Entrepreneur Excitement Blog Series #3 – Tease Color & Style Bar with Roi Alan

Since I write a blog that uses my hair color as a descriptor, it should go without saying that I take my blonde very seriously – especially who I put in charge of keeping me blonde (no, it’s not all natural folks).

The man behind my coveted hair color? Roi Alan – Owner/Stylist of Tease Color & Style Bar located off Richmond and Kirby in Houston. Throughout my years of hair coloring and moving around the U.S., finding the perfect stylist has always been at the top of my list, and I seriously count my blessings for meeting Roi. Not only does he give me the best and longest-lasting blonde, he has become a friend over the years and someone I truly admire.

When I first met Roi, he was working at another salon. Like most stylists, they always gab about wanting to open their own salon, so I took Roi’s ramblings of “his future salon” with a grain of salt. Fast-forward just about a year later and his dreams became a beautiful and amazing reality when he opened Tease with his business partner (and equally talented) Travis Player. Together, these two guys rule the hair-colored streets. Take a look at our exclusive interview with Roi Alan: 

The Blonde Side: Approx. how long we’ve known each other?

Roi Alan: We met 4 years ago through mutual friends.

TBS: You’re sitting next to a 5-year-old on an airplane and they ask what you do for a living…

RA: Do you like playing with scissors and coloring all over the lines? That’s what I do all day.

TBS: Tell me what’s unique about your job? 

RA: I have the ability to make people who come sit in my chair with real world problems and issues feel great about themselves when they spin around and look in the mirror.

TBS: Do you have any funny or unique Jayme moments to recount? 

RA: I love how she is able to draw people in, she has a glow that makes everyone want to be around her.

TBS: Describe your personal style: 

RA: When it comes to hairstyles I like to be more conservative, but my personal style is much more fashion forward.

TBS: The most underrated thing about Houston?

RA: Houston is always looked over; people act like Dallas is the big city in Texas. We have world class dining, amazing nightlife, brilliant museums, a better football team and me.

TBS: You have the tough job of keeping The Blonde Side, blonde. What’s important for those who dye their hair blonde to remember?

RA: Being a blonde isn’t something that just happens over night, and it isn’t for everyone. There are so many different tones and shades, so you have to make sure your stylist picks the correct one for you.

TBS: Give us one hair hack that will literally change our lives?

RA: A leave-in conditioner that has a heat protectant like Nectar Thermique is vital. I can’t tell you how many times I have had girls sitting in my chair that had melted off hair from flat ironing without one.

TBS: What does supporting local Houston folks mean to you?

RA: It means the most. I always try to support local businesses because owning a business is hard and being successful is harder. I would rather take care of my neighbors then save a few dollars.

TBS: You run your own business (which is the point of this series!) – what was the final straw to say “I can do this on my own?” 

RA: I felt like I was putting so much work and effort into someone else’s company and unable to achieve the vision I had for myself.

TBS: What’s your driving force behind running your business? I know firsthand it’s hard as balls, but what keeps you going? 

RA: My vision, it’s the salon I’ve always wanted, not just for me but for my clients.

TBS: Best advice you’ve ever been given but ignored?

RA: To compromise – it took me a long time to realize that I don’t always have to get my way.

TBS: If there was a reality show about you, what channel would it be on?

RA: Cartoon Network!?! HAHA No, probably E! or Bravo

TBS: Favorite sports teams? 

RA: Texans of course

TBS: A magazine, website or author you can’t put down? 

RA: Oprah, she’s done it all and been successful in everything.

TBS: Personally I’m not a huge believer in New Year’s Resolutions, but I am one for

setting goals. What’s your next immediate goal?

RA: To better utilize the space we have at the salon, in order to allow for more employees. We will start renovations early this year.

TBS: Last big purchase you made?

RA: Well I didn’t purchase them, but my brother brought me back a pair of BRIGHT red Prada Hightops that are sure to stop traffic!

TBS: Moment you are most proud of? 

RA: The opening day of the salon, we only had 3 weeks to fully build out an empty space so it was a CRAZY 3 weeks, but once the first clients were in the chairs it felt amazing.

TBS: You have two plane tickets in the world: where are you going and who are you taking?

RA: Bora Bora, I would take Travis Player, my best friend and business partner.

TBS: Fill in the blank: I wish more people in the world would smile.

TBS: For me (and most sports fans), Sunday Funday is all about football. What’s your perfect Sunday look like?

RA: Starts off with brunch at La Strada, then Chrome in the afternoon, with the night ending at Escobar. If they were all still open of course. : (

Be sure to LIKE Tease Color & Style Bar on FB. 

