Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonia Day.
Hi Tonia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up in a small town on a dairy farm in Vermont, it was at a very young age that I became so intrigued by fashion and style I would see on tv, or in magazines. While my cousins and friends would cut their barbies hair off, I styled and learned on my own how to braid mine. This is when it became apparent I had a knack for styling hair. From throwing hay bails and driving tractors to moving to the city of Philadelphia to pursue my dreams of becoming a professional hairstylist, I wanted to explore, learn and educate myself in the diversity of cultures while having access and an open mind to create. Starting at Jean Madeline Aveda Institute and then working at The Studio CL for eight years, it was with the blessings of my mentors and colleagues, I was able to build an honorable clientele. With hard work and dedication, I enjoyed every moment of it until I began to feel I was at a standstill and wanted to continue learning and growing elsewhere. I decided to take a leap of faith and move to sunny Los Angeles where there is an endless opportunity as well as inspiration in our profession. My dream has always been to have my shop in my back yard, to host, feed you, and connect through hair while building a family of my own. I explored other avenues of the business as well, doing little set work here and there, but I realized my true passion lies in building true genuine relationships with people from all walks of life, no matter their social status. This is when I realized I needed to create a place of my own to continue building my business while being able to provide a safe space for guests to pause their day, vent, open up if they want to, laugh, cry, and feel uplifted and more confident walking back into their day to day life. As my business grows, my dreams stay the same, and I look forward to having my family and The Day Spot in my back yard here in beautiful sunny California one day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Growing up with an instilled, strong work ethic, I’ve been able to set goals and achieve them with hard work, passion and dedication. The true struggle for me was finding my truest self and figuring out what I really wanted out of my career and where I felt I fit in most. Moving to La, I was able to take some time to soul search, finding nature, such as the mountains, quiet deserts, the beach, and new genuine friends to be my favorite place to dig deep into my soul to rediscover and learn my true value and purpose in life, as well as in my industry. Once I got to know myself better than ever, is when The Day Spot was created.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have been a hairstylist now for about seventeen years. I started my career at Jean – Madeline Aveda Institute in Philadelphia. After six months of shampooing hair at Adolf Bieker in Rittenhouse Square, I was presented with the opportunity to assist the team of many outstanding stylists and now friends at Studio CL. Working my way to personally assisting the talented and humble Artur Kirsh is really where I feel my career truly began. It wasn’t only in his grace and attention to detail in sculpting and styling hair, but his generosity in teaching and sharing his knowledge through his masterpieces. How he interacted with clients, confident, while standing in his own truth, was truly inspiring.
As I continue on my career path, I have a vision, and I feel it is my true destiny to keep an open mind and live life to its fullest. I currently cut, color, style and am certified in hair extensions. I believe in always seeking more and staying up to date with new trends, as well as techniques. My true passion is being behind the chair, continuing to connect with the world through the diversity of people, to come together, through our hair, and both walks out better people feeling the most beautiful and like ourselves.
I think what sets me apart from others is that we all have our own unique path through life, and so do I. I’m proud of where I come from, who my family and my friends are, and our integrity through navigating along our paths. I’m proud of having the courage to always seek inspiration and educate myself. I’m proud of the lessons along the way that have made me stronger, smarter, and even more grateful. Mother Theresa said, “if you want to love the world, go home and love your family.” This is my purpose, the homey space I provide to create and inspire is what sets me apart of everybody else.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I think networking and finding a mentor is so important in many the ways, personal and career. But I think what works well for me is meeting people, doing my best every day, all while staying true to who I am and what fills my cup. Listen to your heart and your intuition, be curious, and want to learn. Don’t force anything that doesn’t feel right, but continue to push yourself and always strive for more… this is what works for me and feels the most genuine and fulfilling.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @thedayspot
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-day-spot-beverly-hills?osq=the+day+spot
