Photography: Courtesy of Tim "Bo" Mack/@timboplease
SalonCentric #ItTakesAPro Team Artist Tim “Bo” Mack (@timboplease) has never been one to play it safe. His career is a testament to the power of bold moves and unwavering passion, from the risks he took along the way to his signature vivid looks. For Mack, what started as a childhood fascination with hair quickly turned into a lifelong calling—one that has led him to become a PRAVANA Global Creative Artist, editorial stylist, salon transformation coach, and owner of his own studio suite in Corpus Christi, Texas.
His work has been featured in prominent publications as well New York Fashion Week, where he’s styled for acclaimed designers such as Oona Nicole, J. Allison, Jaer Caben, and Wilberto Perez. In 2017, Mack was awarded PRAVANA’s Artistic Educator of the Year, and today, he still spends much of his time inspiring and training the next generation of stylists.
Mack is so much more than a stylist and educator—he’s redefining what it means to be a beauty professional, blending artistry with purpose and bringing a fresh perspective to the industry. Here, he opens up about his journey, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and what’s next for him in 2025 and beyond.
Photography: Courtesy of Tim "Bo" Mack/@timboplease
Tim “Bo” Mack’s Journey to Success
If you ask Mack, he’ll tell you that the hair industry was always on his radar. “I've always wanted to do hair ever since I was a little kid. I grew up during a time where you started your career by working in the garage, practicing on friends and family in the neighborhood,” recalls Mack. When he graduated from high school in 2001, he went straight into beauty school, and it wasn’t long before his talent took the industry by storm.
He began his career focusing mainly on men’s grooming but soon found himself gravitating towards women’s haircuts, coloring, and styling. However, like most stylists, Mack’s journey wasn’t without its risks and challenges. “At one point in my career, I wanted to audition to join a design team, but because I was just starting out, I didn’t have a lot of flexible income,” he says.
"Then, someone gave me some great advice, which was to invest in myself. So, I literally wiped out my savings account just to go to this audition. It was scary because I knew that I was there with no money, so this had to work. But I had to take this risk and turn it into an opportunity, and fortunately, everything worked out.”
SalonCentric: What’s one fun fact that people might not know about you?
Tim “Bo” Mack: I love to sing! I grew up in singing at school, church, and even in college. It’s very rare when I do sing, but if the moment happens and there is a mic present, you better watch out! I’m gonna go for it!
SC: What made you gravitate towards color?
TBM: I started my career with men's haircuts, then gravitated into women's cuts and styling. I soon realized that I wanted to make changes to a lot of the looks I was doing, and the easiest way to do that was with color. Color allowed me to really alter the way the hair looks visually. I also found out how much more money you could make by elevating your average haircut with color services. I remember thinking, “Wow, I really need to focus more on this.” So that was when I started to focus more on skillset and technique to become a stronger colorist.”
SC: What’s s your favorite shampoo and conditioner at the moment?
TBM: My favorite shampoo and conditioner at the moment is PRAVANA’s Intense Therapy regimen. It’s formulated with PRAVANA’s ReUnite Mending Technology, which is proven to reduce breakage by up to 98%, improve manageability, maintain smoothness, and add shine to damaged hair. As a stylist, I’m hard on my hair, so any extra help I can get, I’m taking advantage of it!
SC: How do you approach education and staying ahead of trends and new techniques in such a fast-paced industry?
TBM: I make it a point to attend workshops, webinars, and industry events as much as I can. I also follow fellow professionals on social media to stay connected with fresh ideas and the latest trends. I’m a huge advocate for learning and creating, so I dedicate time every month to practice new techniques. And, finally, I love to people watch. I ask myself simple questions such as, “What are they wearing?” and “What colors am I seeing a lot of ?” These are simple ways to get my brain going with fresh ideas.
SC: If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring 4 hair products or tools, what would you bring?
TBM: That’s easy! If I’m stranded on an island, I’m going to need these four essentials, always: my pick, silk bonnet, hair sponge, and PRAVANA’s Vivid Emerald color! I’m a kinky hair guy, so as long as I have these four tools, my hair will definitely be on point—even on a deserted island!
SC: What’s the biggest misconception about working in the hair industry?
TBM: Many people think working in the hair industry is all the transformation that happens on the outside. This year, I have shifted my mindset on creating transformations on the inside of each and every person that I work with. This is the truly the way that we, as artists, have the potential to change and uplift the world! That’s why I’m so proud call myself not just a stylist but a Transformation Specialist! It’s more than a career—it’s a calling!
