Meet Kazim Tercan

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

Hi Kazim, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in Turkey, where I first discovered my passion for the beauty industry. My journey began in one of Istanbul’s most prestigious salons, and I was fortunate to receive top-level training from some of Europe’s most iconic hairstylists, including Vidal Sassoon and Jacques Dessange. My upbringing instilled in me a strong work ethic, creativity, and the importance of always giving my best.
Coming to the United States with just $100 in my pocket and without knowing a word of English was both humbling and motivating. I worked in hotels, studied hard, and slowly built a life from the ground up. Every challenge I faced made me more resilient and more determined to succeed. I learned English by taking classes, watching movies, and never giving up.
My European training gave me the foundation, but it was my life experiences the risks, the perseverance, and the belief in my craft that shaped me into who I am today. Opening Tuana Hair Design and Tuana European Beauty Academy wasn’t just a career milestone; it was a dream realized. I am proud to give back to the community that embraced me, and to train future stylists with the same passion that fueled my own journey.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is more than just a salon or a school. It’s a lifelong dream built on passion, hard work, and the desire to help others grow. Tuana Hair Design and Tuana European Beauty Academy are based on strong European training and style. I brought those ideas to life here in Fort Collins with a focus on creativity, education, and giving back to the community.

We opened Tuana Hair Design in 2001, and since then, it has become a trusted place for beauty, care, and personal transformation. In 2013, we expanded our mission by opening Tuana European Beauty Academy, where we now train the next generation of professionals in hair, skin care, and nail technology.

What makes us different is that we don’t just focus on looks. We focus on the full experience. At Tuana Hair Design, we use high-level European techniques like hair cutting, threading, and detailed coloring and highlights. But just as important, we create a warm and welcoming space where every client feels respected and cared for. We are also proud of our work with hair extensions. This is one of our most requested services. I have received awards for hair extension work, and people come from many places just to get this service from our team because of the natural, beautiful results we provide.

At Tuana European Beauty Academy, we offer hands-on programs in hairstyling, skin care, and nail technology. Students can earn full cosmetology licenses and certifications. Our instructors are experienced and truly care about each student’s success. We keep our classes small and give one-on-one attention to help every student grow with confidence.

I’m proud of many things, but what makes me happiest is watching our students become professionals and our team members reach their goals. Seeing others succeed and knowing I was part of their journey is the best reward.

Getting to this point was not easy. I came to the United States from Turkey with just 100 dollars, no English, and a big dream. I worked in hotels, taught myself English by watching movies, and got my cosmetology license while working long days and nights. I didn’t have much, but I had determination and love for what I do. Every challenge made me stronger.

Over the years, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about talent. It’s about showing up every day, staying humble, and never giving up when life gets hard. I also learned how important it is to give back. Helping others is a big part of what we do at Tuana. We raised over 10,000 dollars for Realities for Children. We also received awards for donating hair to cancer patients, including trophies for giving the most hair during charity drives. We regularly participate in local fundraisers and charity events because we believe in using our platform to serve and uplift others. It means a lot to know that our work brings hope and support to people who need it.

What I want the world to know is this. Tuana is not just a business. It is a story of strength, love, and believing in yourself. I built something from nothing, and now I use it to lift others. We are proud to stand for quality, care, and creativity here in Colorado. And this is only the beginning.

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.
If my best friend came to visit, I would want them to feel both my Turkish roots and the beauty of Colorado, which I now call home. In Turkish culture, guests are very important when someone visits; we open our hearts and our homes completely. It would make me happy to share everything I love about this place with them.
We’d start with a traditional Turkish breakfast at my house, with homemade pastries, sucuk, olives, menemen, different kinds of cheeses, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, homemade jams, and hot Turkish tea made slowly in a double teapot. It’s more than just a meal, it’s a time to relax, connect, and share stories. That’s the feeling I’d want them to have before we explore Fort Collins.
We would spend time in nature, because nature has a special way of healing and bringing peace. One of my favorite places is Horsetooth Reservoir. The calm water and red rock hills around it make it feel peaceful and powerful at the same time. Whether we take a walk on the trails or sit quietly by the water at sunset, it’s a place that helps you breathe deeper and feel calm inside.
I would also take them to Rocky Mountain National Park. It feels like a dream with its tall mountains, clear lakes, and wild forests. You feel small in the best way possible like the world is big and beautiful. I would love to share that peaceful feeling with someone I care about.
And of course, I would take them to Tuana Hair Design and Tuana European Beauty Academy, which are the heart of my work and my passion. I’d give them a new hairstyle and let them see the energy of our academy, where we teach students to become great stylists. It’s a place full of learning, creativity, and new beginnings, everything I’ve worked so hard to build.
What I love most about Colorado is that it gave me the chance to grow, dream, and succeed while still holding on to the love, values, and traditions of where I came from. I’d want my best friend to leave with more than photos or gifts. I’d want them to take home a full heart, beautiful memories, and a little piece of Colorado and Turkey in their soul.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people and moments that have shaped my journey, but if I had to give a shoutout, it would start with my family especially my wife, Mercan. She has been my partner not only in life but also in building Tuana Hair Design and Tuana European Beauty Academy. Her strength, intelligence, and endless support have been a driving force behind everything we’ve accomplished together.
I also want to give a special shoutout to my children. They are my heart and my greatest source of motivation. Everything I do, I do with the hope of inspiring them to follow their dreams, work hard, and lead with kindness. Watching them grow gives me perspective and reminds me why I strive to be better every day.
I’m deeply grateful to the mentors and master stylists who trained me in Europe, their passion set the foundation for my career. And to the incredible Tuana team, past and present, they are my greatest professional success. Their talent and dedication keep me inspired.
Finally, to the Fort Collins community: thank you for believing in me and supporting my dream. I came here with very little, and now I’m honored to give back through education, beauty, and service. That’s a gift I hold close every day.

Website: https://www.tuanahairdesign.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tuana_salon_and_academy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tuanahairdesign/1

Yelp: https://www.facebook.com/TuanaEuropeanBeautyAcademy/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/tuanahairdesign1