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Daily Inspiration: Meet Tena Parker

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Tena Parker

Tena, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m Tena Parker, the proud CEO and Founder of Uniting Artist LLC. With over 30 years in the film industry as a second-generation IATSE Local 706 department head hairstylist, I’ve seen some incredible highs and challenging lows in our community—especially in light of recent events.
Since the pandemic kicked off in March 2020, our industry has not been the same.
I was the department head hair on “For All Mankind,” season 2,”when all productions shut down March 13, 2020. With just 2 weeks left to finish the season.
When we did returned, to “FAM” I soon after, went straight to Oklahoma, for a Indy film called, “Reagan.”
I then returned back to LA, for “For all Man Kind, season 3” in 2021 then straight to Atlanta, that fall for a series called, “Monarch”until the summer of 2022.
There was hope for our film industry, productions were beginning to gain traction, & covid protocols lessened… Then the double industry strike of 2023; SAG & WGA lasting 148 days followed suit.
The pending 3rd strike for IATSE agreements were made until August 4, 2024, so productions scared of the pending strike held back budget & productions. But wait, there’s more.
Compile that and the threat of AI technology technology advancements replacing artisans, has forced many of our vested crews members to pivot careers after vesting 30+ years, and too young to retire. This has created some new hurdles for the uniquely talented artisans and vendors who support the film Industry as a whole. Lastly, (I say with a silent prayer as I write this) the fires of 2025. I don’t mean to sound dramatic, but nobody could have written such a sad, depressing drama, reality story such as this. Nobody is exempt. Above & below the line, actors, writers, editors, and my beloved crew members that have lost their health benefits, homes, cars and most of all being able to be a part of the circus we call home, the film industry. I
confess to being one of those people that had “It all” but was just masking to carry on…

Flashing back to that summer In 2022, I pulled my retirement early. with barely making the required age, hours worked and vested years as a union member required to do so, but still left with $60,000.00 in debt from the debt my ex-husband left me with, no home to go go home to.
I had just finished putting my last son through college.
It was suppose to be easier now. But I was left homeless & still in debt from the divorce.
I felt broken, my light dim, and my body responded with an unexpected needed surgery with an 8 week recovery. My family’s unconditional love let me heal both mentally & physically. I reconnected with nature, honed in on my salon skills working in the family business with my sister in law & niece.
I asked myself, what now…Those that know me, know I carry a light from within me, to share those whose light may have dimmed.
I recognize, lessons are needed to have empathy. It was with the grace I was given, that I understood my mission going forward.
I now had a healthy body, a gifted creator’s ADHD brain, a youthful spirit and excitement to help hunt & gather to “feed” my community!

I was called back to the state that helped launch my career.
With an humble heart, I chose to walk in faith, towards the sate, I loved & family I had left 20 years ago in 2003.
20 years later, the prodigal daughter, I moved back to Utah with a faith that God would provide.
He did indeed. As Utah is a right to work state & has great film incentives, Indy films flock to Utah for the diverse climates, epic mountains, and strong film community. I worked on 3 films that year! Escape from Germany, Grizzly Night & homestead as waivers were given to these last 2 productions feeding the local film community.
As 2024 rounded the end of the year, I realized my opportunity to give back to the industry that my mother & I thrived in, but we both hadn’t time while jobs were a plenty.
December 2024: my dream of an education platform creating a from cosmetologist to hairstyling for the film industry. As I talked about this often…and algorithms listening…I applied & was cast for a reality competition entrepreneurial show called , Beta Blox TV, where 100 companies were chosen from 50,000!
At Uniting Artist LLC, ( working name which may slightly change, due to trademark laws) we’re all about creating a supportive and inclusive environment that champions education and professional development. We’re on a mission to stand against bullying and provide a platform for artists eager to share their talents and knowledge. Together, we can lift each other up and achieve abundance for the artisans in need.
I’m looking to collaborate with individuals and companies who resonate with our vision. Through workshops, training sessions, and creative partnerships, we aim to nurture artists at every stage of their journey. Let’s build a vibrant network that celebrates creativity and innovation!

If you’re interested in teaming up or just want to chat about potential collaborations, I’d love to hear from you! UnitingArtist@gmail.com

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As a self-employed hairstylist specializing in the film and television industry, I have consistently displayed a remarkable aptitude for entrepreneurial endeavors, but hadn’t really defined it as such. With over three decades of experience as a department head, I have catered to the unique demands of the Film Industry working abroad as well as multiple states in our nation. I was responsable for budgeting, hiring, designing, and able to represent my department in production meetings, breaking down scripts and schedules and so much more including mentoring.

