Meet Tawnya Dixon

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tawnya Dixon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tawnya, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I think a lot of my resilience comes from the experiences I’ve been through, both the tough ones and the good ones because ultimately it has helped me grow. Making the decision to change careers in my late 20s was a huge shift, and honestly, it was one of the scariest decisions that I have ever made, but I had to trust myself, even when others didn’t understand or when things felt uncertain. I’ve faced some real challenges along the way, and I learned that life doesn’t always go according to plan, but it’s how you respond that truly matters.

I also draw a lot of strength from the people around me, my friends, family, mentors. They’ve supported me through hard times and cheered me on when things were going well. I realized that even in the toughest moments, I could lean on others without feeling weak.

On a deeper level, I’ve learned to trust in my own ability to adapt. Every setback or failure has been a lesson. It hasn’t always been easy, but when I look back, I realize how much each step, even the hard ones, has shaped me into someone who doesn’t give up easily. It’s not about never feeling defeated; it’s about getting up, even when it’s tough, and knowing I can move forward and following my intuition and knowing what is best for myself. If I am betting on myself, I know that I will always come out a winner.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m a licensed cosmetologist, and after spending 10 years working my way up in the corporate world, I made the bold decision to leave retail behind and follow my passion for hair. Since then, I’ve specialized in curly hair and earned certifications in the Rëzo method, Brazilian Blowouts, and DreamCatchers extensions, mastering various installation techniques. What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to collaborate with clients to create hair that not only looks stunning but also aligns with their lifestyle and maintenance preferences. For me, it’s about more than just the look—it’s about maintaining the integrity of the hair while making sure it fits their needs.

When I’m not working behind the chair, I’m a full-time student at Cal State Fullerton, where I’m pursuing a degree in Human Services. My ultimate goal is to blend my two passions—cosmetology and psychology—by creating a therapy practice where getting your hair done becomes part of the healing process. I’ve always noticed that clients open up on a personal level when they sit in my chair, and I want to be able to help guide them through personal growth, building confidence not just on the outside, but from within. It’s my dream to be able to combine therapy with hair services and help clients feel good from the inside out.

If you’re looking for a stylist who is truly invested in your personal and hair care journey, I’d love to connect and help you achieve your best hair, while also being there to listen and support you in any way I can.

I have also recently become certified in doing lashes, so that if my clients blink hard enough, they can fly away from all their stressors. (; haha

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are courage, an open mind, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Courage has been essential in making the choices necessary to follow my soul’s calling, even when others doubted me. It took bravery to leave behind a stable career path and venture into something new, but trusting my instincts has been one of the most empowering decisions I’ve made. For those just starting out, my advice is to be brave enough to trust yourself. Don’t let fear or the opinions of others hold you back from pursuing what feels right for you, even if it’s uncertain.

An open mind has been crucial. I’ve learned that the journey is just as important as the destination, and sometimes, the path we think we’re on shifts in ways we can’t predict. I’ve realized that it’s okay for goals to change as new opportunities arise. Stay open to the unexpected and embrace the detours because they might lead you to something even better than you originally envisioned. To anyone just starting out, I’d say: Don’t be too rigid in your plans. Be adaptable and trust that sometimes the universe will guide you where you need to go, even if it doesn’t look like what you initially expected.

Finally, a commitment to continuous learning has been key. Whether it’s technical skills or personal growth, I believe there’s always something new to discover. I’m constantly evolving, both as a professional and as a person, and that mindset of perpetual improvement has been vital. My advice here is: Never stop learning. Read books, take courses, ask questions, and be open to feedback. Growth doesn’t have a finish line—it’s a lifelong journey that always has room for more.

For anyone early in their journey, my best advice is to stay curious, be adaptable, and trust yourself. There’s no one right way to get where you’re going, and the path you take can often be just as important as the goal itself.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I make it a priority to ground myself and engage in self-care. Juggling a full-time career, an internship where I lead an interpersonal growth group, and being a full-time student at Cal State Fullerton can be incredibly exhausting at times, and it’s easy to burn out. That’s why I’ve learned to listen to my body and mind when they need rest and replenishment.

One of the practices that helps me the most is **soundbaths**. A soundbath is a meditative experience where soothing sounds—often created with singing bowls, gongs, and chimes—are used to help shift your energy and induce a deep state of relaxation. The vibrations from the sound can help to release stress, balance energy, and clear mental clutter. It’s an incredibly powerful way to quiet the mind and reset when life feels like it’s moving too fast.

I also rely heavily on **meditation** to calm my mind and regain focus. Whether it’s a guided meditation or just focusing on my breath, meditation helps me stay centered, reduce anxiety, and create mental space. It’s a tool that allows me to step away from the chaos, even for just a few minutes, and reframe my thoughts.

The most important thing I’ve learned in these practices is that **we cannot pour from an empty cup**. When I’m overwhelmed, it’s a sign that I need to take a step back, care for myself, and recharge. By grounding myself through soundbaths, meditation, and other forms of self-care, I’m able to manage my responsibilities without feeling completely drained.

My advice for anyone who’s feeling overwhelmed is to make time for these moments of stillness. Even if it’s just a few minutes a day, giving yourself permission to reset and refocus will keep you from reaching burnout. Prioritize your well-being, because when you take care of yourself, you’re better able to show up fully for everything else.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tawnyamichelledoeshair.com
• Instagram: Tawnyamichelledoeshair
• Yelp: TawnyaMichelleDoesHair