SC: Is there a hair color or look you’ve wanted to try but haven’t had the guts yet?
TBM: I have this over-the-top idea of bringing to life all the elements—fire, water, air, and earth—as a tribute to Earth Day! I would like it to be as if these elements were real clients that walked into my studio and wanted to “update their look.” We’re talking wardrobe, nails, makeup, color, cut, and styling. Then, I’d end the experience with an epic photo shoot to reintroduce them to the world! I think it would be fun to push the boundaries but I haven’t had clients who are ready for it (yet).
Photography: Courtesy of Tim "Bo" Mack/@timboplease
SC: If you had to describe your career in three words, what would they be and why?
TBM: Creative, rewarding, and evolving. My career is all about creating new looks and solutions for clients, and it’s rewarding to see them feel confident. And lastly, the beauty industry is constantly changing and I’m always evolving—I think this keeps things exciting!
SC: If you could invent any product for the beauty industry, what would it be?
TBM: A product that I would love to see is a bona fide hair growth system! I see many clients and people in the industry battle several forms of alopecia. Throughout my career, I’ve seen how awesome hair can change lives, not just on the outside, but the inside as well. To be able to have a product that can help do that? WOW! That would an amazing service to offer behind the chair as well. But what can I say … I’m just dreaming now … but I would love to make it a reality!
SC: Do you have any favorite songs or playlists that help get you through long days at the salon?
TBM: I love listening to upbeat playlists. Right now, I’m jamming out to a ton of ‘90s jams like Boyz II Men, 112, and Jodeci! I’m also loving me some Beyonce “My House” and Chloe “Have Mercy”—just to name a few. I have this rule at my studio: The first person to arrive dictates the vibe for the day. I’ve had jazz days with Boney James, high energy moments with David Guetta, and spicy latin heat from the Kumbia Kings and Pitbull. I’m definitely a chameleon when it comes to my music playlist!
SC: Do you have any words of advice for fellow beauty professionals?
TBM: Remember that, in this industry, you’re always going to be a student—you never stop being a student. You can learn something from everybody. I’m learning something new from someone every day. There's an old saying, “If you did not learn something new today, you have wasted it’”—I try to always keep this wisdom in mind. Always be open minded and receive all the information you can. There’s always more to learn.
SC: Can you tell us about a person who has had a big impact in your life?
TBM: A person that I’ve always looked up to, and still do, is my grandmother. She's no longer in the land of the living, but I strive to make her proud in everything I do. I also look up to my daughter, even though she’s not in the industry. Something she told me a long time ago was, “Daddy, can you make me a mermaid tail?” and I remember telling her, “Kaylee, what makes you think that I know how to make a mermaid tail?”
Her reply? “But Daddy, you can do anything”! She's one of the people that I always look up to because she has no fear—she's not scared of anything. She goes for it no matter what, even if she's not going to do well. And I wish that I had those types of guts.
SalonCentric: How has your experience been working in a suite versus a salon environment?
TBM: I feel like, with my own suite, I finally have control over my destiny as well as my schedule. Becoming a suite owner has given me the flexibility to tap into even more opportunities like advanced education, teaching, and networking. When working in a salon, you're controlled by the owner’s schedule, such as when you come in and how long you must stay in.
SalonCentric: What’s one lesson you wish you knew when first starting your career?
TBM: Celebrate every opportunity—the good ones and the bad ones. Everyone’s excited when they accomplish something great but very few people celebrate the not-so-good moments. It’s important to recognize that there are opportunities for you to learn and grow with the not-so-good things. Looking back at some of the downsides in my past, I didn’t try to truly learn from those lessons until later. Reflecting on my career today, I see more clearly that those things happened for a reason, which was to prepare me for future opportunities.
SalonCentric: What’s next for you in 2025 and beyond? Are you working on anything exciting personally or professionally at the moment?
TBM: I’m so excited to finally share this! I have declared 2025 my “year of intent”—I plan to be very intentional about the way that I move in my crazy world. Last year, I experienced a huge weight loss journey that completely transformed my life outside, as well as inside. I started journaling and used that experience to write a book! My personal journey ignited my soul and I had to share it with everyone. I’m also dreaming and praying to finally create my clothing line. There a lot on the horizon for me this year, so stay tuned!
Keep up with #ItTakesAPro Team Artist Tim “Bo” Mack on social media @timboplease for even more beauty industry education, tips, and creative inspiration. And don’t forget to check out his texture service tips for success here: How To Introduce Texture Services at Your Salon.
