Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Olds.
Theresa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was always in a hair salon because my Mom couldn’t do hair at all. In middle school, I would take Marta from College Park Georgia to Midtown to meet my Mom after work to go get our hair done. I loved the hair salon. I was intrigued by the free-spirited and creative stylists. At each salon, I was mesmerized by observing the stylist’s every move. I would close my eyes and visualize my adult self doing the same thing. Truthfully, the salon atmosphere felt good to my soul.
Fast forward to the high school years, I experimented with every head of hair I could get my hands on–my own hair, my sisters’ and friends’ hair. I soon realized that I was pretty good at it. But I wasn’t sure if this was a hobby or a career path. I was encouraged by teachers to pursue a four-year college. So I started to think more about going to school for social work. As my graduation date closer, I followed my own path and I decided to attend Atlanta Technical College for Cosmetology.
I had a great experience at Atlanta Technical College. It was such a great program. I was supported by great stylists and instructors. It prepared me for the industry and for the state board exam. I received my master cosmetologist license in 1999 and shortly after I started working at a hair salon in the local neighborhood mall. Now, my first salon was an experience. I messed up so much hair in the salon. (I’m sorry y’all!) Working in a salon was so different from cosmetology school because I didn’t have help and guidance from teachers. I was on my own and my 21-year-old self was a nervous and insecure wreck. The salon closed down a year later and I did not have the courage to continue to go to another salon. Unfortunately, my anxiety won.
I wanted to continue with my career path as a hairstylist, but I just didn’t know-how. So instead of going to following my dream, I just start looking for any job to pay my car note. After a few cashier positions, I ended up at a Child Development Center in Buckhead, GA. I absolutely enjoyed the environment. I loved working with little people. I know it was part of my earthly work. They brought me so much joy. I made new friends here and had lots of fun with them. I got certified and became a phenomenal preschool teacher. During those years I still would do still do hair on the side, but I kinda lost my confidence. As the years passed, I started to want more for myself.
I was not satisfied with being an employee. I still was suffering from anxiety and wasn’t sure how I would transition back into a salon environment. I saw an ad for a part-time assistant position at Hair n Motion Hair Salon in Lawrenceville, Ga with Mrs. Gloria Fort. I know this was a part of God’s plan. I am so grateful for that experience. Mrs. Gloria ran her salon like I have never seen before. She had so many clients and had three assistants. She allowed me to service her clients and paid us a high percentage. God knew that I needed her in my life. She was a woman of strong faith and passion for hair care and community. She helped me regain confidence in myself and my passion was lit again. I worked with Mrs. Gloria for two years. I learned how to style hair quickly, relationship building, customer service, and quality service.
I was still at the Child Development Center, but I was miserable. I wasn’t growing. I felt trapped. I needed to get out. After starting sessions with a therapist, I DECIDED I WAS READY TO TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH AND I QUIT MY JOB AFTER 11 years. My journey as a full-time stylist began and by the grace of God. I’m still here!
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?
Heck no! It has been a very bumpy road. I experienced very dark days on my journey. Anxiety, self-sabotage, and depression started to present itself again after I took my leap of faith. I worked at salons with confused management. I worked at a Walmart hair salon making only $7.50 per hour.
I found a salon home for three years and that went through a minor transition so I left and went to what I thought was a great high-end salon. That salon turned out to be a fraud and it closed down. The worse part was the owner only gave two-day’s notice. I didn’t know where to go but all roads lead me back to College Park/Union City, where I started my career at 21.
I came back into the industry at 32 with no clients at all. I was broke with no savings to help me get through my lowest moments. I was broken from losing friendships to betrayal. I just kept remembering my dreams as a little girl and kept pushing for her. I didn’t give up.
2019 was my highest-grossing year as a stylist. I’m so proud of myself and GRATEFUL!
Any advice for other women, particularly young women who are just starting their journey?
The advice that I would give a young person starting out is to make self-care a top priority. You have to take care of yourself mentally, physically and spiritually to endure the ups and downs you’ll face in the beauty industry. Young people, mediate. Find a mentor. Learn the trends but find your own specialty and master it. I always want everyone to know: it’s NEVER too late to start over. Believe in yourself and chase your dreams no matter how old you are.
We’d love to hear more about Spoil Your Coils Hair Studio.
My specialties are silk presses, custom color, textured styles and I’m known for spoiling coils. I specialize in the maintenance and health of natural hair. I’m proud of my integrity and the culture I set in my suite. My suite is full of fun, laughter, love, and music. People come to be free, feel supported, and feel safe. I become a part of my clients’ families and I often serve generations.
I intentionally bust the myths of black salon culture. We’re known for being late, overbooked and unattached. But that’s never the atmosphere I create. I am professional and fast. I respect my time and my client’s time. I am grateful for each client and our relationships so I go above and beyond to educate my clients.
Truthfully, success is setting my clients free. I’m proudest when they are able to love, maintain and control their hair — not allow their hair to control their life. I want them to work out, swim, go to work and have fun with their natural hair instead of building a life around what they can’t do because their hair will be ruined. I help them maintain not only a healthy head of hair but a healthy and happy life.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
The cosmetology industry is dominated by WOMAN! Lucky for us!!
Pricing:
- Silk Press $60 & up
- Textured Natural Styles $65 & up
- Custom Color $100 & up
- Express (Shampoo, Hydration Treatment & Go) $30
Contact Info:
- Address: Before and After Salon
Suite #3
6470 Buffington Road
Union City, GA 30213 - Website: www.spoilyourcoils.com
- Email: contact.theresaolds@gmail.com
- Instagram: Hairbytheresao
- Facebook: Styles by Theresa @spoilyourcoils
- Other: www.styleseat.com/theresaolds
Image Credit:
Raymon Willis
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