Be sure to mention The Blonde Side at your next visit at Tease for a discount on your first service! 

Sponsor: One of the things Roi loves most about the great city of Houston is the “world class dining,” and one of our favorite restaurants PESKA certainly fits that bill. Having received rave reviews all over the map, PESKA is a great spot, especially if you’re looking for a new brunch spot – $45 brunch (includes UNLIMITED mimosas and sangria). Need I say more? Definitely go check out this Houston hot spot and all the unique creations from Chef Omar Pereney.

Know someone we should profile in this Entrepreneur Excitement Series? Leave a comment below or shoot us an email – jayme @ theblondeside [.] com. 

That’s right – goodbye 15, bring on the sweet 16.

My year-end recap has kind of become a thing – not that a lot of you care, but it’s always a time of reflection to write down the up’s and down’s and share them. Not to mention serve as a reminder to myself of things that went wrong and praise the things that went right.

I looked back at some of the goals I set for 2015 – I pretty much failed miserably at all of them. But that’s just part of life as our needs and wants change. And guess what? I’m totally OK with that.

One area I did hit the mark was travel. In 2014 I spent 262 days on the road and it wore me the hell out. I vowed that 2015 would be about traveling to bigger places I’ve never been, and hopefully out of the country more. Prior to 2015 I had only been to Mexico, Canada and the Bahamas. During 2015 I had the chance to visit Belize (x2), Bermuda, Spain, Honduras, Cozumel and Mazatlan (an incredibly unique area of Mexico).

This was another one of those years I can’t look back unequivocally and say this was a great year or a bust. As per usual, it was right in the middle, as I imagine many would say.

I definitely went through some pretty tough stuff this year – some of it too personal to share – but I can tell you it wasn’t all great. Sadly, 2015 reminded me there are still people out there that just completely suck and try to tear down your reputation and career. It’s a hard concept to grasp that small-minded people exist, and not just that, but you let them in your life. But it’s life. And we all have to deal with it – unfortunately. And hopefully learn from it. 

Since October, I’ve also battled some pretty gnarly health issues, which remain

unresolved. That doesn’t make for a pleasant year, but going through these tough times, I have realized who really cares about me and how thankful I am to have these people in my life. People that would drop anything and wait TWO HOURS in line at Krispy Kreme because you were craving it after surgery. Thanks Jennifer. 

2015 wasn’t all bad. Here are a few highlights:

One killer thing that happened was that I was granted the opportunity to be the guest editor for the first-ever sports issue for LOCAL Houston Magazine. In 19 years in business, I was their first guest editor EVER. Not only was it a learning experience, it was humbling.

I wrote a book. Not the memoir you’re all anxiously awaiting to read, but a children’s book with NFL veteran, Wade Smith, which will benefit The Wade Smith Foundation. The book is due out in print in March and I am beyond thrilled with this project and how it took shape.

Women’s Health Magazine named me a “Bona Fide Fitness Queen,” which was pretty badass and a huge compliment.

I secured some great new sponsorships and partnerships – one I’m really excited about heading into the New Year is working with Callaway Golf. Before you ask – I am not good. But that’s the point – I’m going to learn.

Believe it or not, I went on another cruise, even after my terrible incident with the Carnival Triumph a few years ago. And I had an absolute blast. Not only was it a blast (and I got a great tan), but I met some of the best girlfriends I could ever ask for. These girls will surely be friends for life, and for that I am so thankful. Even if we would have been forced to use red plastic bags, we would have figured out how to have fun.

I took a much needed and incredibly beautiful trip to Belize to reset my mind, my body and my goals and intentions. It’s a ladies-only trip that happens twice a year and I highly recommend it. (I also have a discount code if you’re interested – email me.)

I’ve already got one of the biggest and most unique projects of my career (the entrepreneur version of it) lined up, and I’m excited to share that VERY SOON.

So thanks to all of you that helped get me through 2015 – and for those of you that tried to bring me down – BYE FELICIA.

Here’s a look back at Kissing 2014 Goodbye and my 2013 Review.

I was recently turned on to Alpha Industries and their line of flight jackets and parkas. It took me forever to decide on a jacket, but I fell in love with the Helo Bomber Utility Jacket in Steel Blue (see what I did there, Texans fans?).

See the post directly on the Alpha Industries blog.

Look #1 – Layering is all the rage with the amount of travel I do and how quickly I go from hot to freezing cold in a matter of seconds. A pair of quality jeans are my weakness, rolled up with a pair of strappy heels and a flannel around my waist along with the oversized Helo Bomber Utility makes me feel incredibly comfortable, but still on point with trends.

