Episode 13: Goal-Setting, Staying Educated + Working With Your Bestie with Tara Chilton

Tara Chilton is the co-owner of Meraki Salon & Co. (@merakisalonandco) in Springfield, Mo and one of our 2020 Faces of Sola. Tara fell in love with the beauty industry as a child after watching makeover shows and seeing the emotional reactions and internal change people went through after seeing their physical selves transformed.

On this episode of the Sola Stories podcast, Tara shares how she and her salon co-owner, Shelbie Donoho, became a part of the Sola family and how having a great mentor helped her along her journey. Tara also opens up about losing her father how she’s used that devastating challenge to propel her career forward. Tara said, "I wanted to pursue the life he wanted to give me and live the life he couldn't," and that has been her inspiration to make every day count.

Listen as Tara speaks about working with a partner, the importance of improving yourself through education, and how she and Shelbie set goals to ensure the continued growth of their business. 

Listen to Episode 13 🎧

In This Episode

[01:02] Welcome to the show, Tara!

[01:14] Tara shares how she and her partner Shelbie Donoho became part of Sola.

[02:09] How did you get started in the beauty industry?

[03:50] Tara discusses the mentors who have helped her along her journey.

[05:01] "Wherever you are at, put your focus there."

[05:40] Tara speaks about how losing her dad had a significant impact on her life.

[06:17] "I wanted to pursue the life he wanted to give me and live the life he couldn't."

[06:55] Tara talks about working in a traditional salon and the value she took away from there.

[07:58] Why did you go into business with a partner?

[09:17] Tara gives some advice for anyone who is thinking of going into business with a friend or family member.

[10:14] "If your goals don't scare you, then they aren't big enough."

[10:34] How do you set your goals for your business and grow year to year?

[12:51] Tara speaks about the importance of improving yourself through education.

[13:39] How do you find continuing education?

[15:04] Tara talks about being a podcast junkie and podcasts she listens too.

[16:42] Tara shares some final thoughts for the listeners.

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Connect with Jennie 

@jenniethewolff

Connect with Tara

@taralynnchilton @merakisalonandco