Meet Towanna Dunn

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

Towanna, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

My name is Towanna, and working in salons with people from different backgrounds challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. Instead of seeking familiarity, I used the opportunity to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and connect through authenticity.

My passion for hair extensions became a bridge, earning respect through the generational knowledge I carried. Today, I confidently call myself a hair extension specialist for all hair types and textures. To me, true growth means walking into any room with confidence while staying open to learning and evolving without compromising who you are.

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

Since graduating high school in 1995, I’ve always dreamed of being a hairstylist. But before diving in, I spent seven years in corporate America, planning my path. I knew I wanted to work in a high-end salon with upscale clientele, but I quickly realized those spaces often didn’t include people who looked like me.

Determined, I took a leap of faith and spent 12 years at one of New Jersey’s top salons. There, I gained advanced education, worked events like New York Fashion Week, and became a hair extension educator. Through my experience with multiple extension brands, I discovered that success wasn’t just about the hair’s quality but the stylist’s expertise in applying it.

This inspired me to create my own educational platform, teaching stylists techniques like keratin tips, I-tips, tape-ins, and microlinks, with a focus on customization and hair health. In 2021, I published The Universal Hair Extension Bible, an e-book for stylists to expand their skills at their own pace. In 2022, I launched Hair Extension University, offering custom classes, and even developed my own Blending Stick for seamless extension finishes.

Now, I own a private salon suite in Totowa, New Jersey, where I offer exclusive hair extension services and one-on-one training for stylists. My journey proves that passion, expertise, and courage can redefine the beauty industry.

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

Working in corporate America before fully committing to the beauty industry was a game-changer for me. It taught me professionalism and how to connect with corporate clientele—skills that have helped me excel in high-end salon environments.

Leaving the salon I worked at for 12 years was another pivotal moment. Stepping out of your comfort zone can feel terrifying, but staying stagnant is even scarier. Growth requires discomfort, and you don’t know what’s possible until you embrace the unknown.

The most impactful decision I made for my career, though, was finding a mentor. Having someone to guide you can transform your journey. Trying to figure it all out alone can be frustrating and isolating, but finding a mentor—or even a community of like-minded individuals—can accelerate your growth and take you further, faster.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I am always open to meaningful collaborations! As a hairstylist, hair extension specialist, and educator, I’m passionate about partnering with like-minded individuals and companies who share a vision for elevating the beauty industry. I’m looking to collaborate with hairstylists eager to expand their skills, explore advanced techniques, and offer their clients a wider range of hair extension options.

I’m also excited to work with companies focused on innovation, education, and providing top-tier services or products in the hair extension space. Whether it’s co-hosting classes, developing creative solutions, or crafting new ways to serve clients, I value partnerships that prioritize growth, quality, and mutual success.

If you’re reading this and feel like we align, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s connect, share ideas, and explore how we can work together to transform the hair extension industry. You can reach me directly through my website or social media platforms—let’s make something amazing happen! Instagram @TowaanaDunnHair Facebook @HairExtensionUniversity

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Devon Warren Photography

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Portraits of Resilience

Sometimes just seeing resilience can change out mindset and unlock our own resilience. That’s our

Productivity
Perspectives on Staying Creative

We’re beyond fortunate to have built a community of some of the most creative artists,

Confidence
Kicking Imposter Syndrome to the Curb

This is the year to kick the pesky imposter syndrome to the curb and move