Here’s a question for you tonight: Have you ever worn a wig? There’s a woman in Erie County who’s been coaching and reviewing wigs for years, online. And just one month ago, she opened a store in Edinboro, where there’s a surplus of wigs for those needing or just wanting one. But her journey is also a personal one.

For the past seven years, Tia Vaught has been hosting educational YouTube sessions on wigs.

What first started out as a beauty channel, then developed into education and reviews on wigs and hairpieces for clients around the nation. 

"When I was filming, I started to notice the light was going through, there was thinning, there were areas you don’t normally see, and I was like, 'Wow, I’m starting, I’m losing my hair,'" said Tia. 

Tia says she started to learn everything there is about wigs. While most of her clientele comes from live sales, she does, she now has a place where customers can come to talk about their needs, see the wigs, the hair extensions, and the hair toppers in person and try them on.

She opened Tia Maria Wigs inside the Edinboro Mall off Plum Street in October.

"A lot of my clients are coming to me because of either cancer treatments or all types of alopecia," said Tia. 

She also has clients who just want to try a new look.

"I carry 37 brands right now," said Tia. "So I have access to about 800 pieces probably, from extensions to clip-ins, synthetic human hair."

Every wig can be individualized, whether it be the length, the color, the style, or even the cost.

"I have ones that are in the 50 to 60 dollar price range, and there are human hair pieces that can get into the $6,000 range," said Tia. 

She can ship what’s in stock right from the store or order it in.

Most importantly, Tia shares her knowledge during in-person appointments. That goes for brides or anyone also wanting to check out the variety of hair accessories sold in-store to complete a confident look. 

Tia also works very closely with the Cancer Center in Erie to help female patients there. She also operates a private Facebook page to help answer and provide hair and wig resources to others.