Meet Tiffany Thomas | Hair Stylist and Colorist

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

Hi Tiffany, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
The beginning of a career in the hair scene can be a stressful time. It takes a few years to build a solid book of clients. Not only can it be daunting to get behind the chair and trust your own skills, it’s hoping that anyone and everyone that sits in your chair appreciates your skills and comes back. It takes marketing on social media, sending promotions, and taking any walk-ins. While the complete focus is on building your books, it can be hard to have work life balance. That concept doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone, so working for someone else can provide an extra challenge for curating that balance.
When I first went out on my own and starting working for myself, the whole concept of work life balance went out the window. It was sink or swim, and I felt like I was drowning. I was so fortunate to have mentors and help along the way, but that didn’t take away the anxious thoughts about if I was going to make it on my own. When I wasn’t at the salon, I was posting on instagram, walking around with fliers, watching tutorials on Instagram, and obsessing over numbers. Six months after I became self-employed, Covid hit. It was a hard stop and a very hard adjustment. I was forced to really look at my life and ask myself who I was when I wasn’t behind my chair. Hobbies that I previously didn’t make time for became the only thing I was able to do. It was a wake-up call for me that in order to truly enjoy my career, I needed to enjoy my life outside of it as well. It took some practice after going back to the salon, and I still practice today. I set aside specific times to respond to clients, work on bookkeeping, and post on social media. I travel as often as I can, and I try to make my time at home intentionally disconnected from work. I know that I am not at my best when I’m feeling worn out and overwhelmed, and giving myself the space to be separate from my job allows me to show up and offer the best services that I can. In our industry, many people say, “You better hustle while you’re young and you still can,” and while there is a good message in there about hard work and success, I’ve learned that taking care of my mind and body are necessary for longevity in my career. Simple things like trying to stay hydrated and fed at work make a huge difference. Yoga and regular chiropractor appointments are necessary for my body to recover from the constant repetitive movement of my job. What I’m trying to work on the most, though, is taking downtime and rest when my mental health needs it. Stylists get to connect to so many people, and it’s one of the best parts of the job. I love celebrating birthdays, job promotions, family additions, proposals, and so much more with my clients. That also means that I grieve losses and disappointments with them, too. It’s a gift to be trusted as a confidant, and I’m learning that it requires me to listen to my mind and body as well, We are the therapists with no training, just experience, and I’m getting better about making sure that I have proper outlets and skills to process all of the big feelings.
My journey with work life balance has been exactly that- a journey. It is improving over time but no improvement is perfect. Just like my technical skills as a colorist, my skills in engaging a healthy balance require practice and dedication.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My specialty behind the chair is blonding and live-in color. As a young stylist, I fully expected to want to do the bright purples and pinks, but I immediately felt drawn to the intricacy and softness of natural color. In the hair industry, you tend to attract clients that want the services that you love doing, and I now have a full book of highlights, balayage, shadow roots, teasy-lights- you name it!
What’s funny is that I used to loathe doing full foils when I was learning. They took me forever, and it was so difficult to imagine exactly what it was going to look like. Each foil is placed with an intention, and for a new stylist, that can seem daunting. I practiced on mannequins over and over to speed up my time and improve my placement, and when I finally started taking clients, it clicked into place. I continued to take classes, watch tutorials, and learn as much as I could.
You can still find me in the back room watching a new placement video and talking to coworkers about their techniques.
I love when my clients come back and tell me that their hair has grown out so well. My clients and I have thorough consultations, to ensure the service they’re receiving fits into their schedule. I want my clients to feel good from the minute they leave until it’s time to come back in!

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.
I do have my list of go-tos for a fun day or night out, but I’m partial to nature as well. For activities, we would have to hit up Putt Shack, with a stop at Velvet Taco of course, on the west side. My wife and I recently discovered Muse Paintbar at the Battery for a fun night out. Painting classes, food, and a full bar? Sign me up! Twains in Decatur for darts and drinks, or a stroll down the beltline with a coffee from Inman Perk. For a visitor, I think Ponce City Market is a have-to; I’d actually like to get out there more often to check out the Village Market and other local businesses!
When we have some free time, I like to escape the hustle and bustle every once in a while and hike some of the beautiful trails in the area. East Palisades, Sweetwater Creek State Park, and even walking around the trails at Piedmont Park are a great way to see the green this city has to offer!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I apprenticed under Dorothy Pinney starting at age 16, and now I rent a chair from her at the salon she owns, Smith Ivey Salon. She gave me a chance when I was young and needed to get my foot in the door. Not only did she teach me, she dedicated her time to helping me fill out all the paperwork that comes along with an apprenticeship. She was the reason I was able to get my license with no student loans, and she’s the reason that I am where I am now. When I was terrified of making the jump to start working for myself, she offered encouragement, a little tough love, and a chair in her salon. Smith Ivey is a collective of independent stylists with a full service salon feel. We make our own schedules, charge our own prices, and book our own clients, and we each pay a weekly rent for our space. It truly feels like a salon family, and Dorothy has created that space. She gave me the safety net I needed to make the leap, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the career that I have now. She’s been my mentor at work and in my personal life, and I’m so lucky to be able to call her a friend.

Instagram: tiffanynicholehair

Image Credits
Personal photo- Gianna Keiko Photography