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

Hi Libby, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Born and raised in Long Beach, California. It’s a place with a “small town in a big city feel”. I grew up in a cornucopia of mixed cultures interlaced with long generations of local families, and I never imagined starting a life away from Long Beach. I got my start in the beauty industry when I met my mentor through a cheer event at my high school. We became instantly close and she took me under her wing, teaching me all there was to know about business and beauty.

She was involved in the community, and she taught me the importance of networking and creating a space for people to connect. She was all about the basics. The beauty industry is constantly changing, but she taught me how to stay true to the fundamentals while being innovative.

I was fortunate to have a thriving business at a young age, and my skills and clientele grew rapidly. At a certain point, though, I realized I was spending less time outside, doing what I craved. I had become a slave to my growing business. This motivated me to seek a way to combine my love for the outdoors and the beauty industry.

In 2018, I moved to Ouray, Colorado. I started building my beauty business back up from scratch, now in a location that allows me to escape into nature and combine work with play in the outdoors.

I currently provide chemical and cutting services as well as bridal services at Salon Monti, in Ouray CO. Elopements and micro-weddings have become a fast trend in Colorado, creating the opportunity for me to work with adventure brides year-round.

The Western Slope offers a community similar to what I found in Long Beach. I maintain the values I learned growing up in a tight-knit community infused with culture by combining my passion for the fast-paced beauty industry with the excitement and rugged beauty of the great outdoors.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My creative style is centered around a modern flair for the spirited soul. I like to focus on mastering classic and trendy hairstyles that are effortless. Offering a little bit of for every age, style, and gender. I want my guests to feel like they can take control of their image and start creating their identity. Whether it’s a fun messy look that’s stuck under a helmet, or a polished glam look ready for a celebration, your hair should perform well in life, not just in the hair studio. Being raised in a community that supports pride in being “all that is you”, I strive to create a safe and comfortable space for all my guests. Being bold, bright, and different is becoming more accepted and I love being able to contribute to the movement. Guests of all ages and genders are beginning to explore expressing themselves through all different avenues of visual appearance. I was fortunate to be surrounded by family and community that is in support of standing out and being your authentic self. I hope to bring that same energy and creative support to the Western Slope, and wherever I may wander.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ouray has a little bit of something for everyone! I love all the outdoor activities we have to offer, while also being able to find relaxation in our views, hot springs, and restaurants. The perimeter trail is a nice hike showing off some of my favorite features in Ouray! I love stopping at the multiple waterfall spots and overlook views along the trail. Outlaw Brunch, Brickhouse appetizers, and Bon Ton dinner is definitely on the itinerary. Ouray via ferrata, rotary park, vapor caves, and hot springs are also fun activities to hop between while here for a week. A day learning about Ouray and surrounding history is always a go-to when having friends visit. Jeep tours offer a ton of knowledge about the geology in this area, as well as amazing views and alpine lakes! I also love to squeeze in a visit to the Ouray Museum any chance i get, as its only open in the summer season. A day cooling off and paddling around the Ridgway reservoir is a great end to a week on the Western Slope.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without Tula Trigonis, owner of Salon Soma in Belmont Shore,CA. She taught me the fundamentals of the beauty world and inspired me to stand out, be proud, and never stop networking. Also, my family and neighbors for enduring countless hours of creative home hairstyles and inventions, and for also offering up their hair… willingly! Finally, I am so thankful and appreciative of Salon Monti and the girls I work with here in Ouray, CO. Because of these ladies, I have found endless support and been able to be creative in such a beautiful, rugged place.

Instagram: @libdoeshair

Image Credits
@lizzie.tilles @letsknotphotography @aubreybethphotography @katiedaisyphoto 2 ski elopement photos @theoutlovers @lizzie.tilles

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