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

Hi Tesia, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
For me it use to be all work. I hardly had any time for myself. I never went on vacation and never took any days off. I was even working extra days and hours. My schedule was all over the place. After suffering through some health issues I knew I had to do better and put myself first. Now I take all the time I need for me. At the end of the day I have to be happy and well. I can not depend on anyone else to do it for me. Balance is everything. It is mandatory!

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the owner of Xpressions Of You Hair Studio. I have been a licensed cosmetologist for 11 years now. How I got to where I am now is my passion for hair and all things creative. I can talk to you about hair all day! I specialize in natural hair and that’s one of the things that sets me apart foremost. There are not many who do. My specialty is hair restoration and helping people find their signature style. I always say I don’t work I nurture/heal hair and cultivate beautiful conversations. Getting to this point was far from easy. I overcame a lot of things by continuing to believe in myself and always seeking knowledge. I never want to stop learning. I have learned so many lessons over the years and the main thing is to put yourself first. If your cup is not full how can you pour and give to others. Don’t get caught up in the monotony of everyday. Make it new! Reinvent yourself time and time again. Nothing is set in stone. My brand is all about the many Xpressions of you! I help people express themselves through their hair. You don’t have to just rock one style with natural hair either. I help you to explore.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I like Avenue Brunch House so I would take them there for brunch for starters. For lunch and drinks I would take them to Petty Cash and One Eyed Betty’s. We could do some sightseeing on belle isle and the river walk. I love driving through Detroit’s many pockets of beautiful historic neighborhoods also. Roller skating is my thing so I would take them to Northland Roller rink and Wheels. On the weekends I love going down to Eastern Market and grabbing some fresh fruits, veggies, flowers, and tacos at Jose’s. The DIA is always a treat too! Its soooo much to explore.

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?
I want to shout out all of the hairstylist/salon owners that I have ever worked with that I have learned and picked up skills from. I have been and continue to still be poured into by them. They helped to cultivate me and my skills. Also my family for supporting me. It took them a while to come around to me being a hairstylist, but they have always shown support.

Website: Xpressionsofyouhaircare.com

Instagram: @xpressionsofyou

Image Credits
Michael Paniagua

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