Today we’d like to introduce you to Tatiana Despio.
Tatiana, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started doing hair since I was eight years old. Believe it or not, it started with me braiding my brother’s hair. He uses to make me braid his hair when I was a kid. After that took place it was me wanting my friends to come over, so I could do their hair. From there, I took off as a braider than got into doing other styles with extensions at 14 years old and from there, I never looked back again! I was working at a salon at 14 as an older ladies assistant and doing hair at home. She was my stylist at the time and my father uses to pay her every two weeks to do my hair. And I would sweep for her, wash and braid for her, she would pay me every week but I quit because I was already doing hair at my house for more than what she was paying me which she knew. I was always an honest person so I told her, I’m going back home to do hair. Now, I’m 26 with my 3rd location but first storefront. The first two were suites that I turned into a salon.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Omg, no, it has not been a smooth journey. One of the hardest things I had to overcome while in this industry is remaining focused while dealing with personal issues. My mother passed away from cancer and I had to balance out her medical bills, my bills, and career at the same time. My story is like a movie. Sometimes, I tell my story to myself and I’m like wow.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a hairstylist and I also teach stylist different hair techniques that hair schools don’t offer. I am known for doing flawless transformations! What I’m most proud of in my brand is how far along I’ve come from. My brand is a seed and watching it grow amazes me. I believe what sets me apart from others is my story, my creativity, and my personality. I was ahead of my time. A lot of things that I was already doing back then are popular now.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I like the fact that we are trendsetters “ a yo we been on” in my Nicki’s voice, lol!
What I don’t like is that it’s hard to get love here. You gotta be really popular to get mad respect!
Contact Info:
- Email: A1studiosmiami@icloud.com
- Website: Www.a1stylez.net
- Phone: 3059002648
- Instagram: A1stylez
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