Exploring Life & Business with Tomica LaTrica Sarver of “I operate across beauty, product, and creative space through Pure Moisture Hair and Park Studios 101.”

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tomica LaTrica Sarver.

Hi Tomica LaTrica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I come from a legacy of hairstylists, so this industry has always been a part of who I am. I am a third-generation hairstylist, and what I do today is a continuation of what my grandmother and mother started. That alone gives my work a deeper purpose. It’s not just about hair for me, it’s about honoring legacy and building something that lasts.

I began my journey in Louisville, Kentucky, where I started in the beauty industry as a vocational student in high school. I graduated already licensed in cosmetology, and by the age of 19, I co-owned my first salon with my mother and aunt called TLC Hair Gallery. It stood for Tomica, Loretta, and Charlotte, and that salon operated successfully for over 15 years, even after I relocated.

Over 20 years ago, I moved to Atlanta to expand my career, and that decision truly shaped the direction of my life. It was in Atlanta that I stepped into the entertainment industry and built a name for myself as a celebrity hairstylist and key hair artist. Working in television and film opened doors for me creatively and professionally, allowing me to operate at a high level within the industry.

I am a licensed cosmetologist, barber, and cosmetology instructor, and each of those credentials represents years of discipline, study, and commitment to mastering my craft. Those foundations allowed me to not only work behind the chair, but to teach, lead, and contribute to the industry in multiple ways.

As a proud member of IATSE Local 798, I’ve had the opportunity to work on major motion pictures and television productions, further expanding my experience and perspective as a hair artist. At the same time, I continued building in the salon space, owning and operating multiple locations in Atlanta, including Buckhead on Peachtree and Grant Park. One of those spaces later evolved into Park Studios 101, a creative and event studio.

As my career continued to grow, I launched my product line, Pure Moisture Hair, which was created from real, hands-on experience with clients over the years. It reflects my focus on healthy hair, hydration, and creating solutions that truly work, especially for textured and mature hair.

My journey has been built on consistency, hard work, and faith. There have been many pivots along the way, but every step has been about growth and continuing the foundation that was laid before me. I take pride in knowing that I am not only maintaining a legacy, but expanding it for the next generation.

“For me, it’s bigger than beauty — it’s legacy work, and I’m just getting started.”

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many women building something from the ground up, one of my biggest challenges has been balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship. I became a mother at a young age and raised three daughters while building my career, and that required a level of discipline, sacrifice, and focus that pushed me in ways I didn’t always expect.

Being present for my children was always my priority. I didn’t just want to provide for them, I wanted to show up for them and be an example of what hard work, consistency, and dedication really look like. There were moments where I had to juggle long hours, demanding schedules, and the pressures of building a business, all while making sure my family never felt the weight of those challenges.

Another major challenge was stepping outside of what I already knew and pivoting from working behind the chair into television and film production. That transition wasn’t easy. It required me to step into new environments, learn a different pace, and prove myself all over again in a space that operates at a very high level. But that experience stretched me creatively and professionally, and ultimately helped expand my career in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

I also stepped into areas where I wasn’t always the majority, especially as a licensed barber in a traditionally male-dominated space. That pushed me to sharpen my skills even further and expand my versatility as a hairstylist. It wasn’t always easy, but it strengthened my confidence and set me apart in a way that ultimately worked in my favor.

Throughout my journey, there have been financial challenges, industry shifts, and moments that required me to pivot, but each obstacle has helped shape who I am today. I’ve learned how to adapt, stay grounded, and continue moving forward with purpose.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about “I operate across beauty, product, and creative space through Pure Moisture Hair and Park Studios 101.”?
My work has evolved over the years, but at its core, it has always been rooted in creativity, service, and creating opportunities for others.

I’ve spent over 20 years as a salon owner and operator, building spaces not only for clients, but for other hairstylists to grow, develop, and expand their careers. One of my proudest accomplishments has been mentoring stylists and helping them move beyond the chair into television and film. Being able to guide others into the union and support them in becoming members of IATSE Local 798 has been incredibly fulfilling, because it allows me to open doors that many people don’t even realize are possible.

As my career grew, I expanded into the entertainment industry and have had the opportunity to contribute to projects within the Hair Department in television and film. A recent highlight was being recognized with a Guild Award nomination for Best Contemporary Hair in a Motion Picture for The Naked Gun, which was a defining moment in my career and a reflection of years of dedication to my craft. Another major milestone was working on the Victoria’s Secret runway show in New York, the first show back after the pandemic, which was truly a full-circle, bucket list moment for me as an artist.

In addition to my work in the industry, I am the founder of Pure Moisture Hair, a product line built from real experience and a passion for healthy, hydrated hair. That brand represents both my professional expertise and my commitment to legacy. I also own Park Studios 101, a creative and event space that allows me to bring people together through experiences, celebrations, and collaboration.

Giving back has always been an important part of my work. Through my businesses, we’ve provided hair services for women, men, and children in need, helping individuals prepare for job interviews, back-to-school moments, and important life transitions. We’ve also partnered on toy drives and community initiatives to support families during the holidays. Creating jobs and opportunities within my community has always been a priority for me, and something I take great pride in as a business owner.

Everything I’ve built is intentional. Whether it’s through beauty, mentorship, product development, or community work, my goal has always been to create impact, open doors, and continue building something that extends beyond me.

For me, success has never just been about what I’ve achieved, but about how many people I’ve been able to bring along the way.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about Atlanta is the opportunity. When I moved here, I was surrounded by people who looked like me and were thriving — entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders in entertainment, business, and the community. Seeing that up close gave me a different level of confidence and belief in what was possible for myself. It pushed me to think bigger, move with intention, and fully step into my purpose. Atlanta is a city where you can truly create your own path, and I’ve been able to maximize so many of the opportunities it has offered.

It’s also been life-changing for my family. I relocated my entire immediate family here from Louisville, Kentucky — my parents, siblings, and our children — and now I’m watching the next generation grow here, including my granddaughter who was born in Atlanta. That alone makes this city incredibly special to me. It’s not just where I built my career, it’s where my family’s legacy continues.

If I had to say one thing I don’t love… I wish Atlanta had a beach. If this city had water, it would truly be my dream location. But outside of that, I genuinely love everything about it. Atlanta has been good to me, and I will always consider it a part of who I am.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.puremoisture.hair/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomicalatrice?igsh=MXNvZ25iZHIxa283dA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18mjkU3W5g/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: https://www.parkstudios101.com/