Teasin’, Tannin’, and Giving Back
Tina Steele Todd has owned Just Teasin & Tannin since November 2011, when she decided to take over after the previous owner left. “I decided I would just be my own boss,” she says. She worked at the salon for 3 years prior to owning it, and she’s been doing hair for 22 years.
For Tina, the best part of owning the salon is the chance to meet new people and make life-long friends. “I have made life-long friends with most of my clients. My co-workers are like my family, and we spend a lot of time together. Even away from the shop, they are my go-to people for anything, and it keeps me in touch with the community.”
When she acquired the salon, she and her coworkers decided that they needed a way to give back to their community, and they began hosting annual back-to-school events for the kids in the area. “The kids are so happy,” she says. “They love to come in and just get pampered, and we have snacks, and this year Judge Kent Varney provided back-to-school backpacks full of school supplies. It was a full-blown fun day.” The event has grown a lot in just a few years. At their first-ever back to school event, they had 36 kids come in. In 2019, that number grew to 120.
In April 2019, Tina was recognized for all she does when she was one of the winners of the Champions for Children awards. “That was a total surprise,” she says. “I had actually nominated someone else. It’s based on giving back to children in the community, and I was totally surprised and very humbled to win. I considered it a win for my whole salon because without them I can’t do what I do.”
Tina is also a member of the Local Advisory Council. “It’s a group of community people that advocate for ARH. We meet and talk about what is going on in the community and at the hospital and what improvements are being made, and any improvements that we can make to certain areas.” Members also meet with patients at the hospital to get their perspective. Tina was nominated by a fellow member of the board to be on the council.
When she’s not working or helping the community, Tina enjoys spending time with her 4 grandchildren and 6 nieces. She is also a member of the Bowling team, which she also sponsors. Bowling has been a favorite hobby for her since she was a kid, and she describes it as a great “family time.”
For Tina, the best part of living in the area is the tight-knit community. “When something goes wrong or we have a crisis big or small, we all band together,” she says. “And I feel very honored to serve my community and give back where I can.”