Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonya Cryer.
Hi Tonya, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began as a hairstylist working In salons in south central. I obtained several celebrity clients who needed services while working in entertainment. I had a knack for doing photo shoots for my own business and was submitted for magazines. I competed in hair shows and won several competitions. My exposure landed me platform work educating for several product companies.
I searched for opportunities to work in entertainment and landed a mentor. She educated me on working behind the scenes. Once she felt I was ready she referred me to productions. I worked on many non-union projects in film. It took eight years but eventually, I landed television show for cable tv which flipped and allowed me to earn my qualifying days to get invited into the Makeup Artists & Hairstylists Guild IATSE Local 706 on the west coast. Once I achieved union status, I was referred to many jobs and landed my first major television production. I was Ugly Betty with Vanessa L Williams Former Miss America. From there I went onto land great jobs working with many major television networks such as; ABC, Disney, FOX, WarnerBros., Paramount Pictures, NBC, Netflix and many more.
Through my beauty career, I always loved teaching but didn’t have time. In 2014 I landed a gig in Atlanta from an actress I had previously worked with in Los Angeles. I decided to take advantage of the opportunity to become a member of the east coast union 798. I became East coast certified in 2018 and out on a roll with jobs in Atlanta and still traveled to LA in between jobs in Georgia because I wanted to be bi-costal. In 2020 during the pandemic, I decided to create an online course to reach the masses and teach people how to work in my industry. The course is Mastermind Film & Tv Hairstylist Guide also known as The Become A Six Figure Film & TV Hairstylist. This course is now available online in Kajabi at the introductory rate of $150 for the mini course. Three modules of behind-the-scenes education including downloads and resources to help guide people to the career as a celebrity hairstylist.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My career got off to a rocky start because it was challenging getting into this niche of working behind the scenes. People don’t talk about much because we are sworn to secrecy when we take the oath as a new member. Because of the nature of the business dealing with millions of dollars and high-profile people, it is a secret society. People and projects are protected from exposing the characters and content before the story is actually released. It sometimes takes years for the total project to be completely edited for release to the world on the big screen. Many things were taught to me by my mentor and many others were learned through experience. I had to learn a whole new set of rules when it comes to styling on set. All creations are very strategic in regards to the time allotted to complete the look, the decision from the upper supervisors to what they want to see and the comfort of the actor or actress wearing the look… Many times you don’t have enough time to create the look in the time frame and some prepping is usually involved.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a hairstylist who specializes in styling hair for Celebrities. My forte is period hair which means the hairstyle comes from a different period and their was a totally different styling technique required. I’m known for having worked on many great projects with some of the best teams. I’m most proud of the platform I have created to help people who want to have a career in my industry. What sets me apart is that my courses have a lot of value and I go over and beyond with my resources.
What makes you happy?
I’m happy when I’m making other people happy by sharing, caring, listening and spending quality time with people I care about. I feel like this is one of the reasons God created me. I’m happy because my nature is to be of service. I listen to the voice that guides me and When I Listen and follow the action, it’s usually a good outcome.
Pricing:
- Current Mini Course is $150
- Mastermind Course is $497
- Mastermind Training guide is $50 on Amazon
- Behind The Scenes tabletop photo book $50
- One on one 30-minute zoom consultation $200
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mstonyaonset.com
- Instagram: @mstonyaonset
- Facebook: @mstonyaset
- Twitter: @mstonyanset
- Youtube: Mstonyaonset
Image Credits
Creative Firm
