Today we’d like to introduce you to Terrika Taper.
Hi Terrika, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hair was never something I grew up dreaming about. Even though I spent my childhood watching my big cousin Maria braid and style everyone in the family, I never imagined I would follow that path. I always thought I’d become a teacher and work with kids like my mom did.
I only did my own hair because I was good at it. But when my boyfriend at the time and I left Memphis and moved to Charlotte, I knew I wanted to pick up a trade. He actually suggested I go to hair school since I already did my own hair so well. I enrolled in Regency Beauty, and that’s when everything changed. I fell in love with the craft.
A year later, we moved to Atlanta. I didn’t take hair seriously at first, so I did it on the side. I worked in kid salons, and later became a travel/mobile stylist, which is really where my base clientele started. From there it grew strictly through word of mouth. I became so busy that I eventually worked in a salon in Snellville for a year, all while still juggling a 9–5.
By the end of 2018, I left that salon and moved to one in Lawrenceville. Then in February 2020, I finally took a leap of faith. I quit my 9–5 to focus on hair full-time. In November 2021, I moved into my own loft in Tucker, GA, and my business has grown bigger than I ever imagined.
Hair has changed my life. My clients have changed my life. I get to service some of the most beautiful, strong & amazing women. We laugh, we cry, we talk about life, and I get to show up as myself. I’ve built real relationships, so it’s hard for me to even call them “clients.” They’re my sisters, cousins, and friends. We’re FAMILY! My business wouldn’t be what it is without them, and I’m forever grateful for the love and support they’ve poured into me and my business over the years.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of my biggest challenges was learning to fully depend on myself and trust my own abilities. In the beauty industry, people don’t always see doing hair as a “real job,” and that can make you doubt yourself when you’re trying to build something from the ground up.
Entrepreneurship doesn’t come with the structure or security of a 9–5. Everything falls on you, your income, your reputation, your consistency. You have to be your own motivator, manager, and support system while still showing up for your clients.
There were times I questioned if I was doing enough, but every time a client left my chair feeling beautiful, it reminded me that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. Even with the challenges, this journey has taught me resilience and confidence.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a healthy-hair stylist specializing in silk presses, natural styles, ponytails, and protective styles. My focus is helping women grow and maintain their real hair, not just giving them a cute style for the moment. I love teaching my clients how to care for their hair and seeing the transformation over time.
I’m most proud of the growth journeys I’ve helped create, watching clients go from damage and breakage to strong, healthy hair truly motivates me.
What sets me apart is the connection I build with my clients. My chair is a safe space. We laugh, talk, pray, and vent. It’s more like a sisterhood than just a service. Most of my business grew through word of mouth because people can feel that I genuinely care.
Doing hair is my art, but the relationships I’ve built are what makes my work special.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
It will get hard, but please don’t give up. Believe in yourself even on the days when it doesn’t feel like it’s working. Growth takes time. Stay consistent, stay patient, and trust your gift. The results will always show if you keep going.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: a_touchoftenae
Image Credits
The picture with me & Cree ( I’m holding her braided pony) that photo was taken by @kamcomarketing. The two photos of me with the white on & Bob style were done by @demi. Other photos were taken by friends & myself using a iPhone. <br>