Look #2 – I rarely get super dressed up, but I will rock a LBD (little black dress) pretty much any day of the week. Sticking with comfort and ease, a pair of ankle boots with a little heel keeps it girly and functional, and the Helo Bomber Utility brings it back down to a fun and flirty playing field.

Look #3 – As a sportswriter and always on the go, I love a simply graphic tee and Converse. The Helo Bomber Utility adds to the already sporty and comfortable look, giving it a little extra edge and personality, and the beanie helps hide the fact I had to get ready super fast. Bonus: all the extra pockets in the jacket make it an easy wear since I don’t always like carrying around a purse!

Thanks to Alpha Industries for featuring me on their blog. Lots of cool celebs rock these jackets, so hoping that up’s my cool factor just a tad.

Our 4th annual JingleBALLS has come and gone, and boy was it a good time!

For starters, THANK YOU to all who came, donated, sponsored and just showed support. This is The Blonde Side’s 4th year doing this charity event, and each year it has benefited the Ronald McDonald House Houston. (See the end of this post why we picked RMH as our beneficiary.)

This year, our beautiful co-host was a fellow blonde, Caitlyn Beth – former Houston Texans Cheerleader and model and just an all around do-gooder and fun time. Caitlyn added a bit of flair and fancy to this year’s event and we were so honored to have her as part of the team.

Event Recap: For the 2nd straight year, JingleBALLS was hosted at Gage Lounge in Midtown, and they were the best hosts imaginable. The staff truly went above and beyond helping us set up and keep the night rolling. Thanks to you guys!

We raised more money at JingleBALLS: 4th & Goal than any others and we packed TWO CHEVY TAHOE’S to the rim with brand new balls that we took to the Santa Store at RMH the next day. We raised a couple thousand dollars this year as well, which is a new addition to the balls we’ve donated in the past.

Our Silent Auction table was a hit (as always) and for those curious – our top two items were the Mike Trout autographed baseball (generously donated by BODYARMOR SuperDrink), and the seats and field passes to a 2016 Astros v. Rangers game (generously donated by Astros GM Jeff Luhnow).

A big thank you to FOX26 Houston for having Caitlyn and I on the morning show promoting JingleBALLS – every year the FOX26 family has been so helpful getting the word out and we love working with them (not to mention a number of their amazing staff attended the event!).

Another big thank you to our title event sponsor, TicketCity for not only sponsoring the

event, but giving away a $500 raffle item for future use of tickets. NOTE: use the link above for 10% off any concert/sporting tickets purchased BY December 31st – discount is automatically taken at checkout.

To keep the party rocking, drinks were donated (each guest who donated a ball for RMH or $20 received two complimentary drink tickets) by Dos Equis (STAY THIRSTY) and Finlandia Vodka, Jack Daniel’s (Honey and Jack Daniel’s Fire) tasty concoctions. Probably our best (and most festive) drink menu yet!

Our check-in table was sponsored by The Millennium High Street luxury apartments off Westheimer and we had light bites courtesy of one of Houston’s most popular restaurants, Corner Table.

We also had a super fun photobooth – this was our 2nd year working with Mark McVey at TapSnap1088, and it was amazing. (If you plan to have a photobooth at your next event, please mention JingleBALLS or The Blonde Side for a small discount and to thank him for his donation!)

Please be sure to LIKE The Blonde Side on FB to stay up-to-date with all things sports, humor, fitness, travel and other great events like this. Here are the event pictures from the evening – a big thanks to Quy Ngo and Bryan Anderson (Beauty in Art) for stopping by and snapping some festive photos.

This year’s event committee: Justin Capetillo, Leigh Evans, Hollie Fulsom (and CharitaBulls), April Guzik (our graphic designer – DayZeroCreative), Braidee Ireland, Ciara Major (the lady behind the silent auction table each year!), David Nagy (EndZone King, duh!), Sarah Smith, and Rodney Waites. We also had the folks at Running Game Clothing  there – check out their Houston sports apparel line – use code THEBLONDESIDE for 10% off.

One last big T H A N K Y O U to all who came, donated, and especially sponsored. If you’re reading this, please go show some LOVE to our sponsors – follow them on social media and go visit their businesses. Donating time and money to a charity is a very unique thing and JingleBALLS wouldn’t exist without them.

Lastly, for those still reading…I wanted to share why The Blonde Side has chosen Ronald McDonald House as our beneficiary for this great event the last four years.

