Tina Obeid of Memphis and West Memphis on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Tina Obeid shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Tina, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? When was the last time you felt true joy?
I have lots of things that bring me true joy, like being a mom. I love watching my kids transform through different phases of their life journey. My oldest son has reached his second year of college which I’m so proud of him. My middle son recently graduated high school and purchased his first car and is starting his new career. My youngest son just entered middle school and is very excited about all that is to come with a new school year. So I’m very busy these days helping my kids through all these new adventures of life! Secondly, I miss the joys of being on stage doing hair shows and competitions. I miss the thrill of putting together hairpieces, dressing my models and choreographing dance routines and skits for Fantasy competitions. Hair shows are always fun times and I can’t wait to be on stage again! Overall, life has brought me many joys. I’m just glad to wake up to do something new and exciting each day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello world! I am Tina Obeid, wife, mother and Cosmetologist. My specialty is Natural hair care. I have been in the industry over 20 years and counting. I recently just completed Cosmetology school second time around at Paul Mitchell only this time to pursue my dreams as Cosmetology Instructor. One test passed and one test to go and I will become a certified teacher. Styling hair and teaching hair are two very different worlds and so rewarding! I’ve learned so much as an Instructor from the students and professional hairstylists whom I worked with in school and saw how hairstyling has evolved amazingly. This generation has so many more advantages and advancements from technology to new haircut techniques,hair color enhancement and much more. I can’t wait to dive head first into my new career soon!

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
My biggest influences as a kid were my mother, grandmother and aunts. I come from a very big family and being the fourth of six siblings taught me a lot about caring and sharing. My mother was a homemaker and raised us with strict and respectful upbringing. She was a lady of class and very demure and taught me how to dress and made sure my hair was always pressed and styled for any occasion.I felt so pretty going to school hair was done each night before bed and presented beautifully in either ponytails or curls every morning. She was an awesome mom very intelligent and could make you laugh for days. She was adored by all and she is truly missed, but I cherish all my gifts and talents she bestowed upon me.

My grandmother was my second mom and such a wonderful grandmother. She was always dressed to impress with her lipstick, rosy cheeks and just a little mascara for the eyes to complete her makeup. She never left home without looking her best. My grandmother was a very friendly person and loved to laugh and cook. She taught me how to get along well with others and give back as much as possible. She was a woman of great strength in character and personality who wore her heart on her sleeve and showered us all with love. My grandmother and grandfather were blessed with seven lovely daughters who were very different and unique in personalities. Growing up with six brilliant women had a large impact on my life. All my aunts loved beauty and fashion which was inspired by my grandmother. This was where I believe my hair and makeup training began because all my aunts had such beautiful hairstyles and makeup. They were always put together in such a classic and elegant way. Such wonderful influences by a host of many awesome women has made me the woman I am today.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Every creative person has their strengths and weaknesses as well as their goals and fears. What I feared most was going into my very first salon after Cosmetology school. I was so scared of not doing well or not building a strong clientele. I remembered my first job working at a local family salon I grew up in with one of my Aunts who did my hair as a child. The owner was very kind and so was her staff. I was so nervous and anxious worrying whether my client was going to show up and if so will I do a good job on their hair. Finally, my client walked through the door. I was dressed in all black with my name tag and hair tools ready. I greeted my client with a smile and handshake. She sat down then I draped her with a cape and started her hair. I tried not to think too much and just took my time, we talked as I styled her hair and we laughed a lot. This made me feel more relaxed and made work go smoothly, before you know it was done styled completely. I passed her the mirror and she smiled and said she loved it. I was so happy and proud. There was really nothing to be afraid of if I just put my mind to it. I only needed to be myself and have a little faith. Since that day I have never feared working at any salon.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I have very strong belief in accomplishing your dreams no matter how long it takes. When you dream, always dream big and take your time reaching each dream bit by bit. Like my dream of being an Instructor I actually wanted to achieve this several years ago but life has its way of putting things in a timely perspective. However, I did finally attend school and graduated this year although it took me years to make it to this step I’m glad I did it.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I was to retire I think my clients would miss my silly personality, my shampooing. I’m known for great shampoos, my creative styling and eating with me. I love to eat so I always have something for my clients to snack on. I have a big personality which is hard to not miss the jokes and constant laughter. And I’ve always tried to be a fair hairstylist when it came to prices so you could get great hair services at a very affordable price.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tinahairdiva.setmore.com
• Instagram: divahair_85
• Linkedin: Tina the Diva
• Youtube: Tina Obeid @tinaobeid1804
• Other: Tik Tok @tinadiva3