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Conversations with the Inspiring Tina Dizon McPherson

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Dizon McPherson.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Hair has always been a passion. Even at a young age, I loved doing hair! I don’t know if it’s talent or passion or both, but it led me to pursue a career in hair.

I started my salon 7 years ago – it was a natural progression that presented itself in my career. I was looking for a salon that not only catered to providing clients the best experience, but also supported and valued their team- so I thought that was something I could cultivated. Despite the fact that I hadn’t envisioned myself to be a salon owner or an entrepreneur, this role has given me freedom to exercise both my creative and analytic mind – and work in many different areas of hair from styling clients to editorial shoots to fashion shows.

As a mom, I also cherish the opportunity to be an example for my kids- of how to lead, run and own your own business. It’s not always easy balancing family and work, but I think it is important to show them what it means to have a passion and pursue it with everything you have.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This last winter, I had a situation happen that was a true bump in the road. A minor issue with my salon space turned into an unexpected five-month demolition project that also led to an unplanned remodel. What was I going to do with my clients and business without a workspace? After the shock and the tears, I realized I had no choice but to face the situation and find solutions fast. I called on a neighboring salon to see if The Private Room could take over a portion of their space to continue servicing our clients. While trying to maintain business as usual, I was also undertaking a major construction project.

Here’s the lesson: When faced with these bumps (which will happen to every business owner), you can’t take too long to process or feel sorry for yourself. At the end of the day, people are counting on you – staff, clients, family. They’re all looking to you to be the leader and move things forward. Even though it was hard at times, I had to stay focused on the immediate goals.

Also, follow your instincts. The easy route, when faced with a disaster, is to quit and move on. But my passion and love for this industry kept me in the game. I wasn’t ready to give up, and I took this bump in the road as an opportunity to improve my business and take it to the next level.

Lastly, do what you can to stay positive – after the initial shock, I started to ask myself “how can I turn this situation into a positive?” Once I realized this blank slate was a chance to start over, rebuild my business and bring new innovations to my salon, I became excited by the possibilities.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Private Room story. Tell us more about the business.
As a working salon professional, I’ve been working on high-end, discriminating clients for over 15 years. My clients have come to me for the overall salon experience. Not only do we offer unparalleled style and service, we try to take hospitality to a whole new level. As a business, we also believe in supporting and giving back to our community. One of the organizations that we partner with is the Step Up Women’s Network – mentoring and empowering teen girls in under-resourced communities to become the next generation of professional women.

In addition to working in and running a salon, I’ve also been asked to work on creative projects such as collaborations on editorial shoots and lead backstage of fashion shows. This aspect of my work challenges me to constantly innovate and expand on my skills, so that my team and I are constantly improving upon and learning new skills. We can’t rest on our laurels and our clients come to rely on us for being on the pulse of the latest and greatest.

I feel so fortunate to be able to work on all of these different aspects of hair, which truly fuels my passion for the industry. What sets me apart is my passion for great hair. Even though I’m proud of my success as a business owner and a creative leader in the industry, at the end of the day, my work needs to speak for itself, and that is what I’m most known for. I take the time to try to attain perfection for everything I do. I also enjoy the opportunity to work with and support other stylists in the industry.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
I am in awe of all the women in my life- my friends, clients, mothers, colleagues – I learn from each and every one of them. I am blessed to be surrounded by supportive, strong women. In our strength together, we also allow vulnerability to be honest with our challenges.

Both my sister and my mom are the most inspirational in my life: my mother – a courageous, single mother of 4, an immigrant from Vietnam – had to rebuild her life in another country to give her children the better alternative. My sister and best friend – who is my calm, supportive rock- she brings grace to everything she touches.

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Image Credit:
Anthony Giovanee, Diana Kwiatkowski

Getting in touch: VoyageLA 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.

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