I have always had a big heart for giving back, but as someone who doesn’t make a lot of money (oh the joys of being a freelance writer!), I’ve always wanted to work with charities that benefit immediately from every dollar and ball we donate. I know times are tough and not everyone has hundreds or thousands of dollars to donate, especially around the holidays, so we wanted a charity that would be happy and able to use what we were able to give – no matter how small it may seem compared to that of other large corporations or events.

Four years ago, I reached out to a few friends that were very tapped into the Houston community, especially the non-profit world. I asked them to share what charities they thought would benefit most from this idea of an event that was brewing in my little blonde mind and they came back with some great suggestions.

One of them, Kevin Moody (Kevin, I hope you’re reading this, because I’m not sure you even know you’re the reason behind all of this!) suggested the Ronald McDonald House (RMH). He not only suggested it, he championed for it.

One thing I learned after reaching out to RMH and their Santa Store was that it not only

benefited the sick children at the house, but their siblings. I personally have FOUR friends I went to college with that have children under the age of four that have been diagnosed with some form of cancer. After talking with them, the parents and staff at the RMH, one of the biggest things I learned was that the siblings are often not a top priority, especially during the holidays.

The parents and other family members are so focused on their sick child – trying to heal them, make them comfortable, always visiting the doctor, trying new meds, etc. – that there isn’t a lot of time for holiday shopping. The RMH Santa Store benefits the entire family, so they can all enjoy the happiest of holidays, as best they can. To me, that is something special.

Even now, writing this post, I have goosebumps. Some might think a silly basketball means nothing in the grand scheme of things, especially when up against a terrible disease like cancer, but it means the absolute world to some children.

So thank you, truly from the bottom of my heart for not only supporting The Blonde Side’s annual holiday event, but for making a huge difference in the lives of so many that walk through the doors of Ronald McDonald Houses across the nation.

And here’s one last plug/encouragement to each of you (the few still reading!) – I urge you to find a charity near and dear to your heart that you can help. Maybe it isn’t planning a huge event like JingleBALLS or donating money, but volunteering your time. Find what you’re passionate about, what your strengths are, what makes you happy and go find that non-profit in your area that can use your help. Send emails to friends (like I did), or post on FB asking for suggestions. Giving back is something we are able to and should do. I know we don’t all have a lot of time (remember, we all have the same number of hours in a day as Beyonce!), but it can be as simple as reading at a local library or helping deliver meals.

THAT’S IT – HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND THANKS AGAIN TO ALL OF YOU!

Entrepreneur Excitement Blog Series #2 – Neiter Creative with Jo Neiter

Many people don’t realize I went to school for Advertising and Marketing – not writing or journalism. (If you take one look at my misuse of commas, you’d know that right away.)

I’ve always thought that the one thing that has set me apart from other sportswriters/bloggers is my creativity. Going to school and having had the opportunity to work at ad agencies trained my brain in a completely unique way. It taught me that when all the cameras and voice recorders were pointed one direction, I should look the other direction – because that’s where you might find a unique angle no one else even noticed.

Being so interested in branding and graphic design, I run into many talented people, and one of those is Jo Neiter. She’s virtually brand new to running her own business, but as far as what she’s accomplished and how “put together” she is in such a short amount of time, she is downright astounding! And I’d be lying if I didn’t say she was pretty good (and serious!) about fantasy football as well. (She’s also seriously into working out, and I need to invite her to a RYDE class, stat.)

Check out The Blonde Side’s exclusive interview with the fashionable and creative genius below:

The Blonde Side: Tell us who you are? 

Jo Neiter: Owner & Founder of Neiter Creative

TBS: Describe your business and how long you’ve been in business? 

JN: Neiter Creative is a boutique branding and web design company. We are the young age of 1 but have over 40 clients.

TBS: You work in a creative industry – in your own words, tell me what creative means to you? 

JN: Creativity is a continuous state of mind. I don’t think you can turn it off and then turn it back on. If you are a creative person, the things around you are constantly inspiring you.

TBS: How did we meet?

JN: We became blonde soul mates about 5 years ago.. I think? Through a mutual friend, Michelle Tarallo. Jayme was a celebrity guest bartender for a charity event and was drinking more champagne than she was serving! We bonded over our love of football and our tendency to make inappropriately vulgar comments.

TBS: Have you partnered with The Blonde Side on any projects? 

JN: Not yet… but we will. I am sure of it. 

TBS: Tell me about your job?

JN: As owner and founder of Neiter Creative, I find myself being designer, accountant, sales person, marketing director and account manager. I am sure many small business owners also have this “business multiple personality disorder.” What is most important to me, is that my client’s never realize how busy I am. Just because NC is busy, they will still get badass designs, quick responses and an attention to their business that goes beyond any one project. I am constantly thinking of my clients and new ways to enhance their branding and websites.

