearly. He is definitely a reason for my success. Last but not least, All the people who I didn’t name that has sent prayers, blessing, inspiring words my way to encourage me to continue reaching my goals.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1204 Nance St.
Houston, TX 77002 - Website: Askyourbarber.com
- Phone: 281-594-0679
- Email: precisecutz247@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_issasuitelife/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheSuiteLife1204/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/_issasuitelife/
- Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/home/cko_9lDQH5lrVxnxTrHbpw/
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