We had the good fortune of connecting with Tammie Renee’ and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tammie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Being the only daughter, the youngest and the daughter of a Pastor, I found happiness in styling hair. My mother would always have such wonderful hairstyles to match her elegant fashions as we attended church. My father & my older brothers are musicians so creativity flowed through our blood. I was a charismatic singer in the choir but was not blessed creatively in the music category however I found my passion for design and innovation in hair. My father supported me in attending cosmetology school as long as I agreed to attend college afterward. Given this opportunity I knew I would leverage my skill in hair design, my education in business & my outstanding personality to start my own business. I didn’t want to just be a stylist or a salon owner. I’d saw my father and mother work vigorously in ministry, being used as vessels of God to assist in the transformation of people’s lives. I wanted to use my gifts and talents in the same way. I wanted to touch the lives of every client that sat in my chair or had the chance to experience Tammie Renee’! Over the past 17 years Stylez By Renee’ has impacted lives and made waves in communities. My belief is that when you look good, you feel good but the process begins within! An experience with Stylez By Renee’ means you’re on your way to finding your Style of Life. A women’s style of life is reflected in the unity of her way of thinking, feeling, and acting. I believe in making my clients dreams and goals for their appearance & self worth a reality so that they can truly achieve their Style of Life. My business exists to help women at any level, achieve all her lifestyle needs, from fashion advice to practical hairstyling assistance, to consulting on everyday life decisions, I’m here for the women of this world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Along with being a licensed cosmetologist, I have a huge passion for fashion… especially fashion on a budget! I have been coined as a Master Thrifter. I love to create looks to fit various occasions with the goal of keeping it budget friendly! As the social media wave begun to catch fire, I got into the Get Ready With Me (GRWM) trend! I enjoyed showing my followers what I was selecting to wear to different events I was attending. I created a ‘Pastor’s Daughter’ Look that went viral! I love getting dressed for church so naturally I wanted my followers to see how a Pastor’s Daughter in her 30’s as a mom with 3 kids, who has a lot of swag, in a Sorority & graduated from a HBCU dresses for church. As I begun to post look after look, my videos continued to go viral, gaining me, to this date a little over 80,000 followers collectively on all my platforms! Becoming a content creator has given me a humble taste of being an influencer to my target audience. I’ve had the opportunity to represent various brands and travel to style clients all over the states. Although I’ve been a licensed stylist for 17 years, I’m still on this journey & new chapters are unfolding every step of the way. The beauty & fashion industry is forever changing & I love that I’m along for the ride. Circumstances such as the pandemic and the wave of ” Unlicensed YouTube Hairstylist” has made it difficult to continue having a love for the industry but the uniqueness & impact of Stylez By Renee’ is what continues to drive me. The greatest lesson I have learned along the way is to have a willingness & openness to CHANGE YOUR MINDSET. It is very easy to become complacent in what you do, not wanting to learn new things or take risks. I had to change my mindset in order to grow & try new things which has elevated my brand. Being a millennial in this industry, we know that we have to have multiple streams of income. Our economy is ever changing so I progress in life knowing that I have to expand my footprint in order for my brand to be successful. I am proud to say that my successes in & love for hair and fashion styling has propelled me to become a Personal Stylist, Personal Shopper, Creative Director, Key Hairstylist, Host/Emcee, Paid Content Creator, Published Author, Public Speaker, Motivator, and Director of Operations for a Beauty Academy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Cincinnati is such an amazing city in the Midwest! I attended college & lived in Mississippi for over 12 years but my home is Cincinnati! When my college girl friends visit me I have to show them a GOOD TIME! There’s so many great places to eat like, French Toast Heaven for breakfast, Just Cooking for lunch or Soul Secrets for dinner! If we’re in the mood for live music and wine we’re heading to Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Bar. If we want to dance all night to a DJ playing the bangers we’re definitely headed to Bugatti’s Ultra Lounge! Since we are a collective group of shoppers and fashionistas we’re heading to Liberty Center or Kenwood Town Center. Aside from eating, shopping & partying, Cincinnati has great parks, landmarks and sports! A REDS baseball game, FC Cincinnati soccer game or Bengals football game are always excitingly fun! In the event my girls need a minute to reflect, hear the Word of God & have some good worship I’m definitely taking them downtown to the Westend to visit my Daddy’s church, Bright Star Community Church!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First giving honor to the head of my life, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ… He is the one that has blessed me to be such a blessing to every person I encounter. I want to thank my father & mother, James & Dianne Strayhorn, who have given me an abundance of love and support throughout my life. I would also like to thank my oldest brother, JR Strayhorn, who has been instrumental in giving me sound business & tech counsel throughout the way. I have to thank the 3 women who taught me how to do hair & be professional in this industry, Ramona Beck, Carol Smith & TC Smith. Lastly, but not least, I have to thank my brother Brian Strayhorn for being my best friend, my protector & my biggest supporter. Had it not been for him, I would not have begun to take myself more seriously as a brand or had the courage and faith to take risks in this life!

Website: https://www.stylezbyrenee.com

Instagram: stylez.byrenee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammiestrayhorn

Facebook: Tammie Renee’

Other: TikTok: @stylezbyrenee

Image Credits
Natalie – Platform Photography LLC
Dion – 1979 Imagination Dr.
Donny D-Maub Harper – GO(O)D Company
April Lackey – Stylez By Renee’, LLC.

 

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