Community Highlights: Meet Tamara Teague of Mane Illusions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Teague.

Hi Tamara, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In the winter of 2020, I noticed that my hair began to appear thinner than normal; I’ve always had fine hair. By January 2021, I had significant hair loss in the crown and temple areas of my head. The hair loss was so significant that I shaved my head completely. Losing my hair broke me and I became depressed. So, I started researching hair loss solutions that were more permanent in nature because I was tired of using topical fibers and dark-colored gels to give my hair, which was slowly growing back, the appearance of fullness. That’s when I learned about scalp micropigmentation (“SMP”). After learning about SMP, and having the SMP procedure done myself, I decided to become an SMP artist in order to help others who were dealing with hair loss like I was. I wanted to give people a more semi-permanent way to deal with their hair loss issues and to help them gain their confidence back.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road to get here.

Tennessee’s laws were my biggest obstacle. In this state, you have to be licensed as a tattoo artist in order to provide SMP services. That entailed me being a tattoo apprentice for one year, which delayed me from being able to provide SMP services. Secondly, I also had to find the perfect location where I could provide the SMP services that do not run afoul of the established laws.

We’ve been impressed with Mane Illusions SMP, 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?
I am a scalp micropigmentation (“SMP”) artist based in Nolensville, TN, approximately 20 miles south of Nashville near Brentwood. SMP is a tattoo of hair follicles to the scalp that gives the appearance of a low-buzzed cut head of hair or adds density to thinning hair. SMP can also be used to disguise scarring or burns to the scalp.

What sets me apart from other SMP artists in the area is my personal connection with my clients. Because I too deal with hair loss issues, I have a better understanding of how SMP can be transformative for them.

What I am most proud of, brand-wise, is the name of my company, Mane Illusions SMP; it is intentional. “Mane” means thick hair and “Illusions” means the appearance of. I want my clients to know that SMP can give them the appearance of thicker hair.

I want the Nashville Voyager readers to know that the SMP service I provide is affordable and can be transformative emotionally if they are suffering from hair loss. SMP is a third of the cost of hair transplantation and is the only semi-permanent hair loss solution where results can be seen after the first SMP session. I also offer payment plans for my SMP services.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Practice, practice, practice, when starting out as a new SMP artist. SMP requires a lot of skill in order to have realistic-looking results. Also, treat people with dignity and grace. Losing your “crown” is devastating enough for most people. I want to make sure no one feels uncomfortable when consulting with me regarding their hair loss.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mane-illusions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mane_illusions_smp/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ManeIllusionsSMP
• Other: https://pay.withcherry.com/mane-illusions?utm_source=practice&m=7937