Tammy Reynolds, Owner - Tammy Reynolds For Hair
Award-winning hairstylist Tammy Reynolds is the owner of Tammy Reynolds for Hair, a UK-based studio. Tammy talks to The Industry Leaders about her experiences working in salons (and next to pools!) around the world and tells us about her exciting new venture aimed at parents of little girls.
How did you end up sitting where you are today?
I have lived and worked all over the world, including Sydney, Auckland and NYC. When I came home a few years ago, I struggled to find a place to work that was a good fit for me, so I created my own small bespoke studio to work from.
What kind of work does your role involve?
As the owner of my own studio, I wear all of the hats. I am a hairstylist, manager, customer service liaison, stock controller, accountant, social media manager, and PR and marketing.
I'm a hair specialist, but you have to do all of those other things when you work for yourself. I'm also currently starting a new business alongside my studio. I'm launching a subscription box service to empower parents with hair skills, teaching them how to do their daughter's hair. I'm busy working behind the scenes to get everything ready.
What gets you excited about your industry?
This year I have been selected for a specialist team with the Fellowship for British Hairdressing. It's like a mentorship program, and you learn from industry leaders and participate in events throughout the year. There are educational events, hair shows, London fashion week and photoshoots; it's a year of amazing opportunities. Hard work but life-changing.
What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Take really good care of your staff, if you keep them happy they will take care of the clients.
What, or who inspires you?
The two guys that gave me the advice about keeping your staff happy. I worked for them in New Zealand nearly 15 years ago, and it is still the best job I ever had. They ticked all the boxes for a dream career and gave me things and opportunities I didn't even know I wanted until they gave it to me.
How do you keep up to speed with what's happening in your industry?
The hair industry is quite unique with unlimited education, magazines, memberships, online education, events, and even TV shows about hair. I've done well over 15 courses in the last year alone. Everything is online, so I can access hairstylists in Australia and America and do classes in real-time.
What was the most challenging project or situation you've overcome?
Moving countries is pretty challenging, but I'd say my toughest time was when I moved to the UK from NYC. It was a real shock to my system to come to a small town after being in such a huge city. Everything is open 24hrs a day, and you can get whatever you want, whenever you want.
Soon after I came back, I broke my leg quite badly, and I was in a lot of pain for a very long time. I couldn't work for a couple of years while I recovered, and I really struggled, thinking I'd lost my lifelong career and passion.
You finish work today and step outside the office to find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million. What would you do?
Lol, this one is so easy. I'd move back to New Zealand to work there (and yes, I'd still work).
How do you switch off after a day at work?
Switching off is hard for me. I really love what I do; hair is my job, but it's also my hobby. There's hair everywhere here!
Currently, I'm setting up a new business to run alongside what I already do. It's called My Little Ponytail Club, and it's a subscription box service empowering parents with hair skills so their daughters can feel beautiful and included. Each month you'll learn a new hairstyle for your daughter with a step by step guide, and the box contains everything you need to complete the hairstyle.
If you had one wish for the future of your industry, what would it be?
Probably that the number of apprentices joining the industry would rise. You can be anything you want to be and go wherever you want with this career. You can carve your own path, and it's easy to make it happen. I have ticked off so many things. I've done theatre, film, education, photoshoots, catalogues, I've cut hair around the pool in Koh Samui, been a brand ambassador, won multiple awards, worked on over 100 shows at New York Fashion Week and more.
What book or podcast should everyone know about?
The Miracle Morning, which is something you do for yourself every morning before anything else. It sets you up with the right intention for the day.
Currently, I'm reading books by Denise Duffield Thomas about money mindset.
How should people connect with you?
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