Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Gowen.
Hi Tara, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey in the beauty industry started over 16 years ago, and it’s been shaped by both passion and perseverance. I’ve always loved the artistry of hair, but what has kept me in this career is the connection — being able to make someone feel truly seen and confident when they leave my chair.
Several years ago, I owned a salon suite in Missouri called Opulent Beauty. It was absolutely beautiful, but I realized I had left a big piece of myself out of it. It didn’t feel like “home.” That experience, along with working in different salon cultures, really opened my eyes to what was missing in our industry: a space where stylists feel valued, supported, and inspired — and where clients can feel the warmth and authenticity behind the beauty.
I’m also a wife and mom of four, so balance and intention are huge for me. I wanted to build something that reflects who I am, not only as a stylist, but as a person. That vision became Coastal Glo & Co. — a salon that feels welcoming, uplifting, and full of heart. Here, we combine luxury with authenticity. It’s not just about the hair; it’s about the whole experience, creating a place that feels like home for both our team and our guests.
The road here hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has reinforced why I chose this path: to be the difference I wanted to see in the industry, and to show my kids that with hard work, faith, and a little grit, dreams really can become reality.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like so many in this industry, I’ve experienced both uplifting and toxic salon cultures, and those experiences really shaped me. They showed me what I never wanted to repeat — and what I knew I needed to create. I’ve also faced the typical struggles of entrepreneurship: the financial risks, long nights of planning, and the pressure of knowing that my decisions don’t just affect me, but my team and their families too. And of course, balancing it all while raising four kids has added its own layer of challenge.
But those struggles are exactly what inspired Coastal Glo & Co. I wanted to build something different — a salon built by a stylist for stylists. After years behind the chair, I know this industry inside and out. I know what clients truly value and what they don’t care about. That’s why our salon is built around meaningful details: from a steam eye mask and scalp massage, to a positive affirmation note each guest takes home. It’s about pairing beauty with self-love and leaving people feeling cared for, inside and out.
At the same time, I’ve put just as much thought into the stylist experience. I’ve lived the struggles of being behind the chair, so I designed our salon to be a mix between booth rent and a traditional commission salon — offering both independence and community. My goal is for every stylist here to feel supported, appreciated, and able to grow in their career without sacrificing balance or joy.
And beyond our doors, we’re focused on giving back. Coastal Glo & Co. isn’t just about hair — it’s about creating a positive ripple in our community, pouring into the people who support us, and being a light both inside the salon and outside of it.
We’ve been impressed with Coastal Glo & Co. , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Coastal Glo & Co. is a luxury boutique salon with a coastal-inspired atmosphere, but at its heart, it’s so much more than just a place to get your hair done. We specialize in lived-in blondes, dimensional color, and transformational services, but what we’re truly known for is the experience. From the moment a guest walks in, our goal is for them to feel at home, cared for, and valued.
What sets us apart is the little details that are often overlooked in this industry. We focus on self-love and pampering with touches like under-eye patches or a steam eye mask during a scalp massage, and every guest leaves with a positive affirmation note as a reminder of their worth. It’s about pairing the artistry of hair with an experience that feeds the soul.
I’m equally proud of how we’ve built Coastal Glo & Co. for stylists, too. Having worked in this industry for over 16 years, I know the struggles behind the chair. That’s why our salon is designed as a hybrid between booth rent and a traditional commission model — offering stylists the independence they crave with the community and support they deserve. We’re creating a culture where stylists feel genuinely valued, appreciated, and empowered to grow.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Coastal Glo & Co. reflects who we are: authentic, uplifting, and community-focused. We’re not just about beauty on the outside — we’re about inspiring confidence, kindness, and connection. Our vision is to continue growing, educating, and giving back to the community around us, ensuring that Coastal Glo & Co. becomes not just a salon, but a brand people feel proud to be part of.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see the beauty industry evolving in big ways over the next 5–10 years. When I first started, it was very cutthroat — information was gatekept, and newer stylists were often left to sink or swim. On top of that, many salon environments were toxic, which made growth and collaboration difficult.
But over the years, I’ve seen a real shift — and thankfully, much of it has been for the better. Stylists are becoming more unified, more open to sharing knowledge, and more focused on collaboration instead of competition. There’s also been a big movement toward valuing work-life balance and being intentional about the kind of culture stylists want to be part of.
Looking ahead, I believe salons will have to put even greater emphasis on how their stylists are treated. Stylists today are more aware of their worth, and many are leaning toward independence or hybrid models that give them both freedom and support. I see the toxic patterns that used to plague our industry starting to dwindle, making room for healthier, more creative, and more sustainable environments.
Social media has also changed everything — now, every stylist is their own brand and their own star. And I love that! It means we can collaborate with stylists across the country (and even the world) with just one click, sharing techniques, ideas, and inspiration in ways we never could before.
The future of this industry is bright, and I’m excited to be part of the generation that’s helping to push it toward more unity, authenticity, and growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coastalgloco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coastal.glo.co/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coastal.glo.co
