Meet Tieraney White | Hair Braider | College Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tieraney White and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tieraney, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I always imagined balance as a few days off in a month, where there is no clients, scheduling, consultations, etc. However, in the beginning stages of entrepreneurship, your business may depend on you much like new born baby! It’s around the clock, and with that being said, I knew if I were to take a five day vacation, I would be neglecting my baby! So how do newborn parents find a balance? Balance looks like incorporating increments of both health and joy that is guilt free! As a braider, to prevent arthritis/carpal tunnel I ice my hands. That may be while a client is in my chair, it may be after the client has left. The balance is… I prioritize my health over the profit. After doing so I come back refreshed and feeling valued because I deemed myself and the pursuit of balance as worthy! Now that’s balance is not limited to a nice glass of Pink Moscato after business hours, but there must be time for Tieraney so that Top Tier Braids remains, Top Tier!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Top Tier Braids is something I never imagined for myself. If you would have told me at age 14 when I was watching YouTube that I would be interviewed by Shoutout Atlanta, I’d laugh! My work is authentic and I do my best to be that way also! I am most proud of the way in which my work has improved. The numbers, followers, or income will not accurately portray the growth that I’ve experienced. I believe that growth came from, an evolution that I had within myself! It was the “becoming” of who I envisioned my highest self to be. When I began to apply a lil pressure and not basque in my mistakes, I was like, “oh, baby, it ain’t nothing but space and opportunity!”
I took that opportunity to build confidence in myself, not only to preform well and execute consistently, but be confident on the days that I didn’t do so well. It’s not always easy to accept the fact that you’re not 100% today, but welcome to being human! That’s normal! Growing up a perfectionist is great at times, but horrific at other times. Perfectionism can be my greatest strength and biggest downfall.
However, I’ve learned that I can strive for perfection but never attain for perfection! To attain perfection, that would insinuate that I am perfect, and am I perfect? Child, please!
I would want people to know that it’s not necessary about how consistent you can be all the time. I think it’s wise to do away with “practice makes perfect”! I think practice increases your chances of a certain outcome. I think practice gives you wisdom that talent can’t give you!
Top Tier Braids is a service that I provide to others. I could say that my brand is based off my Top Tier styles, but it’s more than that. My brand is about being authentic and true to my journey. Because I am true to me, I can embrace others in their full truth and THAT is Top Tier!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Bestie, time for mimosas! Chile, I love a good brunch. If brunch was a person, I’m the grandmother!! Escobar has contributed to taking a lot of my earnings and I am unashamed! In addition, I like to network and talk to others, so I love to ask other locals some good places to eat and go. You know the best places be the “hole in wall” style restaurants.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Thee one and only, my mother, Christina. Growing up, my momma was like a magician, whether it was creating my Halloween costume or spending hours braiding my hair, her creativity left you in a state of awe. Along with creativity, I received her sense of determination. If there’s something she wants..she petty much gets it. I’ve gained a lot from her character and creativity, and to be able to shout her out is big accomplishment for the both of us.

Instagram: @tieraneya