Meet Tara Gowen

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tara Gowen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tara, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Being “the only one in the room” for me hasn’t always been about appearances — it’s been about standing firm when my voice or my choices went against the norm. There have been many times in my career when the easier option would have been to stay quiet, to go along with the crowd, or to compromise on my values. But I’ve learned that silence and complacency don’t create change.

I can’t be bought, and my integrity is not for sale. That has made me the odd one out at times, but it’s also been the very thing that has set me apart. Paired with my drive and determination, it’s made people take notice — not because I was the loudest voice in the room, but because I stood for something bigger than myself.

I believe in talent, in hard work, and in the truth that nothing happens by chance. Every challenge I’ve walked through — whether personal or professional — has molded me into who I am today. And even when it felt isolating, those moments of “being the only one” built resilience and character that I wouldn’t trade.

My faith has been the foundation that allows me to do this. It’s what gives me the courage to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s the harder path, and even when it costs me. I know that staying true to myself and to my values matters more than fitting in.

So, while being “the only one in the room” can feel intimidating, I see it as an opportunity. It’s a chance to lead differently, to inspire others by example, and to remind myself that the road less traveled is often the one that leads to real change.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’ve been a hairstylist for over 16 years, and while I’ve always loved the artistry of hair, what excites me most is the opportunity to make people feel something — confident, cared for, and seen. That’s what inspired me to open my salon, Coastal Glo & Co. It’s not just a salon, it’s an experience built around the idea that beauty and self-love go hand in hand.

What makes our brand special is the thought we put into every detail. Yes, we specialize in blonding, dimensional color, and transformations, but it’s the little touches that set us apart — like scalp massages with a steam eye mask, under-eye patches, or the positive affirmation notes every guest leaves with. It’s about creating a space where people feel pampered, valued, and uplifted, not just polished on the outside.

I’m equally passionate about the culture we’re building for stylists. After years of working behind the chair in different environments, I knew I wanted to be the change I wished I’d seen in the industry. Coastal Glo & Co. was designed to be a salon built by a stylist for stylists — a place where our team has the independence they crave with the support and community they need. I’m proud that our brand stands for integrity, growth, and truly valuing people on both sides of the chair.

Looking forward, I’m excited about expansion — growing our team, continuing to give back to the community, and bringing even more education and events into the salon. We want to be more than just a salon on Hilton Head Island; we want to be a positive influence in our community and in our industry.

Most of all, I want readers to know that Coastal Glo & Co. isn’t about me — it’s about us. Our guests, our stylists, our community. Together, we’re creating something special, and I couldn’t be more excited about where we’re headed.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have had the biggest impact on my journey are resilience, integrity, and vision.

Resilience has carried me through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and this industry. Resilience goes hand in hand with integrity, because choosing to stay true to yourself often means taking the harder road. You will have to do it alone at times — at 2 a.m., still learning new things, grinding away at your dream when no one else is watching. You have to have the resilience to say “yes” when everyone else says “no,” and the fortitude to keep going even when you’ve faced what feels like a million closed doors. Because one day, those “no’s” will turn into a yes, and those closed doors will eventually open into new opportunities. If you don’t have resilience, you’ll fail before you even start.

Integrity has been my non-negotiable. There may be times in your career when people will try to buy you — when the paycheck looks tempting but the values don’t line up. In those moments, you’ll have to decide whether or not you’re for sale. I’ve walked away from jobs where I was financially comfortable because my integrity and values were not for sale. I’ve refused to sell my soul for a paycheck. This industry can sometimes tempt people to cut corners or compromise values, but I’ve learned that nothing is worth sacrificing your name or your character. My advice here: decide early on who you want to be, what you stand for, and let every decision flow from that. Integrity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any lasting success.

Vision has been my North Star. My husband always reminds me that “luck is where preparation and opportunity meet.” I don’t believe that good things just fall from the sky — the ideas, concepts, and dreams I’m living today have been with me since cosmetology school. I’m constantly thinking ahead, working toward my future, and staying one step ahead of myself so that I’m ready when opportunities arrive. My advice is this: it’s never too early to start planning. Write things down, create a vision board, start building your brand — because you never know when the right opportunity will come along to push you closer to your goals.

If I could sum it up, I’d say this: believe in yourself even when others don’t, hold fast to your values, and never lose sight of where you’re headed. Those three things will carry you farther than talent or luck ever could.

We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?

I’ve always believed it’s better to go all in on your strengths while also having the humility to recognize where you’re not as strong — and then surround yourself with people who excel in those areas. Back when I was in the corporate world as an Area Manager, I would mentor store managers and remind them of one simple truth: “Hire people smarter than you.” That mindset has carried over into every part of my journey.

We are so much stronger together than we are solo. I know what I do very well — for example, I specialize in color corrections and working with fine, thin hair. But I also know the areas where I’m not as strong. So when I started building my team at Coastal Glo & Co., I looked for stylists who could bring strengths that balanced mine — people who are great at makeup, extensions, or curly hair. Together, we can serve a wider range of clients and learn from one another.

This approach applies to any role, not just stylists. As a leader, I go all in on my own strengths while staying aware of my weaknesses, and then I intentionally bring in people who shine in the areas where I don’t. It creates balance, collaboration, and a stronger team overall.

So my advice is: double down on your strengths. Let yourself be excellent at what you’re naturally gifted at. But don’t try to do it all alone. Surround yourself with people whose strengths complement yours, and you’ll go further than you ever could by trying to be well-rounded on your own. There’s one saying I always think of: Jack of all trades master of none. If you stretch yourself thin you risk being mediocre at everything and great at nothing.

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