Today we’d like to introduce you to Tia Simone.
Hi Tia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello! I’m Tia Simone, founder of Pilar Nolé. After living with Alopecia Areata for most of my life, I turned my personal hair loss journey into a mission to help others. While there’s no cure for this autoimmune condition, I refused to settle for generic solutions. I dedicated years to researching holistic remedies, botanical ingredients, and scientifically supported practices to nourish and restore the scalp.
What began as a deeply personal journey evolved into a greater mission: to raise awareness about the causes of hair loss, including stress, hormonal imbalances, poor scalp health, and conditions like Alopecia. Pilar Nolé is more than a hair care brand—it is a movement that encourages education, prevention, and proactive wellness. Each product is thoughtfully formulated to support healthier hair and a balanced scalp, regardless of where you are in your hair journey.
Our motto, “Nourishment for the Crown,” is a reflection of our commitment to nurturing not only the hair but the confidence and identity that come with it. I believe that when you take care of your crown, you show up differently in the world—with more strength, more pride, and more joy.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Whew! Let me be honest….it hasn’t been an easy ride. Building Pilar Nolé has been one of the most rewarding, yet challenging journeys of my life. I’ve gone through some real lows, from being temporarily unhoused to overdrafting my account just to buy supplies and keep the business afloat. There were moments I questioned everything. But deep down, I knew I was building something with purpose and for a purpose much bigger than me.
One of the hardest moments came in 2024 when I lost my great-grandmother. I lost her 10 days before her birthday, which also was the scheduled release of the Nwyele Detangling Brush. That loss hit me deeply. She was such a strong presence in my life, and her passing took a toll on me emotionally and spiritually. For a while, it felt like everything paused—even the business. But as time went on, I started to feel her presence in a new way. She transitioned from being my rock to being my ancestor, and now, I carry her with me in everything I do.
That shift gave me new fuel. I work even harder now because I want to make her proud. Every time I create or ship out a product, I think of her strength, her personality, and how much she poured into our family. It reminds me why I started this in the first place.
Of course, it hasn’t all been struggle. There have been some amazing highs too. In 2023, Pilar Nolé won the Local’s Choice Award—an honor that reminded me just how far we’ve come. We’ve also been nominated for other awards and even selected for an upcoming TV show. While it was an exciting opportunity, we ultimately chose to decline because it didn’t align with the long-term vision and integrity of the brand. That decision reminded me that success isn’t just about visibility—it’s about staying true to your purpose.
At the end of the day, Pilar Nolé is about more than just hair. It’s about healing. It’s about honoring the people who came before us, pushing through the hard times, and turning pain into something beautiful. Pilar Nolé is my love letter to anyone who’s ever struggled with hair loss, self-image, or just trying to make something out of nothing. We’re here to nourish the crown—and everything it represents.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Before Pilar Nolé, I spent 10 years in the legal field as a full-time paralegal. Law taught me structure, discipline, and how to manage high-stress situations with grace—skills I now carry with me every day as an entrepreneur. But during those years of helping others build their cases, I was privately fighting a personal battle of my own: managing the emotional and physical toll of living with Alopecia Areata.
Hair loss was something I struggled with for most of my life. It wasn’t just about appearance—it was about confidence, identity, and healing from the inside out. I found renewed strength in my great-grandmother’s memory. She’s now one of my ancestors—guiding me, encouraging me, and pushing me to build something she’d be proud of.
What I’m most proud of, though, isn’t just the recognition—it’s the balance. I’m a mother, a business owner, a trusted friend, and a steady presence people have leaned on for years. Through all the roles I juggle, I’ve remained someone others feel safe with. That energy is carried into Pilar Nolé. Our brand has never faked results, bought reviews, or made exaggerated claims. Everything we share is honest, intentional, and rooted in real experiences.
What sets Pilar Nolé apart is our commitment to scalp-first care and the deeper emotional connection we create with our customers. We go beyond styling—we educate, nourish, and support. Our formulas are crafted specifically for textured hair using clean, effective, plant-based ingredients that support growth, moisture retention, and scalp health without the fluff. No quick fixes—just real results and a community that understands what you’re going through.
So yes, I wear many hats: Paralegal, mother, founder, friend. But the one I wear with the most pride is being the woman behind a brand that helps others feel seen, supported, and beautiful again.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I wouldn’t say there’s one specific book I think helps me do best in life other than maybe my holy book. I recently finished Atomic Habits by James Clear, and I really enjoyed it. It’s definitely a solid recommendation if you’re into personal growth.
I’m a big believer in doing things that make you happy and spark curiosity. That’s what strengthens the brain. Right now, I’m absolutely hooked on the Morbid true crime podcast—shoutout to Alaina and Ash! It’s my go-to when I need a little mental escape. I’m also part of a monthly book club, but personally at the moment, I’m deep into the Iron Flame series by Rebecca Yarros. It’s got me completely captivated.
One of my favorite morning routines is listening to an Abraham Hicks youtube episode, then jumping back into my current audiobook. It’s how I keep my mind grounded and my spirit lifted. That little balance of inspiration and entertainment is what’s been keeping me sane—and genuinely happy.
Fortunately, I’m now in a space where I can bounce ideas off a couple of trusted mentors—something I didn’t have early on. Having that support and sounding board has made a world of difference in how I grow, both personally and professionally.
Pricing:
- Hair Food – $13.98
- Hair Elixir – $ 14.98
- Curly Souffle Moisturizing Curl Cream – $19.99
- Sea Moss Stimulating Shampoo & Conditioner- $28.99
- Nwyele Detangling Brush – $14.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Pilarnole.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pilarnole_?igsh=YXR1M3I4cnZpNWUy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16QiZVUXXn/
Image Credits
@dirtylenzmediagroup – Instagram/fb
@draculaxfilms -instagram
