Once an artist for the infamous Redken brand, our #NJMOMpreneur of the week Alexis Perch, decided to utilize her talented background and launch her own business, Tousled & Tamed Hair Salon. By the time she turned 25, Alexis had already opened her own salon and started a family. We think she’s the ultimate advocate for following your career and mom dreams. We’re inspired by her dedication to helping young girls feel beautiful through Locks of Love and Pantene Beautiful Lengths. With a niche for bridal styling, this cosmetologist is looking forward to getting married in the following year and spending time in nature with her family at her favorite places around New Jersey including Melick’s Town Farm.
Founder of Tousled & Tamed Salon & NJMOMpreneur Alexis Perch
NJMOM: What do you offer to your clients and how is it different than other professionals in your field?
Alexis: At Tousled and Tamed Hair Salon, we pride ourselves on our education. Education for ourselves and educating our guest. At every appointment guests go home with a tutorial if they need help with styling; or even if they want a new way of styling their hair. We really try to make everyone feel at home and comfortable. On the first appointment, guests will be greeted with a gift and there is an array of complimentary homemade treats to enjoy.
It seems so scary to leave something you know or that feels comfortable. Change can seem scary. But on the other side of fear is success. Don’t give up. As a mom, I believe we have the best intuition if it feels right within, just do it. – NJMOMPreneur Alexis Perch
NJMOM: What inspired you to get into your line of work?
Alexis: I have always been creative and when it was time to go to high school, I knew I wanted something that would really keep my interest. Styling hair was totally my thing, so I went to Warren County Technical High School and fell in love with the craft of hairstyling.
NJMOM: What is your favorite part about your business?
Alexis: My favorite part of being a hairstylist is being able to listen to everyone. I love to learn about my guests and to hear their stories. I love seeking their advice and giving advice back. It’s the connection between two people that is extremely amazing.
NJMOM: What is your background in your business expertise?
Alexis: I have been a licensed cosmetologist for just about ten years. While in high school, I was a multi-award winner for my up-styling. Earlier in my career, I was an artist for Redken. As an artist, I would travel in the Tristate area and educate other salon professionals on the latest trends and hair color technologies. I have recently just opened my own salon, Tousled & Tamed Hair Salon, in Alpha New Jersey.
NJMOM: What are you most proud of in your career?
Alexis: I had my first child when I was only 20 years old. I was told by several people that I couldn’t have the career that I have always dreamt of having. I am so proud that I didn’t listen to any of those people and pushed on. I proved those people wrong and now I can say, two kids later and at 25, that I am living my dream of being a mom and a salon owner.
NJMOM: What is something few people know about you?
Alexis: A lot of people don’t know that when I was growing up, my family and I would raise seeing eye dogs for the blind. This was done out of Morristown, NJ. I believe it was a great lesson to learn to help others at such a young age and I can’t wait to do this with my own children.
NJMOM: What can we expect from you next year – personally and professionally?
Alexis: This coming year Tousled & Tamed is really expanding. We have two stylists coming on board, that are just as passionate in bridal as I am. So I am so excited to launch the 2019 bridal season. Personally, this next year, my high school sweetheart and I are looking forward to getting married. And just enjoying life as husband and wife and mommy and daddy.
NJMOM: What charitable cause are you most passionate about?
Alexis: Tousled and Tamed offers haircuts for donations such as Locks of Love, Wigs for Kids, and Pantene Beautiful Lengths, to name a few. The requirements are normally the same, around 10-12 inches of non-chemically treated hair.
NJMOM: Who is your role model? Why?
Alexis: My parents are my role models, they worked so hard and really showed my sisters and me the value of hard work. They also taught us to always think of other people first and to continue to give back.
NJMOM: What is the best piece of advice your mom (or parent/role model) ever gave to you?
Alexis: I always remember my parents saying to us, if you don’t like something, try it again and if it truly isn’t for you, then change it. Why be stuck in something you don’t like? Never settle for anything less than your dreams.
NJMOM: Do you have a favorite quote you live by? Why is this quote so important to you?
Alexis:
If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.”
That quote I truly live by!
NJMOM: What are your favorite things to do in New Jersey with your family?
Alexis: This past summer we took several trips to the Musconetcong River just to feed the ducks. My parents also have a boat on Lake Hopatcong, which is beautiful all year long. Donaldson Farms is our go-to spot to pick fresh strawberries, and we can’t forget about going to Melick’s Apple Orchard in Oldwick. It’s so important to me to get my kids out in nature as they grow up.
NJMOM: What is the best part about being a mom for you?
Alexis: The best part of being a mom is seeing life in my child’s eyes. It could be the simplest things to us but it means the world to them. I love going on mommy and son dates. Just teaching him how to be a gentleman, I’ll have him open the doors and pay, it’s seriously adorable.
NJMOM: What are your favorite businesses in New Jersey?
Alexis: We love picking apples from Melick’s Apple Orchard, Donaldson Farms, and visiting all the animals at Turtle Back Zoo.
NJMOM: Where do you reside and vacation in New Jersey?
Alexis: When I was growing up, I lived in Hackettstown. Currently, the salon is an Alpha, New Jersey. We love heading down to the shore, Seaside Heights and Seaside Park are always a fun time, even if it’s just to stroll the boardwalk. For a more relaxing beach day, we like to visit Sandy Hook’s beaches.
NJMOM: What advice might you have for a fellow NJMOMpreneur who is just starting out?
Alexis: It seems so scary to leave something you know or that feels comfortable. Change can seem scary. But on the other side of fear is success. Don’t give up. As a mom, I believe we have the best intuition if it feels right within, just do it.
NJMOM: Anything else you’d like to tell moms in New Jersey?
Alexis: A dream is just a dream until you take action.
For more information about Tousled & Tamed Salon, follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
