Tara Summersett Smith

The visionary and creative expert.

Tara is known for her free flowing haircuts and her exceptional skill in finding the perfect, most flattering hair color for a woman’s skin tone and features. Her vast knowledge of make-up allows her to see color and texture in a way that allows her to complete the picture. 

Tara’s talent and expertise in the industry is so sought after that she has been contracted to provide hair and makeup services for big brands like Wrangler, Hanes, Nike, Toyota, Vanity Fair, and Belk. From red carpet events to runway shows, Tara has worked with models, celebrities, and iconic sports stars including Jeff Gordon, Jimmy Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Marion Jones.

Tara started her career in the fashion industry when she began modeling in her teens. She is from a long line of stylists as her mother and grandmother both owned their own salons. She began styling for photo shoots and credits this experience to what makes her so successful at what she does. Though Tara enjoys working with celebrities and models, her true passion is providing an unparalleled experience for everyone who sits in her chair. She loves finding the beauty in all of her clients with the hope of making them feel like a celebrity.

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I am fiercely passionate about not only the hair and makeup I do, but the guest experience has to be great each and every time as well. I feel truly blessed to be able to use my talents to make others feel beautiful.

Douglas Smith

The operations expert.

My journey in the Salon Industry started in 2011 when Tara and I created The Studio + Co. in Florence South Carolina. Using SSBC principles, our salon company has grown from a 1200 sqft hair salon to a 2800 sqft hair salon and women’s clothing boutique. I am truly blessed that I get to do what I love with my best friend. As a husband and wife team, our guest-focused salon and boutique companies thrive with great growth and a happy team!

With a Marketing degree from Francis Marion University and working in the corporate world for over 20 years has given me knowledge and a deep understanding for numbers and financials as well as driving successful teams. My infatuation with financials, marketing and the general business of things for the salon industry gives me the opportunity to serve my team and salon owners.

Mentoring and coaching others to meet their potential is what I live for. AS a Certified Salon Business Coach with Summit Salon Business Center has given me the opportunity to do what I truly love.

When Tara and I are not in our companies or I’m not coaching, you can find us enjoying weekends at our coastal home with our beloved goldendoodle, Riggs!

Looking for business guidance and coaching? Book a complementary consultation.

 

Delivering the ultimate guest experience and providing a well-structured career path for staff. Those are the goals that make this a place where both customers and artists thrive.