Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Tulio.
Nina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am coming into my 24th year in the beauty industry. It truly is what I eat, sleep, and breath. I started out as a hairstylist in the late 90’s and then quickly moved up to a manager position. After a year or so I was promoted I district manager which meant I would run eight chain salons in my area. A few years later, I was asked to open a small chain with the owners of the chain I was working for. We moved to West Palm Beach, Fl. And opened five salons in one year. After a year in FL, I decided to go back home to PA and start my own salon.
Along this amazing journey. My passion for growing and inspiring people had become my soul purpose. Part of why I loved being a salon owner was to watch my team continue to grow and reach their goals. I also knew that being behind the chair was keeping me from educating stylists and salon owners on a much larger scale.
I started my consulting business back in 2014. A few years before I sold my salon. Originally my business was created to help struggling salon owners rebuild their business. But also to teach new and potential salon owners on how to build and scale a successful business. Over the past three years, it has evolved into something so much bigger for me personally. It has also shifted into also working with a hairstylist as well. I have been fortunate enough to travel the country educating stylists and owners how to build a business from a space of confidence. Personally connecting with salon owners and stylists has actually has taught me so much about myself.
My mission from day one has never changed. It truly is to encourage, inspire, educate, and support stylists and owners. I want to help them understand that working on personal growth, and believing in themselves and their craft, is the key to building a successful business in this beautiful industry.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely been a rewarding journey, but a tough journey as well. As an independent educator basically starting over with a whole new business in a new state was pretty challenging. My husband and I moved to Connecticut shortly after I sold my salon back in 2016. I hit the ground running on social media sharing so much content along with networking and connecting with other amazing stylists in the business. But I also lost a part of my identify by selling my salon after 11 successful years. A new state, new people, new business. It was quite overwhelming, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. To this day, I still have days where I have doubt or question myself.
At times, I can be so hard on myself. I have such high expectations for myself and my business and sometimes my expectations can be unrealistic. I have learned that showing up as my true, authentic self every day. Sharing my knowledge, and experience, the best way I know-how. Is all that I can do. I have also learned to have more patience along the way. It’s definitely not one of my strong points. However, I am a work in progress just like everyone else.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
As an independent educator and salon business coach my job is to help salon owners and stylists understand the business side of the beauty industry. Stylists are such creative beings and working on numbers, profit margins, and percentages can seem boring. My goal is to make it fun and teach in a way that people really what to learn more. I like to break down the key components with clients in order to create a successful salon business. First and for most, it is being a strong leader. Then we dive into choosing the right business model, target profit margins and financials. I coach to the needs of my clients. Every salon in every demographic need something different. I work hard to customize my programs to fit my clients.
In December of 2018, I also decided to add an online monthly educational program so I can reach stylists and owners in all budgets. My monthly program has been such a huge hit as it provides a source of support and a resource for my clients.
When it comes to salon education, I must say it is truly my favorite. I love spending in-person time with other like-minded people. A full-day class will consist of attracting new guests, branding, social media marketing, personal development. and money management in order to create a solid financial future. Just to name a few. We also dance! Yes! That’s right. I am a trained dancer so I like to add a little fun and flair to each class so we can all have a good time.
There are so many great consultants and coaches out there! What I believe sets me apart is my personal experience as a former owner and hairstylist. I totally understand what it means to have great success and also what it means to have faced many challenges. I am someone that stylists and owners can relate to since I have been in their shoes. I have made so many mistakes along the way and If I can help someone not make the same mistakes, I am all in.
My proudest moments are when I get to see my clients turn their business around. Watching an owner go from almost closing their doors to putting in such hard work and making many changes within their business and then have a thriving and growing salon, makes my heart so happy. Also watching stylists come into one of my in-salon classes quiet and maybe a little timid. And then watch them blossom before my eyes into a space of confidence truly fills my soul. I am truly blessed to do what I love. I have to say being here in LA has also been great for my business. It is the mecca of beauty and fashion and I have met so many supportive stylists in such a short time.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Honestly, not one thing. I believe that we end up exactly where we are supposed to. My journey and my walk have led me to where I am at this very moment. And I am incredibly grateful. I don’t like to look back, only forward. Everything we go through in life is a learning experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: 1nagency.com
- Email: nina@1nagency.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninatulio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1NAgency/?ref=bookmarks
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ninatulio?lang=en
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-tulio-91102349/
Image Credit:
Camo shots and blouse shot- Johanna Falk Photography
Action shots- Jennifer Lynn Photography
With two girls- nine five photography
Pink and cafe shot- Masha Goltsvard Photography
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