A Northwest Indiana Life in the Spotlight: Tara Potocki

For Tara Potocki, beauty has always been about more than what’s on the outside. It’s about confidence, connection and community, built one relationship at a time. Operating as Tara Potocki LLC and known on social media as NWI Hair and Lash, Potocki runs a home-based studio in Hebron offering hair, lashes, spray tans and brow services. By showing up authentically and prioritizing connection, Potocki has built a business rooted as much in relationships as it is in beauty.

Growing up during the rise of YouTube beauty tutorials, Potocki gravitated toward makeup and began doing friends’ hair and makeup for proms and special events while still in high school. It wasn’t until she started getting her hair done by Samantha Ploskonka that she really thought about making a career out of her passion.

“I just loved her whole lifestyle: being her own boss and having that freedom,” Potocki said. “It was everything I wanted to do.”

That inspiration led her to attend Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School in Chicago, which she fell in love with instantly. However, it was the people—not just the profession—that kept her motivated. Potocki says building genuine relationships behind the chair has always been the most rewarding part of her work.

“I love the connection between people,” she said. “I love creating true relationships and giving people confidence. Being behind the chair all day feels like working with your friends. Once you’re your true, authentic self, it doesn’t feel like work anymore. Your vibe attracts your tribe.”

After graduating, Potocki gained experience at a high-end Chicago salon but quickly realized she wanted more creative freedom and the ability to offer a wider variety of services. That realization ultimately pushed her to take a leap of faith and start her own business.

Returning to her hometown of Hebron became a turning point. As a lifelong resident, Potocki appreciated the small-town atmosphere and the way personal connections naturally overlapped. Initially, she worried a small community wouldn’t be enough to support a solo business. Instead, it became one of her greatest strengths.

“The small-town vibe really works in my favor,” she said. “The connections you make are real, and they all build off each other. I truly believe in community over competition. When you have good intentions with people, they’ll help you in return. You never know when you’re going to be in a bind as a business owner, and I’d rather lead with positivity. I believe everything comes back to you.”

Starting her own LLC came with its challenges, particularly early on. Navigating taxes, paperwork and business logistics felt overwhelming at first but became more manageable with experience—and inspired her to help others do the same.

Her advice to young women considering entrepreneurship is straightforward.

“Just go for it,” she said. “Stop holding yourself back and listening to that voice saying, ‘What if I fail?’ You’re already way ahead of everyone who didn’t even try.”

In 2023, Potocki experienced a personal loss that reshaped her perspective. After losing her brother, she found renewed motivation to keep pushing forward.

“One day I just woke up and thought, he would want so much more for you,” she said. “As tragic as it was, he truly inspires me every day. You have to just keep going. I’m really grateful for what I do. I get to make people feel confident, and there’s a level of trust there that means everything to me.”