Reality TV stars hair-dos for success

By Han Sang-hee

Starting a business is never easy, although you think you have the determination and talent. That’s why you need help from others.

Thanks to television, aspiring businessmen and women can watch if they are on the right track through the small screen and that is exactly what hair stylist Tabatha Coffey has been doing for the past two years with her reality show ``Tabatha’s Salon Takeover.’’

``I am very proud of the show and all the salons I have been able to help. I feel a lot of burden as these businesses truly need my help and in some instances I am their last hope and I take it very seriously,’’ she told The Korea Times in an email interview.

Coffey first appeared on television through the reality show ``Shear Genius’’ and although she didn’t make it to the final round, she managed to earn a spot in the reality television business as a host of her own show. The edgy and sometimes outspoken Coffey follows owners and hairdressers at various hair salons around the United States and offers advice and insights on how to lift their game and regain respect from customers.

Despite her advice not everybody follows her instructions, as everyone is entitled to their own choices.

``What each individual does with my advice is their decision: some people take my advice to heart to make themselves better and some people resist me because they don't want to change,’’ she said.

The show has been broadcast in Korea through cable channels and has attracted fans with its down-to-earth advice, interesting stories of people around us and the witty and clever advice Coffey delivers every episode.

``Tough love and good advice translates into any culture. I think the advice I give is relevant to many different businesses, not just hairdressers. I believe it helps remind people of the things that are important in business and customer service and provides viewers with a wake-up call to stay on their game or to expect better service,’’ Coffey explained.

Throughout the interview, the hairstylist kept a calm yet strong willed and determined tone, even felt in print. She emphasized the need of striving to be better and always pushing yourself, which is something not only applied to styling, but also in our everyday lives.

``I believe in what I do and when I can actually turn around a person and their business in such a short time and put them back on track it is very satisfying. Whether I am a hairstylist or a TV host I hope I am always changing people’s lives,’’ she said.

``You need to always strive to be better. Good is not good enough. Whether you are out of school two days or twenty years, you can always be better, and should never settle.’’

Check www.wetv.com for airings and reruns of ``Tabatha’s Salon Takeover.’’