Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalia “Tali” Savage.
Hi Tali, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I think of myself as the underdog winning in silence, the typical immigrant that came with little to nothing and made something, that is the prelude to my story. Born and raised in Jamaica, I migrated to the US seeking a better life away from the limited professional opportunities within my reach. I say limited because I wasn’t a bookworm and had a short attention span so it would have been difficult to achieve a sustainable career at that point in time that would deem me worthy of a career back home. I’ve always been great with my hands, I drew and wrote a lot and artistry was something that came naturally to me all through school.
When I came to this country one thing was for certain, I was really lost on what I wanted to do for a career. I stayed with my aunt and uncle who supported me while I was out doing dead-end jobs like waiting tables and sales. Eventually, I worked my way into a well-known corporation for a few years feeling far from my purpose and unsatisfied with life the entire time. I know I wanted to interact with people from all walks of life and somehow make a difference after they met me. But I honestly didn’t know how. A friend of mine who noticed I would always offer to do all my friend’s hair and makeup on nights out suggested I look into the beauty industry. It took me about two days of research to realize I may have found my place in this world.
I enrolled in beauty school and never looked back, beginning my 13 years of journey in the industry. I met some amazing people along the way and after packing some experience under my belt, I knew I didn’t want to be on someone’s salon floor just doing hair for income. So I started to branch off and really zone in on what I liked to do when it came to hair and serving the people in my community. When I started out the natural hair movement had just taken off but after a few years of just doing protective styles, I decided to continue my education and really focus on how to help people achieve looks in the safest and most beneficial way possible. After year 8, I became independent and my clients proved to me they trusted my expertise.
I have done many big chops, many transitions, started many loc journeys and achieved some cool looks in that time, but what stands out to me the most is the relationships I have built with my client base and the families I serve. I truly just love what i do and that is why I’m secretly winning.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
No there were definitely challenges in the beginning, first finding my match of clientele that are not concerned with the fluff of the industry and just seeking a stylist willing to provide honesty on their hair status, helping them achieve hair goals. Another challenge was pressing on at times when I couldn’t fill my books or people telling me to just give up and go back to the workforce because they didn’t see my vision. I also had challenges trying to maintain quality products in this fluctuating economy but quality products are a staple in my shop and I refuse to skimp I always give one hundred percent.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am located in Norcross. GA and specialize in curly textured hair services, however I am also trained to provide safe chemical processing services for those who are ideal candidates. I choose to give one on one personal service versus the double booking and the in and out mentality of hair styling because each case is special and worthy of my time. I look forward to growing my client base and becoming a part of more hair journeys that exude excellent service and promote optimum hair health.
My methods are a bit unconventional, but that’s what makes me unique. If you show me a photo of a look I can do it but I am unique because I am the stylist that may tell you “No that look may really be damaging to the health of your hair, let’s do something else.” I do this because I am knowledgeable of the consequences a few weeks/months later and I want to see my client’s hair grow and thrive no matter what. As a result of this, I’m not for everyone but I have found my target market so I know for certain there are people out there that need this honest trustworthy-based service. Money is not a driving force in my business, service and loyalty is and I believe with loyalty and hard work everything else will fall into place for me.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I do consider myself a risk taker based on how my salon started. Feeling stuck working eight years for someone else on the salon floor I went on a weekend vacation to clear my head and really re-evaluate my goals and desires. The night before I returned my company name flashed into my dream and the next day and decided to go independent.
I did this with no capital no loans no help or direction from anyone just very little savings and the support of my family. Some of my current clients are referrals I met while I was transitioning to a salon space that at the time was not even mine! I had very little equipment and money was tight but a few months later after I took the risk I got my own place and things just started moving in the right direction. Everything was a learning process and many times I operated in the red but that is what a risk is, not knowing where things will end up and honestly not caring as long as you can ultimately say you tried. So it has been worth it.
Pricing:
- Hair Journey Consult $50.00
- Curl Definition w/ Hydration Package $145
- Loc Maintenance $135
- Silk Press w/ Hydration $145
- Kids Silk Press $85
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mycurlaccess.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curlaccessinc/
Image Credits
Images: Simply Vintage Photography
