Since its humble beginnings in 1989, NAHA finalists and industry elite have brought this iconic photographic beauty competition to new heights year after year. NAHA continues to recognize the beauty industry’s most talented artists and advance the careers of stylists around the world. Nothing makes us happier than meeting artists we REALLY want to root for… Good people who love the industry, value education and aren’t afraid to put in the hard work.

What one word describes how you felt when you found out you were a finalist?

Unreal.

How does competing help you as an artist?

Competing has always been a big part of my life, it helps me stay focused on the latest trends and challenges me as artist. By nature I am a very competitive person, so competing pushes my limits outside my comfort zone. Competing also helps me compare my experiences to up and coming trends to master new styles.

Beyond hair, what other creative outlets do you have?

Makeup is another very big part of my life as well. I love makeup because it allows me to be completely creative. Being able to see a product from start to finish truly pushes my creativity beyond its limits.

Another big part of my life is doing Facecharts (working for MAC for a really long time has made this my creative outlet)

Tell us your life story in 3 sentences.

I have lived in 5 different countries growing up, while being the first generation of my family immigrating to the United States. I went against my families wishes of becoming a hair and makeup artist, with having my grandma as my biggest inspiration to follow my passion. My mission right now is to leave my mark in this industry, motivate and inspire others to follow their dreams.

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?

Honestly, if I wasn’t doing this I would probably be very miserable because this is truly what I have always wanted to do. This career field gives me so much happiness and drive to succeed that I couldn’t even imagine doing anything else in life. I love interacting with my clients and brides. It gives me so much happiness making someone’ s day or being part of their special day from start to finish.

What’s your biggest fear in life or your career?

The whole licensure discussions that are floating around. It terrifies me just thinking people would touch clients hair without a license and states being okay with that. So naturally with that the fear comes that the licensing for cosmetologists won’t be taken seriously anymore and people without a license will be able to do hair services. This just sounds like a horror movie to me.

Real life advice to someone entering the world of cosmetology.

It’s okay to be scared. There will be some “discoveries” that you will be making starting out, and that is okay. Do not listen to people that tell you our job is not a career but a hobby, because that was what I was told. This is the most beautiful and rewarding career field you could possibly be in and you are changing peoples’ views on themselves as well turn their day around by making them feel like a million bucks. What you do is amazing, never forget that.

I knew I was a Hair Nerd when…

When I sat in the audience at NAHA almost four years ago as a Beacon winner. I knew during that whole week of training and being surrounded by all these talented people with the same drive and ambition as me that I wanted to be a part of all of this. Ever since then I have literally been the biggest Hair Nerd ever. I just can’t shut up about it, I literally live and breathe hair and makeup.

Tania Crawford