How many people can say they have been in the same business for over three decades?  Glendale Chamber Ambassador Tamara Gifford can as she has been in the hair business since 1976 and had been trained by the best.  She started at Warren Tech and then furthered her education at Roffler Academy which specializes in sculpting cutting and trained exclusively with Framesi Italian Hair Color.

Tamara began her career as an apprentice at Figaro’s, then she ran her business out of her home for five years and later decided to go back to work with others at a salon because she was missing the comrade and the teamwork of a salon.  In 1982, she started working at Jaspers, where she managed the salon for two years.   She out grew the salon in April 1984 and spent a brief time working for  Shannon Michaels before she decided to give booth renting a try – which according to Tamara was the best move she could have made for her career.

She then booth rented for Jim Ezzo at Associated Hair Stylists for 24 years until the salon had to leave the Cherry Creek Hotel because it was closing for demolition.  According to Tamara, Jim decided not to open up another salon since he had already had seven salons with 58 stylists in the past and was ready to semi-retire.

As a result Tamara opened The Forum Hair Studio – located in The Forum Building – and everyone from Associated followed her to the new salon in June 2008.

“We are celebrating our fifth anniversary this year, are expanding soon and are always looking for like-minded professionals to join our dream team,” Tamara said.   “Starting my own business has changed my life in the most positive way. I have the most amazing team working with me and I have joined the best chamber to network my business with other like-minded businesses.  I am very grateful and humbled.”

A Colorado native since the age of five, Tamara prides herself on running a salon that “radiates a warm, inviting, family- friendly environment.”

Tamara also feels that it is imperative to continue her on-going education to keep current with today’s trends.  In April 2011, she enrolled in a challenging three-month course through the American Board of Certified Haircolorists.  Because of her mentor, she is now among many throughout the country who are certified with the American Board of Certified Haircolorists.  Tamara says it’s an honor to be among these talented stylists.

Tamara describes The Forum Hair Studio as a place that has “Cherry Creek quality without the Cherry Creek prices.  We are a gathering place for beauty and wellness.”

“Our stylists are the best,” she said.   “We are an amazing team of 13 stylists and one nail tech. I have to pinch myself because I have the very best team.  We have some amazing talent who are experts in cuts, colors, blow-outs, up-dos and some who are certified with the American Board of Certified Haircolorists.  With astonishing cuts, we specialize in every technique.  Our nail tech is an expert in her field as well and we are proud to have her.”

An Ambassador for four years and 2010’s Ambassador of the Year, Tamara explained that being part of the Chamber has helped her business “by giving it exposure, exposure, exposure.”

“Former Mayor Larry Harte and the Greater Glendale Chamber are the reasons The Forum Hair Studio is Glendale’s Premier Hair Salon,” she said.  “I am very grateful for all the support I get from the Chamber and its members.”

Tamara continued, “The best parts about participating with the Chamber are the people and the events!  I love the people! They are friendly, supportive and engaging. The Chamber is a great way of connecting resources.  It’s also about welcoming people at the events and making sure they feel that they want to be part of this Chamber.  When I believe in something I can sell it and I believe in this great and amazing Chamber.”

Tamara and her team provide salon services for men, women and children.  Mention that you saw this article and receive 20 percent off any haircut or receive a free haircut with any color, hi-lite, low-lite, perm or blow-out with participating stylists.  Please call 303-521-6728 to book an appointment or visit www.theforumhairstudio.com for more information.