Newtown Hairdresser Proves Warriors Come in All Shapes & Sizes

NEWTOWN, CT — For Tami Williams, making others look and feel beautiful is something that has come quite naturally for the last three decades she has been a hairdresser. But for one season in her life, it was a struggle she herself had to overcome after facing the biggest challenge in her life so far— battling brain cancer.

Williams, owner of Hair Couture Salon which serves clients from Wilton, was thrown a curve ball when she was suddenly taken ill and rushed to Northern Westchester Hospital in the summer of 2014. It was there she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After emergency surgery, she went through months of radiation and chemotherapy, lost her hair and then went through many months of physical therapy to regain strength back in her left side after the surgery. Williams, now a proud cancer survivor, has a new perspective in life and a better understanding for what women who go through similar battles face.

Avoiding harsh and trendy styles that are bad for her clients’ hair is her signature as she tends to focus on more natural-looking color close to her clients' original tones.

“We have the clients’ best interest in mind. If it’s not the right thing for the health and integrity of the hair, we won’t do it. There are too many chemicals and too much maintenance involved," said Williams, who practices a "less is more" philosophy.

Williams said she got her start as a hairdresser in high school. “It was my way of getting out of social studies,” she laughed. Now celebrating one year in her current location and 35 years as a hairdresser, she says that the people around her are what keep her going.

“I love what I do— the laughs, the smiles." Being able to surprise our clients with a new salon nine years ago as a first time salon owner was a huge milestone in her career. "It’s like I’m not even working. I feel very fortunate to have put myself near amazing people my entire life,” she said.

Perhaps her biggest supporter is her partner in work and life, Michael O’Hara who said of Williams, “As a retired 20-year Air Force Veteran, I have witnessed hundreds of amazing men and women warriors, none of which compare to Tamia. To see Tamia, go from hours to leaving us, to losing function of her left side, battling two years of chemotherapy, radiation, therapy and the trials and tribulations of all the effects of cancer is the true definition of a warrior. I'm sure glad I broke her tooth in fourth grade which secured my fate of having her the rest of my life."

The pair celebrated nine years in business on December 15, 2017 and a year-and-a-half at their new location, 590 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield, on April 15, 2018. To celebrate these milestones, they are offering new clients $20 off their first and second visit. Call or email for more information. (203) 438-2121 or t.hair@live.com.

Photo: Left to right: Diana Schneider, hairdresser who has been with Hair Couture for 4 years, Tami Williams, owner, seated: Michael O'Hara, Tami's partner.

Photo Credit: Hair Couture