Today we’d like to introduce you to Allie Mathews.
Allie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It has been a journey getting where I am today! I never wanted to do hair let alone be a salon owner and it didn’t come naturally either – it just kind of happened! I went through beauty school and to be honest I didn’t like it at all, it wasn’t the best experience for me. I wanted to work with animals, didn’t know exactly which type of job but I knew ever since I was little that was it! My grandma called me one day and told me I needed to be in school and even knowing hair wasn’t what I wanted to do I just figured “guess I’ll go to beauty school”
Long story short, went through beauty school, worked my butt off, built an amazing big clientele and now own a salon! I did my duties throughout the year and worked up to where I am today and I couldn’t be more blessed and thankful!
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?
Honestly, it wasn’t a smooth road at first. I hated beauty school, it wasn’t a good experience for me at all but I pushed through it.
I had my struggles starting in a salon. Being new is hard because you get clients who are very vocal about being afraid of trying someone new, not only being new I looked young ( and was young! ) so a lot of clients always would say “you look to young to do hair I don’t think I want you to do it”
I remember there were a few times I would get in at 6 am and ended up leaving the salon at 2 am then had to be back at 6 am the next day. To say the least, I did my duties! I took every single client I could get my hands on, pushed my advertising like crazy, did ALOT of free and cheap services, worked every day and every weekend! My biggest advice is to PUSH through it every day and I PROMISE you, you will get where you want to be but you have to work for it nothing comes easy!!!!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Tribe Hair Co – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a hair stylist and specialize in color. Blondes, balayage, natural blondes without the commitment (My Fav!). I do every color but am known for my blondes!!
I am SO proud of what we created at Tribe, we are a very family oriented salon! We wanted a super chill, homey cozy place that anyone can come to! Plus, we are pet friendly! Who doesn’t want to get their hair done and play with puppies??
I am so proud of the staff at Tribe! We do ALOT of charity events! Cutting hair for the homeless, back to school cuts for foster children, pet adoptions, helping the kids who are going through chemo at Phoenix children’s hospital cut volunteers hair to donate – I do believe all the charity events that we do sets us apart from other salons! Which I need to give a shout out to my business partner & close friend @ericawebb_hairtribe for setting all our events up and our entire staff for always being willing to take time out of their day to do good in the world!
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Social media is huge for networking!
Go to classes, seminars… find someone who you look up to!
I have been very lucky with my mentor @ericawebb_hairtribe ! She has been by my side every step of the way and now my business partner! She will always be my mentor!
Contact Info:
- Address: 42302 n vision way Phoenix AZ 85086 suite 117
- Phone: (623) 640-7030
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliemathews_hairtribe/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alliemathewshairtribe/
Image Credit:
@karinaendsleyphotography
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