TBS: Do you have any funny Jayme moments to recount?

JN: Specific funny moments are eluding me, because I feel like every time we hang out I am with the blonde version of Chrissy Teigen and everything is hilarious.

Editor’s Note: BEST. COMPLIMENT. EVER.

TBS: If you had to describe Jayme’s style…?

JN: Jessica Simpson.. Hair did,  jean shorts and some sort of witty tank, but she also cleans up really nice. :)

TBS: What’s the one thing about graphic design most people don’t understand? 

JN: I think people underestimate how much thought and time goes into the development of a strong logo. I have a lot of people tell me “My friend got a logo for $100.” I just want to point out that the person who produced that logo was either not a designer or grossly underestimates their value and services.

TBS: What do you consider your strong suits when it comes to your design capabilities? 

JN: I think I have a great knack for understanding my clients aesthetic. I create designs that are representative of the best version of them.

TBS: Absolute favorite thing about Houston?

JN: Undoubtedly, my favorite thing about Htown is that there are so many young entrepreneurs. These young business owners are coming up with unique ideas and then working their asses off.

TBS: What does supporting not only local Houston folks mean to you, but specifically other women? Do you find it rare to see other women wanting to help others instead of tearing them down?

JN: I have gotten to know some unbelievably amazing women who are in my industry and could be considered competitors. However, we really support each other and direct business and ideas to one another. Shout out to Amelia Tomjanovich of Ringside Design and Megan Davis of Toast & Laurel! And then of course Jayme! Jayme and I are always attending events together to further our knowledge of social media and marketing.

TBS: It takes balls to go out and start your own business – what was the final straw for you that said “now is the time?” 

JN: I was on my way to Bolivia and had just had a challenging couple months at work. I was frustrated and venting to my husband and he asked me, “What do you want to do?” It seems like an obvious question, but it was one I had not asked myself. As soon as he asked me I realized I wanted to start my own company and develop a group of clients that I really believe in.  

TBS: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned running your own business you

wish someone had told you earlier?

JN: Come up with a business plan. A five year plan and a ten year plan! Also get Quickbooks. It is key to know what you are making and what you are spending. (Someone did tell me this and I ignored them.. whoops!)

TBS: What is your driving force behind running your own business? What keeps you going?

JN: This is cheesy as shit, but my husband keeps me going. He is an unbelievably supportive man who believes in me and also happens to be quite sexy.

Editor’s Note: I can vouch for said sexiness… 

TBS: Since this is a sports column, I must ask…favorite team?

JN: Ummmm…. RAVENS! Duh. I am a Baltimore girl and I bleed purple with a hint of black and gold, because I also love the Saints.

TBS: A magazine, website or author you can’t put down?

JN: I love fashion magazines and am particularly obsessed with my friend Alyssa Vingan’s articles on Fashionista.com. Alyssa is smart, funny and so stylish. It is kind of annoying. I also love romance novels…the more scandalous the better!

TBS: Look in your bag – what’s the most random thing in there?

JN: A partially empty protein bistro box from Starbucks. And… it is from yesterday.

TBS: We are literally almost done with 2015 (shocking and scary!) – what is ONE goal you have for the remainder of the year?

JN: For the remainder of the year I am trying to be more present and focused. It is hard to not always be thinking about the next thing.

TBS: Halloween costume you’re most proud of? 

JN: My friend Michelle and I were angels and our “brother” Brian was God. We all bartended together at The Boot in New Orleans, and if you know anything about being a bartender or about The Boot in particular…it does give you a little God complex!

TBS: Moment you are most proud of?

JN: I am most proud of the moment I decided to head to New Orleans, La and attend Loyola University New Orleans. I was scared and nervous, which is often a sign you are about to do the right thing.

TBS: Anything you want to add? 

JN: I am so thankful for Jayme. Despite our immature humor, we have a very mature friendship and mutual respect.

TBS: How can The Blonde Side fans become fans of yours on social media? 

JN: @neitercreative on twitter, instagram, FB and pinterest

Sponsor: You can’t be as active (and ridiculously good looking) as Jo Neiter without some workout inspo and guess what? Spin is in. Thanks to studios and classes offered by places like RYDE Houston. Given both our busy schedules (and her tenaciousness to kick my butt at all things associated with sweating and working out), our next GIRLBOSS date will be a class at RYDE. Pick your class Jo, and let’s go!

Know someone we should profile in this Entrepreneur Excitement Series? Leave a comment below or shoot us an email – jayme @ theblondeside [.] com.