Our stylist community is our family. Each Stylist Spotlight, we love sharing with you these brothers and sisters who not only support Virtue®, but also help share our vision that everyone deserves to have truly healthy hair. They inform and enlighten us, and in turn, we continue to deliver the most revolutionary hair care they could ask for. What we’re trying to say is, we couldn’t do it without them.

“I toured my first beauty school when I was 12,” says Taliya Hawley of Tease Hairstyles Studio in Ottawa, IL. Her aunt and biggest influence is a hairstylist, and Taliya admits, “I was obsessed with her because I wanted to be her!” So she went to beauty school at 19 and never looked back. Here she shares her inspirations, what’s so difficult about work-life balance, and the often-regrettable haircut choice that just won’t work for her.

Q: What insights do you have for the pro community regarding re-openings/navigating the new normal?
Obviously being safe and smart is important, but I also feel like we're an escape for a lot of people. So, keep it lighthearted and enjoyable as a luxury service for people.

Q: What’s your favorite memory from your journey? When did it feel like you caught your “big break?”
I opened my own studio about a year ago, which was a big accomplishment for me.

Q: Is there anyone in the industry or beyond that you really admire, or someone who inspired you in your career?
Missy Megginson is one of my business coaches and she has been a big influence on me.

Q: How do you define a “success” after a client leaves your salon?
When they feel valued and important. My goal is to make everybody feel like a somebody.

Q: What’s your favorite way to unwind after work?
Spending time with my family and being outside.

Q: How do you like to stay up to date on the latest trends, techniques, and styles?
Always being a student and following people I aspire to be like. I'm largely influenced by the people on the coast of California, so I try to follow them and learn from what they do.

Q: What’s a trend that you hope never goes out of style?
Beachy, lived-in texture. I’m vibing with this.

Q: What was the worst haircut you ever had?
Bangs! I thought bangs would be a great idea, and now I know that it won’t ever be a good idea for me.

Q: What was the first hairstyle or technique that you mastered? The hardest?
First: blonde balayage. Hardest: color theory and color corrections.

Q: What’s your personal hair routine? Your favorite part of your hair routine?
All things Virtue® and either a beachy wave or the tried-and-true messy bun.

Q: What other things are you passionate about that aren’t hair related?
Health, fitness, and traveling.

Q: What’s your favorite guilty pleasure to indulge?
Coffee first and foremost, but also chick flicks and dark chocolate.

Q: How do you manage work-life balance?
I’m forever working on this. It’s hard to take a break from something you’re passionate about and want to see succeed. But then I remember that my clients deserve my best, and that requires taking time to refill my cup.

Q: What’s next for your career?
Continuing to grow and influence the business I already have, mastering what that looks like, and growing.

Q: What advice would you give to your younger self?
If it’s meant to be it’ll always be. Enjoy the process.

Q: What’s your favorite Virtue product?
I’m pretty obsessed with the Healing Oil and Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner. Those are my Holy Grails.