Conversations with Tierra Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tierra Smith. 

Tierra, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I opened my first business Shine Hair Company in 2013 when I first started nursing school. I had 2 children, I couldn’t work due to school, I had no savings or any major help besides my boyfriend so I knew I had to do something and that’s when the idea to sale quality hair extensions popped in my head. I had no business partner, no business loans, no huge support system or anything. I just had an idea and some goals and I was determined to make it work. At the time I was a CNA so I worked with many women, I reached out and asked if they would like to try my hair at a majorly discounted price and they accepted. Everybody loved my product and started spreading the word. Next, I got on social media and began networking and marketing and that’s where I got a lot of my out-of-town customers from and they began spreading the word as well and my business just continued to flourish which is how over 8 years later my business is still here and doing great. My next business 805 beauty bar it honestly just fell into my lap, like a sign from God. I was out looking at places to move my hair boutique one day, I knew my current lease was up in November so I wasn’t actively looking but I was keeping an eye out. One day my stepmother called and told me about a place she knew that was available and because she recommended it, I went to check it out and when I walked in the building there was a feeling that overcame me and I just knew that place was for me and God had put me there. It was too high for me to just have my hair boutique and the price was much more than my budget but I still felt as if I had to have that place. I left and I prayed on it and God gave me all the signs that the place was meant for me so I accepted. Then one day the thought came to open up a beauty bar so I began reaching out to my friend whom is a Braider and she agreed to be a part of the team and I reached out to a few more people and had some people reach out to me as well and through those connections, a team was made. I was still thinking of a name for my business and I was driving down West Main Street in Belleville and my birthday popped in my head and the idea hit me to name the place 805 beauty bar. I ran that idea past a few friends and they loved it. From there I was able to renovate my space and began the opening process. Again, with no business partners, no business loans just myself and any earning that I had save up I was able to open up my now 2nd business all while employee’s full time, being a full-time mother and I’m school full time for my nurse practitioner degree. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, absolutely not, being that I had no knowledge of business or how to do certain things was a huge barrier in the beginning, and just not having a healthy support system. I had children, I always worked and was in school so finding a Balance and time was always an issue. So many times, I thought about giving up and just sticking with my career since I am a nurse as well but I didn’t, I was always able to pull myself together and continue to grow my business. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, I am a Registered Nurse. I specialize in emergency room care. I am known for my hustle, everybody even those that doesn’t know me personally, they know that I am a hard worker and a hustler, that’s what I always hear about myself. I’m most proud of overcoming my childhood and becoming the woman and mother I am today. I was raised in East Saint Louis, IL which is a rough place that not many make it from let alone go on to be successful, I feel like I did not fall victim to my environment, I overcame a stigma and il forever be proud of that. I’m my mother’s only child to graduate high school and to graduate college as well and I’m grateful. I’m so proud of myself because everything I have learned was self-taught yet I’m still making it. What sets me apart from others is I would say my mindset. The way I think and see things are just different than the people around me. Most people like to make a strategic plan and write things down where me I don’t write anything down or plan anything. I get an idea in my head and I get to work and I do not stop until my mission is complete. I like to say I see things before it happens idk it’s like a blessing that I have, I manifest things and they happen for me. 

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I like to watch Sarah Jakes when I’m down or needing motivation. 

Contact Info:

• Email: Getyourhairnow@gmail.com
• Website: www.shinehaircompany.com
• Instagram: Shinehaircompany_llc
• Facebook: ShineHair Company

Image Credits
McArthurs Photography
Lekardo Pitts photography