TOLEDO, Ohio — A local hair stylist is impacting the community by using her gifts to mentor young women and bring people together.
Tarolyn Strozier owns Dani Smith Salon and Suites in west Toledo, where she passes on her art to the next generation of stylists.
Strozier, a former cosmetology teacher at Paul Mitchell in Toledo, gave up the classroom and opened up her business with the goal of helping the people that walk through her doors hone their own hair dressing and business skills.
She has been doing hair professionally since 2015 but her real talent lies in teaching others how to master the art.
"So I get ladies who are great braiders who just need guidance. I do classes. I give licensure as well," said Strozier.
She says there's a power to the knowledge that she passes down to the next generation.
"We can be greater together. And with the kids, if they see that, then they'll grow up to be better individuals as well," said Strozier.
One of those women Tarolyn mentored is braider Marissa Lewis.
"And I think it's dope for experience-wise growth and just being better at being a businesswoman. I think Tarolyn is a great help, such a good businesswoman to look up to," said Lewis.
Nephthys Ardrey gets her hair done by Tarolyn. She says the impact Tarolyn has on young women is special.
"It's wonderful to see her as a young lady blossom into the adult that she is now, because she's always been very motivated to do anything that she does," said Ardrey.
That's Tarolyn's contribution, and she wouldn't have it any other way. She's teaching young people how to better themselves through the art of hair dressing.
"I'm speechless, really. Like, God really shows out every day and all day," said Strozier.
Tarolyn says she's mentored over 100 young hair stylists in Toledo and has no plans of stopping any time soon.
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