Meet Tino Gabaldon

We were lucky to catch up with Tino Gabaldon recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tino, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.

Creativity isn’t always a straight line—especially behind the chair. Over the years, I’ve hit my fair share of creative blocks in this business. Moments where every formula felt predictable, every idea felt recycled, and the inspiration just wasn’t landing.

But every time, I found my way back by leaning into the process: learning something new, switching up my routine, getting inspired by real people or taking a class from a hairstylist that inspires me, or simply giving myself permission to pause. Those “stuck” moments ended up pushing me to grow the most—refining my eye, elevating my techniques, and reconnecting with why I started doing hair in the first place.

Now, when creativity dips, I don’t panic. I see it as a sign that something new is about to come through. And every time, it does.

Here’s to staying inspired, trusting the process, and creating work that feels true—both for me and for the clients who sit in my chair.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’ve been doing hair for almost ten years now, and it’s been the most rewarding journey I could’ve imagined. What started as a simple passion for men’s grooming and low-maintenance, lived-in color has grown into a full business that I built from scratch and have kept thriving for nearly a decade. Watching T.G. Hair Studio not only stay successful but continue to grow year after year has been one of my proudest accomplishments.

One of the most exciting parts of my career has been expanding beyond the chair and creating my own men’s hair product line. What began with a single idea has evolved into a full collection of eight products—each one designed with real clients’ needs in mind. The fact that the line has become so successful and well-received still humbles me. Hearing clients come back again and again because they genuinely love the results is what keeps me inspired.

What’s special about my work is the connection I build with people and the trust they place in me. I love creating looks that feel natural, effortless, and tailored to each client. But I also love being an educator and a guide—helping men understand how to style and maintain their hair in a way that fits their lifestyle.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep growing the T.G. Hair Studio brand, continue expanding the product line, and bring even more value to the clients who’ve supported me all these years. There’s more on the horizon, and I’m grateful to be building it one step at a time.

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?

Three qualities or skills that have really helped me succeed and made a big impact on my journey are consistency, creative vision, and a strong business mindset.

First, consistency and discipline have been huge. Building a career and a studio from scratch takes showing up every single day with intention. Keeping my standards high, taking care of my clients, and committing to my craft—those habits are what have kept me going for almost ten years.

Second, my creative vision and technical expertise have played a big role. I’ve always loved blending the artistic side of hair with the technical side, whether I’m working on men’s grooming or low-maintenance color. That balance is also what helped me develop my own men’s hair product line. Understanding what clients truly need and translating that into both services and products has been a major part of my growth.

And third, having a business mindset and focus on brand building has made all the difference. Being a hairstylist is one thing, but running a successful studio and creating a full product line requires strategic thinking. I’ve learned how to build a brand that people trust and keep coming back to, and that’s been just as important as the work I do behind the chair.

Together, those three qualities shaped my journey and helped me build something that continues to grow year after year.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

My biggest area of growth in the past 12 months has definitely been finding a healthier work–life balance and learning how to manage burnout. For a long time, I poured every ounce of my energy into my business, my clients, and my product line. And while that drive helped me get to where I am, it also taught me the hard way that you can’t pour from an empty cup.

This past year, I really committed to putting myself first—physically, mentally, and creatively. I realized that if I’m not showing up for myself, I can’t truly show up for my clients or deliver the level of work I’m known for. Prioritizing rest, setting better boundaries, and giving myself space to recharge has made a huge difference not just in my personal life, but in the quality of my work behind the chair.

It’s still a learning process, but choosing balance has made me a stronger stylist, a better business owner, and a more grounded version of myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tg-hairstudio.com
• Instagram: @Tg_hairstudio