Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylar Streich.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
For as long as I can remember, I never felt like I truly had a passion. Sure, I had phases where I was more drawn to one thing- but nothing really stuck. I struggled feeling like I wasn’t good at anything or good enough. One thing I’ve always known is that I love helping people and interacting with others. I’ve also always been drawn to all art forms, although that was something I was never able to find my niche in.
After high school, I was enrolled at a private 4 year college pursuing something in heath care. There, I spent most of my time having fun, making friends and enjoying my new found freedom being away from home. After many failed biology tests, sleepless nights and stressful, teary eyed calls home, I found myself feeling incredibly lost.
With some guidance from my sweet sister, she encouraged me to look into hair school. Makeup has always been an outlet for me. It allowed me to be creative and it was one thing I actually felt I was good at. Hair on the other hand? Not so much. I enrolled into Nova Academy in Mankato knowing absolutely nothing about hair BUT I was excited and determined to make it work.
Throughout hair school, I flourished in my new found passion for hair coloring. I quickly fell in love with the hair transformations, as well as the conversations with clients from all walks of life. I graduated from Nova fall of 2018 and started assisting at a local salon for about a year before transitioning into a full time stylist. There, I was able to learn from other incredible stylists and build my clientele. Summer of 2021, I took another extreme leap of faith and opened my own salon suite, Hair By Tay Streich- at the age of 21. HBTS has been up and running for 3.5 years now and I have no plans to slow down any time soon! As a hairstylist, I truly feel like I found my place- my passion.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I reflect on my journey, I remember the big moments- graduating hair school, landing my first salon job, and opening my salon. These are moments that I reflect on with immense pride and gratitude. The challenging moments have stuck with me also, which have kept me grounded, grateful and humble.
Building a clientele in a heavily saturated industry is HARD. It’s difficult to feel like a desirable stylist when you don’t have 10+ years under your belt along with “senior stylist” printed on your business card. I spent my “college” years working nights and weekends so I missed out quite a bit. Working commission with gaps in my books was tough on the bank account. Opening a salon was completely foreign to me, which came with its own ups and downs. Mentally, I was challenged with believing that I was capable and deserving of my success.
Overall, yes it’s been a grind but one that I’m thrilled to be apart of! Being a hairstylist is much more than just a job to me, it’s a dream and an incredible passion of mine. My career is something I’ve worked tirelessly for. I’ve learned to see obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow, as I’ve had to figure out how to overcome them. The lessons I’ve learned have shaped me into the person I am today and have allowed me to step into my role as a thriving, confident hairstylist and business owner. I wake up each day with a positive mindset- knowing that I am capable and worthy. I wouldn’t be where I am, with this mindset, if it wasn’t for facing my fears and tackling them head on.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Since hair school, I’ve been known for my blondes! Blondes are something I took a special interest in early on, however I don’t claim to specialize in just that. I absolutely love brunettes and any natural, effortless color. Low maintenance, natural colors that grow out seamlessly are my jam! I also offer keratin tip extensions. These are used to add length and/or fullness and even extra pops of color, while being discreet and comfortable to wear for months.
Aside from my hair services, I have curated my space to make my guests feel comfortable and heard throughout their entire service. I live to make my guests feel beautiful, confident and empowered from the second they walk in. I love to hear about their days (good or bad), their successes, future plans- everything! From the second you step into HBTS, know that you have me in your corner cheering you on.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I grew up with 4 siblings and a large extended family, so the memories with them are endless. Some of favorite memories come from my grandparents Sunday suppers. Since I was in high school, they would host nearly 30 of us almost every week. We would enjoy my grandmas amazing home cooked meals, play board games, and laugh…usually until someone had tears! To this day, my grandparents still continue to host Sunday suppers and holiday meals with around 40 of us.
Starting my week off surrounded by abundant joy, laughter and the feeling of ultimate acceptance and safety truly shaped me into the person I am. I strive to be as positive as my mom, as resilient as my dad, as funny as my aunts & uncles, and as generous as my grandparents. My family has always been there to cheer me on and support me through it all. Time spent with them will always be priceless!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @hairbytaystreich
Image Credits
Bailey Kracht/ frombwithlove
