Meet Tillie Marie

We were lucky to catch up with Tillie Marie recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tillie, 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 has definitely been a challenge, but I’ve learned how to make it work in my favor. At first, it was uncomfortable—I felt like I had to prove myself more than others. But over time, I realized that standing out isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength.

I’ve learned to be confident in my skills, make sure my work speaks for itself, and let my presence be known without over-explaining or shrinking myself. I’ve also mastered the art of reading the room—knowing when to speak up, when to observe, and when to move strategically.

Most importantly, I stay true to who I am. I don’t change my approach just to fit in. Instead, I focus on building genuine connections and proving my value through my work. Being the only one in the room can be isolating, but it also makes me memorable. I use that to my advantage.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Tillie, the owner of TeeMariee Beauty, LLC. I was born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, and now I’m based in Portland, Oregon. My journey in the beauty industry has been about more than just styling hair—it’s about education, innovation, and creating real results for my clients.

I specialize in silk presses, hair restoration, and overall hair health, but what excites me most is helping people understand and love their hair. I believe in versatility, simplicity, and high-quality care, which is why I’m launching my multi-purpose hair oil. It was inspired by my own experience of wanting effective, luxurious products without an overwhelming routine.

Beyond products, I’m passionate about educating both clients and upcoming stylists. I’m working towards offering more classes and, eventually, launching a beauty school to help the next generation of hairstylists and beauty professionals not just master their craft but also build sustainable businesses.

Right now, I’m celebrating a big milestone—hitting 2,000 followers on Instagram! To show my appreciation, I’m hosting a giveaway with other beauty professionals, making it more exciting and valuable than a typical giveaway.

This is just the beginning for me. My goal is to continue growing, innovating, and making an impact in the beauty industry, whether it’s through my services, products, or education.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities that have been the most impactful for me are professionalism, interdependence, and communication/confidence.
1. Professionalism – No matter how talented you are, professionalism will set you apart. It’s about being reliable, respecting your clients’ time, and handling business with integrity. Early on, I had to learn that talent alone won’t keep clients coming back—how you carry yourself and how you handle situations matters just as much. My advice? Treat every opportunity like it’s your big break. Show up on time, deliver quality work, and always be someone people can trust.
2. Interdependence – Success doesn’t happen in isolation. Learning to collaborate, delegate, and build relationships has been a game-changer for me. I used to think I had to do everything myself, but I realized that the right network and team can elevate you faster than trying to do it all alone. For those starting out, focus on building genuine connections with people in your industry. Support others, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
3. Communication & Confidence – Being able to express yourself clearly and confidently is key in this industry. Whether it’s setting boundaries with clients, advocating for yourself in a professional setting, or promoting your work, how you communicate makes all the difference. I had to learn that confidence isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about trusting yourself and being willing to take up space. My advice? Practice speaking with clarity, whether it’s in person, on social media, or in business negotiations. And remember, confidence comes from experience—so keep showing up, even when you don’t have it all figured out.

Mastering these three things has helped me navigate challenges, build my brand, and create opportunities for myself. For anyone just starting out, focus on developing these skills, and you’ll be surprised at how far they can take you.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

First and foremost, The Creator has been the foundation of my journey. Faith has kept me grounded, given me clarity in tough moments, and reminded me that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Without that spiritual guidance, I wouldn’t have the resilience or vision to keep pushing forward.

Beyond that, my family and friends have played a huge role in keeping me motivated. They’ve been my sounding board, my biggest supporters, and the people who remind me of my purpose when things get overwhelming. Whether it’s words of encouragement, tough love, or just showing up for me, they’ve been essential in helping me grow.

And then there’s L&M Hair Company, my job, which has been a major part of my development. Working there has taught me so much about professionalism, leadership, and the reality of managing a business. It’s one thing to dream about success, but actually being in the environment and seeing what it takes has helped me sharpen my skills, build relationships, and gain real-world experience that I wouldn’t have learned otherwise.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beacons.ai/tilliemarie