Meet Tanillia Patterson | Versatile Mens, Womens and Kids Hairstylist.

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

Hi Tanillia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I never thought as I child I would be doing what I am doing now. I always thought I would grow up to become a doctor or a lawyer. I loved shows like SVU, Criminal Minds, Grey’s, etc. I was fascinated with these careers.

But I learned how to braid hair at the young age of 6 from my mom.Starting at the age of 12 I did hair for my father, uncles and cousins. I never really enjoyed it because for one it was for free. (Lol). And I was always told exactly how to braid and/or style the hair. I found no joy. When it came to my own hair I didn’t have much freedom in styling it until I hit high school. In high school I experienced the worst humiliation with my hair. A picture floated around of someone making fun of my small ponytail. Going into my sophomore year I got my set of professional braids. I was shook by the price… $600 out my own pocket. Throughout the next 3 years I began to experiencing with my hair. I dyed it 3 times, tried sew-in’s, did clip in extensions for a long while, and even buzz cut my sides and back into a pixie cut. After graduating my hair was the worst it been. uneven from the cut, not getting trims regularly and broken from dying. This is when I learned how to do box braids on my self, with a friend helps and tips. This is when doing my hair took off. I realized there was more then just Straight weaves and coloring hair. Taking control and styling my crown made me feel beautiful! For about a year I styled my hair trying feed-ins, box braids, passion twist and installing wigs. I was actually really good. A t this time I am a preschool teacher working a 9-5, living in a one bedroom paying my own bills and taking the bus when i couldn’t get a ride. I began to think, I am 20 and I haven’t gone to school, and although I was at the time pursuing a career in teaching I just knew this could be a good way to make extra money. I was already so in love with making myself feel so good and also with being able switch it up styles at my own pace. I wanted to do this for other people and this is when I began doing hair. I started with close family and friends. Posting to my snapchat and facebook pictures of their hair and styles I also had done on myself. Before I knew it I had a small list of pricing for potential clients. For the first few years I focused on perfecting styles such s box braids, knotless braids, mens/kids natural styles, feed-in’s etc and building a clientele amongst friends and family. I was only giving it time I had outside of work as a hobby of mine. And this is how STYLEDBYTEE came about.I haven’t felt like I’ve worked a day since. When I’m doing hair I am passionate, focused and enjoying the. bond I create with my clients. I love how in a sense our crowns are like a canvas. My favorite styles are freestyles on men women and kids. Might I had freestyled on family when i was ypiunger and been paid maybe i wouldve found my passion sooner. Freestyling is a style where the stylist can pick, choose and mix to create art. The growth of my business I owe all to my clients, supporter, family, friends and most of all MYSELF. The heartfelt joy I have for doing this has brought my business so much love. I am so blessed and loved. Every late night, every client that has let me learn and grown with them and all the time spent into making this something I could be proud of. I still have so much more work to be done but I am proud to be a Women, a black women who owns her own business. -Tanillia Patterson

What should our readers know about your business?
I treat my business as if it’s my baby. My pride and joy. I have so much learning and growing to do. Every opportunity I get I give it my all. The time and effort I put into each booking is something I take pride in. Consoling each client to their specific needs. And this is what sets me aside. Rather you need to work during your services, dinner is served, or we are just vibing enjoying conversation. I love building these relationships with my clients. Each one is special.

2023 Was a special year for. I became a legitimate business woman. The hurdles and successes where phenomenal. Early January I began working with a fellow business owner and it opened new doors ( Shay Chatman- Makeup Artist) I began styling women for occasions such as weddings, military balls and prom. It was absolutely thrilling to challenge myself expand my horizons. Later In the month I had the opportunity to network with fellow business owners in a photo shoot event where we all showcased our work. This was my second highlight of 2023, and it was kicking off to a great start. In the following months I worked doing shoots and other events with people from this event. In may of ’23 was asked to come to Denver Fashion week as a part of Untamed Vanity Clothing Lines makeup and hair team. I was absolutely thrilled. It was a opportunity of my dreams and it went amazing. I’m so flattered to have collaborated with so many people this past year. By the end of ’23 I had invested my all into my business. After losing my partner I took a leap of faith, one I knew she would be proud of and continuously had encouraged. I became my own boss and employer. I created my own website and continued managing my own social media content. As well as investing into client inventory and salon decor and much more..

One of the hardest things in my profession is the continuous growing numbers of stylist. Being an independent brand, someone who does not working in a salon and manages/promotes all content, consults and books every client can be hard. But I have learned to take it all one step at a time. First, I took prospective of the growing community of braiders/stylist in my area. I told myself it doesn’t have to be competitions. One of my biggest supporters and teachers is a fellow braider and friends. I started seeing inspiration rather then competition. Giving credit where its due and working hard. My time will come, and when it does I’ll be ready because I’ve put in the work. My biggest leap in ’23 was making the choice to make my hobby my career path. I started investing in my craft and the results have been a blessing. My biggest challange has been myself. Having faith in myself, sometimes my craft and even the Lord. But the faith of a mustard seed, right. And over time i continue to see the results. And with prayer, discipline, hard work and the grind to want to succeed, I see nothing holding me back. I will make a name for myself. I just cant wait to bring all the ideas I have for myself and this business to life. I pray for guidance, structure and knowledge as I build my brand into all I know it can be.

My goal is to blessed as many crowns and give back beauty to every person who comes and sits in my chair. I want to give that extra ‘uff’ for you to walk around with your held high and feeling confident. I want anyone who comes to my chair doing so confident in my capilbitlies as a stylist and knowing that they will enjoy the services given. As I continue to grow I wanna go back to school and eventually create the brand STYLEDBYTEE. There is so much I want to learn develop and inspire. I am excited for the future of my business.

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.
First day in a little sunrise and coffee at the red rocks. if there are into hiking we can make it a work out instead Brunch at Street Kar 420 or on the go from Roll Up in fountain.
Spend a afternoon down in old Colorado city visiting the local business and enjoy some time at the penny arcade
Then perhaps lunch at Big Daddies Burgers and some shopping in the briaragate shopping center
palmer park for sunset mountain view
Dinner in down town in denver and night life of at status or lobby

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to my Family, Friends, Loyal Clients, Supporters and potiental clients for making this all possible. I am so blessed to do what I love. So so blessed. Word of mouth, every booking, share, like comment, referral… All of it, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Shoutout to my Mom for giving me what I didn’t know at a young age would be my passion and career

Shoutout to Kashy France who gave my to steps to make me feel beautiful that opened my mind to my passion

Shoutout to Shay Chatman who opened a door to a new possibilities in my career

Shoutout to Emily Gayton at Boogie Down Productions LLC for giving me this opportunity and others.

Website: https://styledbytee3.as.me/schedule.php

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/styledbytee3/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=styledbytee

Other: tiktok:https://www.tiktok.com/@Styledbytee3

Image Credits
Head shoot/ profile pic shoot by: Jerry Martin at Siroky photography www.SirokyPhotography.com