Meet Tasha Dixon

January 3, 2011 in Beauty

Managing Director
Blackfingers London

Blackfingers London is the boutique salon founded by the award-winning hair technician and make-up artist Tasha Dixon.

Based in Woodford, East London, Blackfingers opened its doors in April 2003. The salon boasts a celebrity clientele while Tasha Dixon’s skills are in constant demand at the capital’s most prestigious events including the Brit Awards, the MOBO awards and London Fashion Week.

Why did you decide to start Blackfingers?
After the birth of my daughter Nevaeh-Raeyne, I needed to have flexible working hours and wanted to have my daughter with me as much as possible, so I converted a room in my home into a salon and the rest is history.

What was your career path prior to starting your first business?
I was actually working as an admin officer for a local authority before I started Blackfingers. From the age of 13 I have always worked in a hair salon part-time and I was always doing hair for family and friends.

Did you always know that you would start your own business?
I would never have thought that I would have my own business. I was supposed to become a lawyer!

Can you tell me a bit more about the range of services you offer and what makes Blackfingers unique?
Blackfingers prides itself on providing a consistently high level of customer service as well as doing fabulous hair.

We offer a full range of hair and make-up services including personalised consultations; Brazilian blow-dry treatments; prescriptive hair and scalp treatments; bespoke wigs and hair enhancements; Blackfingers signature restyle cuts; one to one make-overs and make up workshops; bridal packages; lash extensions and much more!

What are you working on at the moment? Can you describe your typical working day?
I am currently working on my 2011 spring summer collection as well as the day to day running of the salon.

A typical day for me is up at 7am get Nevaeh-Raeyne to school for 8.15, get to the salon for 8.45, my first client is usually at 9am and I will handle six clients before leaving to do the school run.

What have been the highlights of running your own business?
Being my own boss, being able to choose my clients and having a fabulous clientele.

What is the hardest part of running your own business?
Being ill, I’m actually off sick with the mumps now! Although in the entire seven years I’ve been running Blackfingers, this is the second time I have had to take time off.

I read that you recently styled Sabrina Washington’s hair for her latest music video and you’ve worked on numerous high-profile events, what has been your favourite project so far and why?
Wow, there have been so many times I’ve had to pinch myself on a job. I think the best project so far was when I was flown out to Ghana in 2007 by Ozwald Boateng himself, all expenses paid first class, to work on a fashion show with him.

It was for the African Union Banquet. Fifty-three heads of state attended with their delegates. It also coincided with Ghana’s 50th independence and I had 60 male models to make up.

I had to present my idea to Ozwald in a meeting with the creative team before being selected. It was more nerve racking than anything I’ve ever experienced! My vision was to apply eyeliner to all the models .The silence was piercing and lasted for what seemed to be 5 minutes, and then he said “I love it.” I’m sure I was the innovator of what now is called guyliner!

That show was amazing, and I was both honoured and proud to be a part of it.

What, or who, inspires and motivates you?
Success motivates me; I want to be financially independent by the age of 40.

My inspiration comes from media and celebrities. At the moment it’s Nicki Minaj, her hair and make up are always so innovative. I love America’s Next Top Model, the photo shoots always make me want to call my photographer and organise a shoot.

Who would be your dream client and why?
That’s a really hard question. I would like assist Terrence Davidson, as he is Nicki Minaj’s hair stylist. I think I would also have to say Kelly Rowland , I just don’t think she ever gets it right with her hair would love to make her hair look fabulous.

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received?
To take time out for myself and not to burn bridges.

Fast forward five years, where do you think your business will be in 2016?
Wow, by the grace of God I hope to still be loving what I do and hopefully have Blackfingers Barbados.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering starting a hair and make-up business?
I always say to my assistants your eyes are your tools so take it all in. Do your homework and try to offer something that no where else offers.

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Tasha Dixon is launching the new salon and Blackfingers brand in the New Year. For more information visit www.blackfingers.co.uk or email info@blackfingers.co.uk

You can also find Blackfingers on Twitter and Facebook.

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Tasha Dixon was interviewed by Octavia Goredema, founder of the Twenty Ten Club.

The Twenty Ten Club is an award-winning networking organisation for Black female business owners. You can also find Twenty Ten Club on Twitter and Facebook.