Meet Tamika Day of Hair University in Douglasville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamika Day.

Tamika, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in Macon, Georgia in a family that instilled in me that through Christ all things are possible. It is through sports and academics that I learned leadership and communication skills. I would earn money babysitting and doing my mom, aunts, cousins and friends hair. I knew at an early age that I wanted to have my own business and could earn a lot of money doing so. I would purchase styling products and magazines to practice. Any doll my mom bought was going to definitely receive a mini makeover. I left for the University of West Georgia on a basketball scholarship to pursue a career in Communications and Marketing. I earned my degree, but I always had a passion for making others look and feel good inside and out. I enrolled in a technical college near UWG and didn’t tell anyone, but my dad. I didn’t want anyone to talk me out of it. Sometimes, you have to whisper your dreams.

After finishing cosmetology school, I started my journey to entrepreneurship. I worked in corporate 6 months until I was able to build my clientele. Afterwards, I never looked back. I left corporate, used my knowledge and begin to grow as a stylist and businesswomen at the age of 23. I went back to school and earned a Masters Degree In Education in Instructional Technology from Cambridge College in Massachusetts. I knew I wanted to become an educator. I have been licensed for 19 years and just graduated in May with my Cosmetology Instructors License. I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road to success is never easy! There are times when you feel like giving up, and many times you are unsure if you are making the right decisions for your life. The struggles along the way from bad relationships or broken promises can really take a toll on you emotionally. You don’t get to control if a loved one dies while you are in the midst of a final exam or writing your business plan. Although the birth of my two children have brought me amazing joy, you can’t control them getting sick or being up all night nursing before giving a major presentation for a multi-million dollar company! For some situations, you only get the chance to introduce yourself and your brand at that moment. Your future can be determined by the opportunity that is presented, but if it does not work the way you planned it, doesn’t mean that you are a failure. You have to forgive yourself quickly in order to move to the next level.

Believing in yourself and smiling through the challenges, equips you with the necessary ingredients that form the recipes of your life. One of my favorite poems is by Dr. Benjamin E. Mays.

“I have Only Just a Minute”

Only sixty seconds in it.

Forced upon me, can’t refuse it.

Didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it.

But it’s up to me

to use it.

I must suffer if I lose it.

Give account if I abuse it.

Just a tiny little minute,

but eternity is in it.

It’s all about making the most of every minute.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
I am a successful entrepreneur and educator at Hair University. I have dedicated my career to promoting excellence in business and mentoring stylist/barbers to succeed in the beauty industry. I take pride in inspiring others to excel beyond working behind the chair. My passion for education has guided my career in the industry as a highly sought after industry expert in the world of beauty and cosmetology.

Specialize: I am a licensed cosmetologist specializing in styling for professional headshots, weddings, platform artistry, personal brands, websites, social media and the everyday woman looking to feel beautiful inside and out. I am known for educating my clients about hair care, products, and business.

Proud: I was named Ford Top Ten Stylist in the country 2013 by Bronner Brothers, Ford Motor Company and Upscale Magazine. Ten Stylist/Barbers were chosen to celebrate the ten-year partnership that Ford had with the Bronner Brothers Show. To share the stage with 9 other amazing professionals was truly an honor. We were nominated from various companies for our work in the industry as well as for what we do in our communities. I am also most proud of creating a one-week “Cosmetology S.T.E.M. Camp” for girls interested in learning personal self-care as well as Science, Technology, Engineering and Math as it relates to the world, my world of cosmetology, business and life skills. A stylist is more than standing behind the chair for long hours. It is a career that can lead to many rewarding opportunities. I am connected young people to cosmetic chemistry, research, and development, manufacturing. My goal is to inspire creative thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers and to accept the responsibilities of advance education in an ever-changing world. I am always seeking donations or sponsors for the camp.

Set apart: What sets me apart is I don’t allow people to put me in a box. Society can really put labels on what you are capable of professionally or as an individual. I navigate into spaces that are not popular for most African American Stylist. I present at shows other than just in the beauty industry from colleges, schools and conferences. I attend workshops that develop me as a business owner not just as a stylist.​

As well as, I am the State Captain of Georgia for the Professional Beauty Association. I have participated with the Professional Beauty Federation on Capitol Hill to address key issues in the beauty industry. I completed a Leadership Class in Douglas County, I am a Board Member for the Boys and Girls Club, the treasurer for the Democratic Women’s Council of Douglas County and I am an educator with Fulton County Schools as a Cosmetology Teacher.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family, college roommates, friends, line-sisters and clients have all supported my business. Whether it was allowing me to practice on them before I really knew what I was doing or paying for services. I am grateful for every experience good and bad. From the dorm room to my kitchen, to the salon most of them have followed me and we have remained close for over 20 years. My brother and his wife has always been in my corner and believed in me. My dad always knows the right words to say to encourage me. My mom, Cynthia is undeniably the motivator, and rock in my life and a leader in our family. No matter the day or time she is beyond the reason, I am confident and positive. My husband Sam… I can’t say thank you enough for caring for our family when I have been making boss moves, I love you. My daughter Jashae(29) was 14 when we met and it has been a blessing to mentor her and to watch her blossom. My mini -Me Emeri(9) allows me to dance and makes me laugh, my baby boy Avery simply melts my heart with his big hugs. My grandparents are smiling from heaven and I am thankful for what they instilled in me through Christ and simply the moments on the porch or trips to the fair. Though it hasn’t been easy, it has all been worth it.

Contact Info:

• Address: 8318 Duralee Lane Ste 201
  Douglasville, GA 30134
• Website: www.tamikaday.com
• Phone: 770-361-9000
• Email: tamikacday@gmail.com
• Instagram: Iamtamikaday
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hairuniv
• Other: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tamikaday

Image Credit:
Yolanda Mendes

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