Meet Tanesha Townsend | Business owner/ Lead stylist

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

Hi Tanesha, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was diagnosed with Discoid Lupus at 6 years old and physician’s statistics often placed me at a disadvantage from limited mobility, short term memory loss to possibly losing my hair. At the time, there was minimum research on how to maintain textured hair beyond medication side effects. I created a fundraiser for the Lupus Foundation of America titled “All Things Hair” to raise funds for research and raised awareness of the effects and stigmas associated with Discoid Lupus. I wanted to be able to encourage others that they can also live beyond any statistic that may limit their abilities. This fundraiser later transformed into the creation of SWAG STYLES Mobile Hair Styling. During this fundraiser, I was able recognize and evaluate the voids within the hair community to create and implement a business plan that would best fit my target audience. SWAG STYLES Mobile Hair styling is a mobile hair service that provides a luxury hair service experience in the comfort of your own home, business, or special occasion while reducing travel and wait times of a traditional salon. Services include natural hair services, alopecia hair retention, and hair maintenance education for children and adults

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been operating for over eight years and it has not been easy. I remained consistent in evolving my craft, maintaining professionalism, exceptional communization and receptive to constructive criticism. I am thankful for professional growth, amazing clientele and development of hair education. Owning a business while having a disability is not for the weak at heart. Working throughout my Discoid Lupus flare has been a challenge. With symptoms varying from extreme inflammation, fatigue, and lack of appetite is not the best recipe for a hairstylist on their feet. Recently, I experienced an extreme flare-up to where I was unable to use my hands and that was the most terrifying thing I have experienced. Discoid Lupus has been has affected me most of my life and I understand what I need to move to push through. I love to educate people about how their health and hair is connected and how it can be improved. My life has been the testimony of the evolution of changing insecurities into stepping stones. I take pride in living beyond stereotypes, and I encourage others to do the same.

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.
HEELSOUT- @heelsoutmovement Waistbeads Houston @thenaturalgyal
Reggae Hut
5015 Almeda
two hands corndog

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?
GEMTime Coaching and Consulting with the creator Ms. Wykesha King (wyrenae.king@gmail.com) where she provides sessions that are specific to the needed of any individual. She supported me in getting out of my own way, create attainable goals and improving my overall business.

Instagram: @_swagstyles

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ttownsendmed

Facebook: @swaghair

Other: https://instagram.com/_swagstyles?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Image Credits
D’Anthony Lewis @euphoricvisuals