Editor’s Note: In honor of the many everyday Staten Islanders who give back, make change, inspire others, advocate and/or care about their community, we are highlighting some of the standouts, and honoring them as Staten Island’s Brightest Lights of 2025.
Staten Island’s Brightest Lights of 2025: Tierra Milton
Tierra Milton, lovingly known as Staten Island’s “Mother of Hair,” has turned a deeply personal journey into a powerful mission to uplift others. After battling hair loss that led her to shave her head, she realized hair isn’t just aesthetic, but tied to identity, confidence, and self-love.
Fueled by this revelation, Milton founded She and Her Studio, a salon rooted in empowerment and education. Drawing from her own experience, she specializes in nurturing hair health and integrity — especially for diverse hair types — while coaching women to build a respectful, loving relationship with their hair.
Milton’s story resonates beyond the salon chair. What began as a personal struggle became a catalyst for whole-community change, as she uses her platform to redefine beauty standards and mentor others facing hair challenges. By transforming vulnerability into strength and empathy into expertise, Tierra Milton has become an inspiring testament to resilience and the profound impact one person can make.
Here is her story, originally published July 4, 2025:
A Staten Island salon owner is inspiring her clients to embrace their unique beauty—just like she did when experiencing a dramatic change in appearance after she had to shave her head following hair loss…