Check Out Tina Early’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Early.

Hi Tina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story is proof that it’s never too late to follow your passion.

I was born into the beauty world. My dad owned a neighborhood barbershop, and I rarely saw my mom without a full glam makeup look. After high school, I earned my cosmetology license in Illinois and worked behind the chair briefly before moving to Colorado, getting married, and raising our three boys.

Life shifted, and I moved into an office career without ever transferring my license. Over time, I convinced myself that the beauty industry was a dream I had missed.

Years later, after working more jobs than I can count that didn’t truly light me up, a friend encouraged me to try retail cosmetics. That changed everything. I fell in love with the consultative side of beauty, helping clients find what worked for them, and forming the kind of camaraderie with coworkers that only retail can create.

At 54, I decided to take the plunge and go back to school. I earned my esthetician license and then completed my cosmetology license again. Sitting in a classroom at that stage of life was humbling, but it reminded me that age doesn’t put us on different playing fields. We were all there to create new opportunities.

Now at 62, I specialize in bridal hair and makeup and also work on boudoir, maternity, and corporate headshots. I get to be part of some incredibly meaningful moments in my clients’ lives, and I’m grateful for that every day.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a completely smooth road!

Choosing to pursue a career that’s often seen as a “young person’s game” came with its own set of insecurities. I wondered if I would feel relevant to younger brides or if I would be judged for stepping into a role many associate with artists in their 20s and 30s. I also quickly learned how physically demanding the work can be. Long wedding days, early mornings, and hours on your feet are sometimes pretty rough!

Another lesson has been managing expectations. No matter how much experience you have, there are moments when what you envision and what a client envisions don’t perfectly align. Those instances are rare, but they teach you the value of communication, and the importance of listening even more closely.

The positive experiences outweigh those challenging moments and are what continue to motivate me!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Colorado tends to lean toward natural beauty and soft glam, and each bridal season brings a few hairstyles that are requested again and again. While I love creating timeless looks, what really makes me light up is anything non-traditional. Give me a bride who wants a full glam smokey eye and bold red lip, or an Old Hollywood–inspired style, and I’m in my element. No matter the inspiration, I genuinely love the creative process of bringing a vision to life.

One thing that I believe sets me apart is my background in customer service. My time at Nordstrom especially instilled in me the value of exceptional service. I believe how you make someone feel is just as important as the technical skill you bring to the chair. On a wedding day, that calm presence and attentiveness matter just as much as the finished look.

I’m proud that I didn’t let an assumed age limit define me. Building a career that’s both profitable and deeply fulfilling at this stage of life means more than I can say. I hope my story encourages someone else to take the leap toward the work they truly love.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I’ll be honest – erratic traffic and driving in the snow aren’t exactly my favorite things!

I’m a bit of a homebody when I’m not working, but one of my favorite things about living in the Denver area is how easy it is to escape to beautiful destinations within driving distance. Whether it’s a quiet getaway with my husband or time away with the whole family, Colorado truly offers a little bit of everything.

I’ve called Colorado home since 1984, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: tinaearly_hmua

Image Credits
1st photo: Jillian Brown Photo
2nd photo: Graphique Fine Art Photography
3rd and 4th photos: Ginny Haupert Photography
5th photo: Jill Houser Photography
6th photo: Alisha Light Photography
7th photo: Esbeemo Photography
8th photo: Amber Davis Portraits