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

Hi Tyler, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have been very artistic and creative since birth. I’ll never forget one of my first abstract paintings that my mom framed and placed on my wall. From painting, to writing, singing/rapping, making beats and doing hair were things that came to me naturally growing up. Watching my parents and grandparents go to work everyday, even with great jobs that they enjoyed, I knew that wasn’t a life for me. I knew that if I ever wanted to be happy in life, my career would have to come from my own creations.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It took going through the paths that most of us are taught to go through to truly realize my place, even though I knew at a young age my career would be based off of my creativity. I went to college for Psychology and Computer Science, I loved both which is why I majored in both; but it wasn’t for me. It was for the adults in my life who said this is what you have to do in order to be successful. Everyone in my life had careers that they had been working in for 25+ years in or had degrees to back them but I never saw the level of success in which I sought for myself.

Though I have been doing hair throughout my life, it wasn’t until around the 2020 Pandemic that it really hit me that hair is something that I’m great at and like my other talents, shouldn’t be hidden. Doing hair is something that I enjoy. I’m from Detroit, Mi where we are very big on appearance— looking good is a MUST! Hair laid, fit laid, all of that! So being able to be a part of making someone else look or feel beautiful means a lot to me. Being able to help grow someone’s hair, make sure that it stays not only styled nice but actually healthy, seeing the progression excites me! Let’s me know that I’m doing the right thing.

It has not been a easy road with gaining clientele in a industry that I’m fairly new in, Professionally; but that has brought me out of my shell. You have to be comfortable approaching people that you don’t know. When it comes to business or success, you have to get familiar with a little discomfort and that’s something I’ve learned along the way.

I would like to add that though I am a masculine presenting woman, I can do some hair! Lol! That’s one of the biggest things, people see me in the shop or on the street and expect a Barber. So when they find out that I’m a Loc and Hair Stylist, and see my work, they are in awe! I love that!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is so much to do in Atlanta! I truly wouldn’t know where to begin. Things change and new things come every week!!!

Of course the go to spots are World of Coca Cola, MLK Museum, Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Trap Music Museum, Piedmont Park, The Battery.

For a great night out, hit Peter St or Edgewood that’s full of Restaurants, Bars and Hookah Spots.

There are always events on EventBrite, some are even free. We pretty much go with the flow down here!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a few people that I’m close to that encourage me on a day to day basis but no one deserves the recognition like my Grandmother, Bettye McConner— who not only raised me due to my Mother passing from Cancer at a young age, but continues to support me in any and every way that she can. She is my backbone through life! She was 58 when she took back on the role of a full time Mother of an 8 year old child. I never heard or saw her complain. No matter the sport, I was in it. No matter the club, I participated. Basically, there were no limits to what she felt and feels that I can do. She is such a loving, caring and giving person. She will give anyone her last and not expect a thing in return and that is how I am. I know that’s thanks to her loving heart! Also, my Mommy who taught me about hair and how to do hair before she was unable to. I always admired her work on my hair and my cousins when they’d visit, which sparked my curiosity and she always fed my curiosity!

Website: www.TyLocMe.as.me

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/TyLocMe

Facebook: www.fb.com/TyLocMe

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tylocme?_t=8UfGcD3tSUV&_r=1

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.