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

Hi Tamari, how do you think about risk?
Risks are inevitable in almost any decision we make throughout our lives, some bigger than others. Becoming a successful entrepreneur has always been about taking calculated risks and facing them head on, even when the outcome isn’t what I had hoped for. Maybe it’s the optimist in me, but I always look at the reward as being greater than the potential risk, even if the reward takes time to realize. I believe if you don’t ever take the risk you’ll never have a chance at the reward, so as scary as it might be it’s worth it take a leap of faith. It’s like Michael Jordan said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

My biggest risk so far has been choosing to officially launch and self-fund my hair care line, FAB Hair International, at the height of the pandemic while my salon was closed and I was relying on my savings and unemployment to pay my bills. Although there was a huge risk of failure, I chose to stay focused on the reward of building a brand that could solve some of the challenges surrounding natural hair care. As FAB Hair International has grown over the last over the last 18 months, of course we’ve encountered some issues because all businesses have their ups and downs. However, finding ways to pivot and move passed those setbacks is an opportunity to learn and grow so that when the next issue comes up it’s easier to navigate.

What should our readers know about your business?
Before the product line, there was FAB Hair International, the salon! In 2019, after opening my salon, I began working with specialist in plant-based remedies to start whipping up all-natural, hand-made products for clients to help simplify and help them maintain their healthy hair care routine between salon visits. Due to the 2020 pandemic, I temporarily had to shut my salon doors. During the quarantine my clients needed my products more than ever since they were maintaining their own hair from home. I started off just taking orders via text and delivering them to my clients in the LA area. As sales started to pick up I decided it was time to expand and make FAB Hair products available online. Although I have since reopened my salon, I am most proud that FAB Hair International products is continuing to grow and expand.

Owning a business is never easy, there are a lot of hurdles and lessons to learn as you build and grow. I attribute a large part of my success in business to being able to find the positives in any situation to keep myself motivated to dust myself off and keep going in the times where business may be difficult. I’ve realized it helps to keep track of where I started and celebrate even the small wins to keep me working towards continuing to grow and expand my businesses. I’ve also had to learn though that I can’t do everything myself and in order to grow, especially in areas where I struggle I need to enlist help and build a team. This has also been a huge factor in being able to remain positive during set backs because depending on the issue I have someone who’s more knowledgeable in specific areas to help problem solve and to get us back on track.

Despite the risks involved in entrepreneurship, I am so happy I took the leap of faith toward building a successful brand. I’m so proud of my journey from being a salon assistant during my freshman year at Cal State Long Beach to owning my own salon and building my FAB Hair International product brand.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So my friends and I all grew up around the LA area. As we’ve gotten older we don’t get to go out as much because most of us are busy building our own businesses. However, if I had to take someone out while visiting LA I would definitely hit the beach and go bar/restaurant hopping around Hermosa and Manhattan Beach. On a Sunday I would take them to Melrose Trading Post to buy some cool items from local vendors. Some of my favorites vendors there are Le Trois Apothecary (incense blends), Nena’s Organics (natural skin and body care) and Colored by Joey (one of a kind fashion and art). After shopping I would have to take them for wine and dinner at 1010 Wine in Inglewood. Finally, I would probably also find a concert to go to because I love R&B, neo-soul and jazz music. I especially love going to outdoor concerts during the spring/summer.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m thankful for my close friends who are more like family for me, each of them has been a source of encouragement along the journey. Most of us are entrepreneurs and watching them grow their businesses has really inspired me. Although he may not know it my cousin, Stevon Lewis is probably one of the most influential people on my journey. He’s a licensed therapist that specializes in Imposter Syndrome and his messages on how to deal with your inner bully really resonate with me when I’m questioning myself.

Website: www.fabhairinternational.com

Instagram: @hairbytamari and @fabhairint

Image Credits
Brittney Jean Photography @brittneyjeanphotgraphy

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