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

Hi Tierra, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
I like to think I give back every day by helping the community find the confidence and strength to do anything.  As one of my friends once said…”I live for the cause; better hair, better people.”

My goal is always to make people feel beautiful in their own skin. I look around and see all the pressure the world puts on us…to have a certain career, to look a certain way, to be a certain type of parent, etc. As a hairstylist, I am here to listen, befriend, and help coach people with their lives. On top of that, I also strive to help people embrace who they are and feel comfortable being their own kind of beautiful. People who feel beautiful on the inside, glow from the outside and in turn are ready to conquer anything!

As an educator in the hair community I love helping other stylists grow in their business…locally, and around the country.  Cheering on others and seeing the success they get is one of the most rewarding things.
I’m also always excited about a good volunteer opportunity or fundraising event. Often, my clients raise money for companies and organizations they believe make our community better. I try to help whenever and wherever I can!
We live in an ever-changing (and not always easy) world and we need to stick together and help eachother!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Doing hair is its own special form of art. Your art is helping someone feel beautiful, love and express themself. I pour my heart and soul into the hair I do because I truly believe that loving yourself is a top priority. Being a hairstylist is great, I build relationships and make beauty, what more can you ask for?

On the other side of that, It takes a lot of hard work and can be very exhausting. Cosmetology school teaches you the basics. After that, you are continually educating yourself as trends change and new products come out. This form of art uses a lot of your brain. You have to be creative, social, good at business, and use science and math. You really have to be well rounded and continually pushing yourself to grow.

It’s a lot of hard work (physically and emotionally), but with balance, boundaries and a good work ethic… It can be one of the most rewarding careers. I get to build relationships with my clients, who really turn into family. I get to meet so many different people who I normally probably wouldn’t come in contact with. We grow together, learn from each other and love each other. I always say, I get to come to work and hang out with my friends (clients), create, and make people feel good, it really is THE BEST! I put 10 years into where I am, a lot of sweat and some tears but I persevered and now I work for myself, set my own schedule, support my family, and I LOVE MY “JOB.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love the Dallas Farmers Market. That is always a go to for me. I love that its different than most farmers markets in the sense that its not just one day a week. You have indoor and outdoor parts, great food, and lots of fun events! The boho market event they host is my all time favorite.

We have great Truck Yards in the local area. These are always a great vibe! Spending quality time with friends in the great Texas Heat with live music and yummy food, is always a win! The Frisco Rail Yard is great. I haven’t tried the new Carrollton Truck Yard, but people rave about it so its on my list!

A little further out, in Glen Rose, I love taking people to Fossil Rim. It’’s a drive through “Zoo,” for lack of better word. You get to feed animals, go at your own pace (in your car), and see them in large open spaces. Pro tip: buy the food, because the best part is feeding the animals! They walk up to your car and will eat out of your hand! The animals are happy and its an all around fun, family friendly time!

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?
Working in an industry that is ever evolving means you are constantly learning and growing. God has put many people in my path who have helped me and my career, weather it be from their “mistakes” or their success. I am so thankful for all of the stylists, salon owners, and educators I have worked with. Each one of them has invested in my growth personally and professionally and have really helped me grow into who I am today. I am most thankful for God though, because He always knows where I am supposed to go and what needs to be planted in my life. God opens the doors when I need to grow, learn, or just need a little push!

Website: Www.willowandroots.com

Instagram: @willowandrootshair

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tierra-gustafson-2a7043122

Facebook: @willowandrootshair

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/willow-and-roots-salon-allen

Other: https://www.vagaro.com/willowandroots

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.