MEMPHIS — Five years ago, Tara Williams wasn’t your typical 24-year-old.
“I’ve been working in the salon since 2009,” Williams told Making Headline News during a weekend interview.
Now at the tender age of 29, Williams, a devoted single mother of two, is steadily defying arguably the most challenging of odds as a young, vibrant, progressive entrepreneur.
A native of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Williams is the proud owner and operator of Pure Essence Salon, located at 2303 Stallings, Suite C-1 in the heart of her native establishment.
For the 29-year-old Williams, while functioning diligently in her element as one who is believed to be the youngest African-American salon owner in Jonesboro, this well-established businesswoman doesn’t shy away from the notion that had she not conquered arguably the toughest of obstacles that have surfaced in her young life, she likely would not come to grasp a thorough appreciation for the gifts by which God has blessed her.
“(I’m) just trying my best to be the best that I can be in life and making sure that I set a great example for my children,” said Williams who, along with running the day-to-operations of her business, is presently enrolled in the School of Nursing at nearby Arkansas State University at Newport. “I’m trying to give them them the best life that I can, and with the help of God, I’m going to do just that. Failing is not an option for me.”
Some pretty simple, yet powerfully provocative words from a young businesswoman whom, to her distinctly unique credit, is positioning herself mightily with regards to reaping the fruits of her labor.
For her valiant efforts as a Mid-South-area business owner, coupled with her notable contributions to the community, Williams was recently named a nominee for Hairstylist Of The Year in the upcoming inaugural TAP Awards that will take place November 11 at Arkansas State University.
VOTE FOR TARA WILLIAMS HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1AmfsPOtgD1eXjOHw5ErwlKghDUUDrUzUPD1wVw1I0xA/closedform
An event that was organized by Jonesboro-area public speaker and award-winning author Terrell Jenkins, the TAP Awards will acknowledge individuals in a variety of categories for their hard work and valiant contributions to the community.
Amongst Williams’ notable accolades include having attended the Bronner Brothers Hair Show on several occasions during which she was afforded the golden opportunity to take classes as well as aid others in becoming efficient hairstylists, particularly staying informed on the styling trends.
“I love being able to make my clients happy with services that I provide to them,” Williams said. “Not only am I great with installing different types of hair extensions, but I care about my clients natural hair. I like for my clients to be able to wear weaves by choice and not by force.”
All things considered, Williams is thoroughly persuaded that she is walking in her divine purpose.
“I started doing hair at a very young age and became very good at it,” Williams explained. “As a little girl, I always dreamed of growing up and becoming a professional hair stylist and to have my own salon. I’m so grateful that God allowed me that opportunity.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.
Andre Johnson is Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to [email protected] or to [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist