Meet West Hollywood Hairstylist: Tiffany Renee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Renee.

Tiffany, please share your story with us.  How did you get to where you are today?

I can remember growing up and playing beauty salon, with a Barbie head named Tina, as my most loyal customer. By the time I was 12 Tina was replaced with paying clients and hair was my artistic expression and fruitful endeavor. So, it was no surprise that Cosmetology would be my career path. I love being able to inspire confidence in my clients. Inspiring that confidence is why I do what I do. My passion for hair has lead me become a Certified Colorist, Expert Extensionist, and Master Stylist.

Has it been a smooth road?

I come from a family of hair stylists so, the artistry of hair styling came naturally however, and as I progressed in my career I realized that technical ability wasn’t the only thing that made a great stylist. Being a great stylist requires being able to communicate well with clients, making sure to educate yourself on ever evolving trends and techniques, and having a great personality. Technical skill is the last thing on the list of “Great Stylist” traits. One of my greatest accomplishments was getting my cosmetology license and becoming Color Certified.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan on eventually having several Tiffany Renee’ boutique salons in major cities both in and outside of the US. A product line is in the works that is due to be released in the near future. I am looking forward to growth and helping to create a work environment that promotes the true expression of stylist’s art and financial success.

Let’s dig a little deeper into your story.  What was the hardest time you’ve had?

One of the hardest times in my career was 4 years ago before I went into business for myself, this was when I first moved to California, after living in my hometown of Philadelphia since birth. I chose California because it was so far from all I knew. I wanted to be as far from comfort and familiarity as possible, I also just needed a fresh start.

Anyway, I am a Muslim woman and wore a Hijab (head cover/scarf) when I first arrived in Cali. In Philly some thought it strange for a hairstylist to cover her hair when her job was to make everyone’s mane beautiful but, most clients still came because they liked my work. The minute I stepped into my West Hollywood salon I felt the tension from clients and stylists alike.

After all, LA was a place where looks do matter. There was a client who came into the salon my first day and acted as if she was in dire need for highlights. After a bit of back and forth with my fellow stylist who had the grave task of making sure this client sat in someone’s chair. That lucky someone was me. She took one look at me and asked the stylist if there was anyone else available, once the answer was no, she quickly exited. I shrugged it off and kept it moving forward chalking it up to just a close minded individual that I probably would not enjoy anyway.

But, people like her seemed to come more frequently in my new zip code. I then decided I wanted to position myself in a salon that would help me to engage clientele with several vacation homes, one that would help to perfect my professionalism and elevate my artistry. So, I accepted an offer to work at a flagship Pureology Salon in Santa Monica, while maintaining my position in West Hollywood. I thought…this is it….my chance to bloom! Every salon worker was in a word Beauty… I secretly thought why the hell would they want me.

My first week was exciting, but once I spent more time in the environment I realized that my survival here would require me to step up my game in every way. Clients were not just sitting in my chair ready and waiting for the Tiffany Renee’ experience, they needed to be recruited, which meant I had to strategize to make this happen, I also needed to present myself well. One of these things naturally came easier than the other. Clients reluctantly sat in my chair and by the end of their service they left happy and hopefully a bit less bias.

Today Tiffany has overcome the bias and built her own brand – an open, inclusive place for anyone and everyone.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Tiffany Renee’ Salon
• Instagram: @stylebytiffany
• Twitter: @stylebytiffany
• Website: www.tiffany-renee.com
• Pinterest: @tiffanystyle
• Tiffany Renee’ Salon @ Phenix Salon Suites 1250 North La Brea Ave Suite 111 West Hollywood, CA 90038

Check out her work below: