Meet the Member: Tina Freeman of The Hair Academy

Meet the Member: Tina Freeman of The Hair Academy

For the past 25 years, Tina Freeman has dedicated her career to helping others discover their potential. Today, as owner and director of The Hair Academy, she's continuing that mission by preparing the next generation of beauty professionals for successful careers—and meaningful lives.

Interestingly, Tina didn't begin her career in the beauty industry. Her background was in graphic design and fine arts, and she first joined The Hair Academy as a part-time bookkeeper. Over the years, she worked her way through the organization, eventually becoming director before purchasing the school herself. Today, what started as a job has become a true passion.

The Hair Academy has been serving students for more than 70 years and offers accredited programs in cosmetology, aesthetics, manicuring, and instructor training. The school also works with federal financial aid, scholarships, and offers its own Dare to Dream Scholarship to help students pursue their education. Students also receive professionally photographed portfolios to help launch their careers after graduation.

While technical education is essential, Tina believes true success involves much more than passing a licensing exam.

"If you're just wanting to learn how to pass state board, we're probably not the school for you. We want to teach students how to become professionals, build successful careers, and become contributing members of their communities."

That philosophy shapes every part of the academy. Tina hopes every graduate leaves with confidence, professionalism, compassion, and a commitment to giving back. One phrase hangs prominently at the school and perfectly captures her mission: Be a good human.

For Tina, the most rewarding part of owning The Hair Academy is watching students grow. She loves seeing someone walk through the door feeling nervous and uncertain, then graduate as a confident professional ready to begin a new chapter.

Outside of work, Tina believes in living life to the fullest. She enjoys kayaking, hiking, biking, traveling, and exploring new places with family and friends. Whether she's riding trails across Tennessee, participating in Fayetteville Main Street's Race to Main, or traveling internationally, she embraces every opportunity to create new memories.

The Hair Academy also serves the community by offering affordable salon services performed by senior-level students under instructor supervision. From hair and skincare to nail services, clients receive quality services while helping students gain valuable hands-on experience.

Tina joined Fayetteville Main Street because she believes in supporting the local business community and has been inspired by the organization's commitment to downtown revitalization.

"The work Main Street is doing has made a real difference in our community, and I wanted The Hair Academy to be part of that."

Whether you're considering a career in cosmetology, aesthetics, or skincare, or simply looking for affordable salon services while supporting future professionals, The Hair Academy continues to make an impact—one student, one client, and one act of kindness at a time.