Rising Stars: Meet Tanya Shaw of Canton Mi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanya Shaw

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story came to life in Sept 2011, when I retired from the Detroit Police Department. After taking my duty disability my life changed. I didn’t know anything else but being a Police Officer and I’m a Sagittarius so you know what that means, I’m too hyper to sit still and do nothing so I resorted to something I always thought was interesting to me, being hair!

I have one special person I hold accountable for technically my second career. Her name was Vicky. She was a petite spunky blonde short-haired Jewish lady, with piercings who I called my aunt. Vickie was a licensed barber and in her early years, she owned a shop. She had mad skills with her cuts. Everywhere I went I always had someone complimenting my hair. It actually warms my heart as I speak about her, I smile because people always say I remind them of her. And I’m also a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.

Ok, back to my story, (LOL) so with my interest in doing hair I decided to enroll in cosmetology school. I was in my mid-30s and had my doubts. Was I too old? Am I sure I want to do this? Can I do this? And I DID! After graduation in 2013, I started working at a small 3-chair salon in Livonia, and guess what? I hated it! The owner, let’s say, lacked business skills and I became overworked, and not paid on time so I quit. Now, I’m at home scratching my head like “Now what?” That salon life isn’t for me. So being a hustler and hard worker with a “there’s nothing that can stand in my way of making my money” mentality, I decided to start doing hair at home in my small salon area. It was fun at times, but I didn’t want strangers in my home. So I was limited to clientele. I wasn’t happy. I still felt like something was missing, I felt empty during this time. I knew they offered a Cosmetology Instructor Program so I enrolled.

I graduated in 2014 and received my Michigan Cosmetology Instructor License, I began working at the Cosmetology School. Later being promoted to Director of Education at the Royal Oak Campus. During that time I pushed to change our color line and product line to Redken. At that time, I thought to myself, ‘”How am I going to educate my staff, who are in charge of educating the students if I myself don’t really know anything about Redken?” So, I decided to enroll in Redken Education Classes. I was able to pass on the information I learned to my staff and students. I witnessed those same Ah-ha moments that Redken gave me to my staff and students. It was amazing!

In 2019, I became a Redken Specialist. That class right there, reignited my passion for the hair industry. I craved more knowledge and learning techniques and trends. So I signed up for more classes. I traveled on Sundays and Mondays to Perrysburg, OH for classes. I became a Redken Certified Hair Colorist. It wasn’t easy. I had to take a written exam along with a hands-on practical in order to become certified. It was the State Board all over again! It was scary! But well worth it!

Now, a major pivot in life occurred that same year. I decided to quit my job at the Cosmetology School. Let us just say that things don’t end well when you walk into a “planned” meeting. At least if it involves me. (chuckle, karma came back and bit the owner in the ass.) So, I stood there in the parking lot after storming out and called my husband. I told him I lost my shit and quit. In his calm reassuring voice, he replies,” Ok, cool. I guess we’re gonna have to find you a hair salon?”

Fast forward to February 20, 2020, where I’m now the owner of Lux Looks Salon located at 43355 Joy Rd, Canton, MI with keys in hand and excitement about new beginnings! Then to suddenly have it all taken away!

March 2020 the Mandatory Stay at Home Order is in place. I have to shut the salon down. I wasn’t even open for a full month! Talk about being stressed! Stressed is an understatement. Anxiety, stress, and thoughts of “Am I going to make it through this? Rent still has to be paid?” creep in. As the world shuts down my dad becomes ill and ends up passing away from covid in a nursing home. Life became a living hell for me. The only thing that helped was the digital classes that I enrolled in with Redken. I took Digital training, Design training, and Balayage training.

June 2020 we are allowed to open Salons with precautions. Half the world is still scared. The business is slow. It’s just one other stylist and myself! What am I going to do? I toss and turn at night praying and asking the mighty one and universe for help. (By all means, I’m not a religious person even though I grew up in the church.)

December 2020, my prayers are answered. The local JCPenney is closing and I gained 4 Stylists, 3 of which are currently still with me. During this time I now realize I miss being an educator. So, I decided to take a step out of my comfort zone and apply to become a Redken Artist. I had to submit a video recording of me performing a color application explaining the what, whys, and how.

In 2022, I officially became a Redken Artist and began facilitating classes throughout Mi and the U.S. at hair salons, Salon Centric locations, and Ulta Beauty on my days off. I now officially have the best of both worlds! I feel complete. I love helping and watching fellow stylists grow! I love sharing knowledge and I want everyone to succeed in this industry.

This same year I was also asked to participate in “Holiday Hair” Wars by the one and only David Hump The Grinders Hair Wars. It’s A Detroit thing! I was able to showcase my creative festive fantasy hair in front of the DIA in Detroit. Since then, I also participated in the Strolling Hair Show back in July 2024 which was at the Artist Village in Detroit. I also may just have something up my sleeve for February 2025. I guess you will have to stay tuned to find out.

So, yea, this is Story! This is how I ended up being a Hairstylist, Licensed Cosmetology Instructor, Salon Owner, and Redken Educator. I may have many hats to wear but I wouldn’t change it for the world! I love what I do! And everything happens for a reason!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in haircolor, and fantasy hair creations. I’m proud of all my accomplishments. I set myself apart from others. Have you looked at me, I have a shaved head and tattoos? lol I’m not everyone’s cup of tea. I’m more like a shot of Tequila! lol

See my story

How do you define success?
Successful isn’t about money. Its about helping others be successful in this industry. Why be a gate keeper? I feel successful when my staff and other Stylists are successful. Its about them and not me.

Pricing:

• haircuts 55+
• 30 min barber cut 28+
• Partial Highlight, Toner & Cut 175.00+
• Custom Blonding (2Hr) 195.00
• Each additional hour 95.00

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: instagram.com/t_haircolorguru and Luxlookssalon
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/luxlookssalon
• Other: Tic Tok: Haircolor_guru