Today we’d like to introduce you to Tess Gormley.
Tess, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always wanted to be a hairdresser, but my parents encouraged me to go to college first. After high school, I began working at Sephora and signed up for classes at North Shore Community College. I later got a job as an office manager and became a realtor, but continued to do makeup on the side. Although I liked the work I was doing, I remember sometimes thinking, “this is it?”. I guess I knew all along that being a hairdresser would really fill my soul, and that if I didn’t pursue a career in hair, I would always regret it. So, at the age of 21, I finally began to chase my dreams and enrolled at Hair’s How Modern School of Beauty. I will always be grateful for my time there! I don’t think I could have picked a better school to start building my career in, and best of all, I met some of my closest friends there. After Hair’s How, I became a certified makeup artist through Elizabeth Grady and completed the Barbering program at New England Hair Academy, where I met my now fiancé. I recently joined the team at Kiara Mooney Salon and Spa, and I am so excited to grow my career there! Kiara is an amazing stylist and I’ve already learned so much in the short time I’ve been working beside her. I feel like I was meant to be a hairdresser, and so many amazing things have fallen into place for me since I took those first steps on this journey. I consider myself so lucky to have a career that never feels like work and that I look forward to every day!
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?
I don’t think it’s a smooth road for most people. Becoming a successful stylist is hard work and this is a career that you need to work every single day. Even when you’re a seasoned professional, this industry never stops changing, and if you’re not keeping up with new trends and techniques, you will get surpasses by other stylists who are. I would advise anybody going into this career not to be afraid to sacrifice for what you know you really want. It’s really tough starting out as a new stylist, but so incredibly worth it once you see your clientele building and see yourself growing as a stylist. And also, don’t be afraid to leave somewhere that you feel in your heart isn’t right for you. It’s so incredibly important to be around people who are going to help you grow and who genuinely want the best for you!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into your business story. Tell us more about the business.
As a stylist, barber, and makeup artist, I offer a lot of services, but my specialty is definitely cutting. In cosmetology school, you learn how to do both men’s and women’s cuts, but I decided to go onto barber school anyway because I was so drawn in by the intricacy of a good haircut. Whether I’m working on a girl with hair down to her waist or a man with a skintight fade, I make sure to pay attention to every single detail and tailor each cut to that specific client. Haircuts are not one size fits all!!! Each client is different, each face is different, each person’s style and preference is different, and I do my best to customize every haircut I do. The cut is the canvas of a great color, the base of a great finished style, and I want every client who sits in my chair to leave happy and feeling great about themselves.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Like I said before, do not be afraid to sacrifice now to be where you want to be later. Don’t be afraid of the hard work it’s going to take to get to where you want to be. Listen to your gut feelings about people and opportunities – if it doesn’t feel right, it most likely isn’t right. It’s so true that nothing worth having ever comes easily!
Pricing:
- Women’s Cut, Color, and Blowdry – $99$
- Traditional Barber Cut – $20
- Upgraded Blowdry – $35
- Customized Makeup Application – $50
- Now offering 50% OFF YOUR FIRST SERVICE with me to NEW clients
Contact Info:
- Address: Kiara Mooney Salon and Spa
606 Main Street #3002
Reading, MA 01867 - Website: www.kiaramooneyhmua.com
- Phone: 617-755-4263
- Instagram: @hairbytessg
- Other: https://www.vagaro.com/kiaramooneyhairstylistandmua
Image Credit:
Tess G
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