We had the good fortune of connecting with Tammika Carter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tammika, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my own business because I wanted two things: time freedom and the ability to make a real impact on people’s lives. After years of working on someone else’s schedule, I realized I needed more control over my time so I could be present for my family, show up for myself, and create a career that actually fit my lifestyle—not the other way around.

At the same time, I’ve always had a passion for helping people feel confident and beautiful through hair. There’s something powerful about watching someone look in the mirror and truly see themselves again. Being a cosmetologist and a hair-loss practitioner isn’t just about styling—it’s about healing, restoring, and uplifting.

Starting my own business allowed me to combine both of those desires. I get to create my own schedule, build a brand rooted in purpose, and help people feel good from the inside out. Every client I touch is a reminder that I made the right choice: I chose freedom, passion, and impact.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is built around one mission: helping people feel confident, beautiful, and seen through healthy hair care, luxury services, and compassionate expertise. I specialize in cosmetology, silk presses, cranial prosthetics, and hair-loss solutions — and what sets me apart is the level of care, education, and personalized experience I give every client. For me, it’s never just about hair. It’s about restoring confidence, creating comfort, and giving people a space where they can breathe, relax, and feel good again.

What I’m most proud of is the impact I make on my clients’ lives. Seeing someone look in the mirror and truly love what they see is the reason I do this work. I’m also proud of stepping out on faith, leaving an 8-year career, and choosing to build a business that gives me time freedom and allows me to be present for my family.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. Starting over meant learning how to trust myself, how to manage a business, and how to push through doubt. There were moments where I questioned if I was making the right decision, but I overcame those challenges by staying focused on my purpose, surrounding myself with mentors like Raymond Torregano, and having a support system — especially my salon owner, Tara — who believed in me even when I struggled to believe in myself.

Along the way, I’ve learned that growth requires courage. You can’t elevate without letting go of things that no longer serve you. I’ve learned the importance of consistency, professionalism, boundaries, and investing in my education. Most importantly, I’ve learned that my gift is bigger than me — it’s meant to uplift others.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that it’s built on passion, care, and intention. Every service, every interaction, and every client moment comes from a place of love and purpose. My story is about transformation — of myself and the people I serve — and I’m just getting started.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit, I’d make sure they had the best week ever — good food, good energy, cute spots, and unforgettable memories. Here’s exactly how I’d show them around:

✨ Day 1 – Welcome + Chill Vibes
• Pick them up and head to Breakfast Bitch or Hash Kitchen for a fun, brunchy welcome.
• Spend the afternoon unwinding at Tempe Town Lake or Papago Park for a light walk + girl talk.
• Dinner at Culinary Dropout for good vibes, drinks, and a relaxed first-night feel.

✨ Day 2 – Aesthetic Day + Shopping
• Coffee + content stop at Sip Coffee & Beer, Press Coffee or Coffee & Flowers.
• Head to Scottsdale Fashion Square for shopping, browsing, and maybe a mini makeover.
• Catch golden hour photos at The Scott Resort — the aesthetic is everything.
• Dinner at Dominick’s Steakhouse or Toca Madera for a luxe vibe.

✨ Day 3 – Spa + Self-Care Day
• Start with a massage or facial at The Phoenician Spa or Joya Spa.
• Lunch at True Food Kitchen for something fresh and healthy.
• Chill poolside at Hotel Adeline or The W Hotel — good music, cute drinks, and a whole vibe.
• Light dinner + dessert at Sugar Bowl in Old Town for a throwback, girly experience.

✨ Day 4 – Adventure + Outdoors
• Early morning trip to Camelback Mountain or South Mountain for a scenic hike.
• Smoothies after at Nekter Juice Bar.
• Explore Old Town Scottsdale boutiques and art installations.
• Dinner + drinks at Diego Pops, because their tacos and margaritas never miss.

✨ Day 5 – Fun & Nightlife
• Daytime: Visit Butterfly Wonderland or The OdySea Aquarium — unexpectedly magical.
• Late afternoon: Get cute and grab pre-game cocktails at Maple & Ash (the “I don’t know” menu is a moment).
• Nightlife at Maya, Hi-Fi, Bottled Blonde, or Blue Martini depending on the vibe.

✨ Day 6 – Culture + Local Gems
• Visit the Phoenix Art Museum or the Musical Instrument Museum.
• Lunch at Pita Jungle.
• Stop at Roosevelt Row for murals, local shops, and cool creatives.
• Dinner at STK Steakhouse followed by a relaxed lounge vibe at Wasted Grain or The Living Room.

✨ Day 7 – Rest + Reset Before Departure
• Slow brunch at Snooze or The Breakfast Club.
• Stop for souvenirs or candles at a local boutique.
• Final chill moment at a cute café like Berdena’s Coffee for last-minute laughs.
• End the trip with a cozy night in — wine, movies, and recapping the whole week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Tara Cote is the owner of the salon I work in, Simply Ravishing – The Salon.
Tara has played a huge role in shaping me into a stronger, more confident entrepreneur. She didn’t just give me a chair in her salon — she gave me a space to evolve. Through her leadership, she’s shown me what it looks like to run a business with intention, professionalism, and heart. She leads by example, and being in her environment has pushed me to elevate my standards, refine my systems, and think like a business owner, not just a stylist.

She encourages growth, celebrates my wins, and offers real guidance when I need it. Her support has helped me trust my own vision, make bolder moves, and step deeper into my purpose. Being around her has taught me how to balance creativity with business strategy, how to take ownership of my success, and how to build a brand that reflects my value.

In short, Tara hasn’t just helped me become a better entrepreneur — she’s helped me become a better version of myself in business.

Instagram: @mscarterstyles

Facebook: LoveYou Cosmetics and Hair Care

Other: https://Loveyouhaircare.GlossGenius.com

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