January 20, 2017

Meet Tarea Stanciel of Bosses Salon & Spa in Kennesaw Ga

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tarea Stanciel.

Tarea, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am from Orlando Florida. I moved to Atlanta five years ago at the age of twenty-three with my six-month-old son. We lived in two different extended stay hotels for about three months, saving every penny to eat. My best friend (Sydnie West) and her mother (Paula) allowed my son and I to move in until I could save up enough money to get an apartment. In 2012, I got married, and my husband, son, and I moved into our own townhome in Kennesaw. After six months of being a mother and a wife, my family and friends encouraged me to finish what I had started in Florida, which was cosmetology. I love doing hair, and my dream was to always own my own salon and to help others in need. I jumped back into school part time while working as a sales representative

My son struggled with severe asthma, so after being back in school for about eight months, I had to stop because my son was constantly in and out of the hospital, and money started to get tight. It felt as if everything was falling apart. I remember sitting in my closet crying in the dark for hours because I didn’t think I could handle going to school, working full time, trying to maintain my son’s health, and the strains of marriage. It seemed as if I could never finish anything because of all the issues in my life at that time. On October 7, 2015, I applied to another cosmetology school in Kennesaw Georgia because I wanted to accomplish my dream of owning my own salon, and nothing was going to stop me. The director of the new school I applied to informed me that my hours would not transfer from the previous school, which meant I would have to start all over and complete 1500 hours. Since I was half way through the course from the previous school, I was so angry and upset that I didn’t know what to say. I decided to go back home and pray about it.

After praying about what I should do, I decided that I wasn’t going to let anything stop me from finishing cosmetology school. In August of 2016, I finished the course, and I graduated with a 98 percent GPA. The school was so impressed with me that the owner asked me to do a commercial for the school. Two months before I graduated, I started working at a local salon as a shampoo assistant. In February of 2016, after all, the hardships I endured, I opened my business called Bosses Salon & Spa. In July 2016, I opened up my second salon suite location in Kennesaw Georgia in an assisted living facility.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There is a saying “Anything worth having is worth fighting for.” Some of the struggles I have faced were coming home with barely any food to eat, trying to make ends meet, working all day, then coming home to a son with asthma. Many times, I had to be in the hospital with him all night, then going back to school and work the next day. As many know, sometimes when people are transitioning into their set goals, they have found that the support from family, friends, and loved ones are not always there. I have been abused mentally, physically, and verbally. I was raped at the age of sixteen by someone I thought I knew. It was very difficult leaving all my family in Florida to move to Atlanta, but I wanted something different. I wanted change Yes, it was hard and lonely at times. Imagine moving far away from home with no one hoping and wishing your dream would come true, and not knowing what was going to happen, or being mistreated and not having anyone one to turn to but God. Another struggle was going to a school that treated me differently because of my skin color, which led to my dismissal from the school. Maybe some people were intimated because they saw my potential and determination. However, through all of that I still stand, but by perseverance, passion, and a desire to succeed, I was able to achieve my dream.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Bosses Salon & Spa – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
In July of 2017, I opened up another salon suite location inside of an assisted living facility. I enjoy working with the elderly. I believe no matter the age, race, or illness, everyone deserves to feel and look good. I go out to homes for people that do not have the ability to drive to receive hair services. I also create and plan events for the community throughout the year to help others in need, such as providing free meals, hairstyling, and haircuts to men, women, and children

As a Master Cosmetologist, I specialize in hair extensions, color, and natural hair, as well as haircutting, styling, and crochet braids. My company, Bosses Salon & Spa, is known for my dedication in helping and serving my community. I’m proud that I didn’t lose myself through the hardships, struggles, and pain. I am also proud that my parents raised a strong woman that stayed focused through it all.

What sets me apart from others is that I live my dream every day, and I don’t stop. My dedication, positive attitude, consistency, determination, and staying focused on what’s important in every situation helped me overcome obstacles, But most of all, I am commitment and will never settle for anything less than the best

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans for the future are to continue to grow and to touch as many lives as possible. I plan to eventually open a plaza which will have barbers and stylists, a one-stop shop where customers will be able to get services, such as facials, massages, nail services, eyelash extensions, makeup, hair services, and much more. I also plan to open up a deli/ restaurant connected to the salon.

Pricing: