A little back story!

My name is Riley Tafaro, and I have been a licensed, working cosmetologist for 5 years! The beauty industry has always had a special place in my heart, and I am so grateful for all of the opportunities I have been given. My professional experience ranges from the every day haircuts and colors to the bridal scene to working at New Orleans Opera Association and local theatres (including JPAS and Tulane Summer Lyric) for wigs and stage makeup. When I was not the one performing on stage, you could find me looking over my call sheet to make sure I was on track with quick changes or wig touch-ups throughout the show.

Growing up, being involved in musical theatre initially caught my attention. I was fascinated by the transformation a person could go through to look or become someone else. As I got older I knew I wanted my work to be a collaboration between myself and the client to make them look and feel like the best version of themselves. Different from musical theatre, a change to our appearance through a new hairstyle or makeup does not make us someone different, it emphasizes and highlights the beauty of who we already are. I want the services to reflect just that. One of my favorite memories behind the chair was a color service with a dear friend who was transitioning from fantasy color back to her roots. When the service was complete she told me, “I finally feel like my outward appearance matches the inside. Brand new.” She was referring to 2 Corinthians 5:17 which states, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” To this day, that is the greatest compliment I have received in my career. In this season I want to primarily shift my focus to bridal and special event hair and makeup.

So, let’s get you on the books!