Tell us about yourself.
My name is Tara Mortland, a Master Stylist providing beauty to clients who want to look and feel their very best! I married the love of my life one year ago on October 25, 2014, in Aberdeen South Dakota. My husband’s name is James Dean Mortland III, and he is 36. He is for sure my better half! Once married I gained two beautiful daughters, Abigail 10 & Felicity 9. I became a mommy on August 18th, 2015 to a little girl, Gemma Vivian Mortland and she is perfect. My family is the most amazing family I could ever ask for, and because of them, every day is better than the next.
I live in Aberdeen, SD, which is a small population of 28,000 people. I have been a cosmetologist for eight years of my life. I love my industry and have a ton of passion for the work that I create. My clients are like my second family, and I appreciate their loyalty.
What has been your biggest challenge as a stylist?
My biggest challenge as a stylist is losing clients either from death or moving. But I do look at the glass half full and imagine I’ll gain new clients like them one day.
What was the biggest turning point in your career?
My biggest turning point in my career was the day I just “got it.” I matured and was able to look at my clients like family. I appreciate all my clients, whether I lose or gain a new one. When you get a new referral you are more thankful and realize that it’s not just a job, but a career. You’re not just a stylist, but you change people’s lives.
How have your clients benefited from hair extensions?
My clients benefit from hair extensions by not only helping their confidence physically and emotionally but also help any clients that are growing out a haircut. Clients that suffer from hair breakage can grow their hair back healthier. I have seen a dramatic change in lots of clients in a positive way from wearing hair extensions. Also, saves time for adding in just a few panels for color, without adding color to process on their hair.
How have hair extensions impacted your life?
Hair extensions have not only impacted my client’s lives but mine as well, as I deal with thin, fine hair. When I wear hair extensions, I receive compliments about my hair, which gives me the opportunity to bring up how amazing hair extension products are and how it gave me back my confidence. As a stylist, it has impacted my business being able to apply hair in 45 minutes or less.
Hair extensions have given me the opportunity to really grow my business and my clientele, allowing me to raise my prices twice to make room for my ideal clients My average service ticket before hair extensions was $38.08, but over the last 24 months my average service ticket is between $100 and $150. My average retail ticket has also increased from $30 to between $95 and $100, and I am in a small town in South Dakota.
What is your favorite brand of hair extensions and why?
easihair pro is by far my favorite tape in hair extension method. easihair pro stands above all the rest on how amazing and reliable their product is. The brand itself is durable, reusable and guaranteed! I sleep, eat, and breathe this product and the company!
Tara Mortland
Revive Salon and Day Spa
301 S. Main Street
Aberdeen, SD 57401
(605) 725-4242
Every month, Hair Extension Magazine will feature a stylist of the month who has been impacted by the hair extension industry in a positive way. Whether it has benefited your business, social life, family life, etc., we want to hear about it!