Utah holds a special place in my heart, as I started my career here in 1989, being brought in for a movie called “Nora’s Christmas Gift.”
I moved to Park City, Utah, immediately, working on top shows like, “Touched by an angel,” many LDS film projects, and after four films with Robert Redford, (my 1st being” A river Runs Through it and ”3 films being his personal hairstylist. “Spy Games, “The Clearing” and “An Unfinished Life,” I was given the opportunity to join the Los Angeles IATSE Local 706 guild.
So I left Utah in 2003, and continued my career and now have top TV series such as “glee,” “how imet your mother,” “Jane the Virgin” and “Hawaii Five-O” & Jag.
I also did Films like ,“The Last Song,”(As Miley Cyrus’, Personal hairstylist.) and “Reagan” which filmed during the pandemic as mentioned before.
When I returned to Utah in the summer of 2023, I was fortunate enough to reconnect with some of my esteemed colleagues in the film industry, on “Escape from Germany,” which was produced and directed by my friend & college TC Christendom. I worked on his 1st directorial debut, in 1993, “ Seasons of the Heart,” and reminisced of days in the past. This felt like home again.
2024 was wild as I had 3 features in theaters released “ “Escape from Germany” “Homestead” & “Reagan. You see I am known for doing episodic, but this was just part of the grand plan, as it added credibility, for my company. 70+ credits on IMDB
Helped my credibility building a community platform for the film industry’s story artisans.
Utah has a truly exceptional film crew, many of whom possess versatile skill sets across multiple departments, fostering a distinct spirit of collaboration. The allure of experienced crews, four distinct seasons, and the breathtaking mountains and landscape of Utah aptly contribute to its reputation as a cinematic haven, as well as the Utah film incentives, including a 20-25% tax credit on qualified in-state spending. The incentive is available for narrative documentaries and episodic series.

Currently, I am employed part-time at Refinery 33 Salon in Millcreek, working beside my friend of 30+ years! Undoubtedly, the primary challenge faced by my entrepreneurial venture lies in securing adequate funding. I have bootstrapped Uniting Artist with my personal retirement funds, a testament to my unwavering dedication and commitment. If you or someone you know wishes to contribute to my passion meets purpose, Uniting all Artists. I have a long roadmap and would love to share our pitch deck for those interested in collaborating, and helping with funding this mission.
Oh yes… and it will be a non profit by the fall, so get those tax write offs ready to support this mission!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My 30+ years experience in the film industry has given me the time to hone in on perfecting my skills. My hunger for knowledge is fed by learning the latest techniques in hair extensions, product knowledge & fun commercials like DirectTV’s campaign “ nothing on your roof,” by creating a topless wig, for George Kittle! Being able to design hairstyles with the creative team of Producers, writers, directors and actors is a collaborative process in which I thrive. it is in my confident hands, that actors feel at ease. They enjoy my optimistic energy which greets them each day at work. As “time is money,” Productions not only appreciate my talents but also the efficiency in which I can lead my teams, budgets and works within schedules. It is beyond my salon skills, that makes me an exceptional industry stylist. I am an expert in styling wigs and their application. I am certified in multiple extension brands and I know and respect working with multicultural textured hair. My passion for hair started in my youth. I had always been involved with the performing arts and not only did my own hair for productions, but helped my fellow cast members too. Unbeknownst to me, i was her destined to follow my mother, Bunny Parker’s footsteps and be an industry hairstylist. At the age of 22 I was designing her own shows and has continued thriving in my craft to this day. How cool is it, that my first feature film was being Assist department head hairstylist for my mother, Bunny Parker on the period film “A River Runs Through it.”
SerendipityI also was able to be assistant department head hairstylist on
My Mother’s last film before she retired, which was, “My Sister’s keeper.
I continue my education in this ever evolving industry and feels blessed to be part of this magical world. I also love to mentor the upcoming stylist in the industry, and has spoken at many schools, enticing new stylist to join the same career path. It is Albert Einstein’s quote “Creativity is intelligence having fun” that captures Tena’s spirit.

As for Uniting Artist, the name in itself defines the company. The focus on Unity has never been more needed. “Be a Uniting Artist!”

What matters most to you? Why?
Time.
Time is not just a mere concept to me, it is the very essence of my Love. It is a precious, fleeting gift that, once gone, can never be retrieved. Each passing second fills me with a relentless hunger for more, especially when it comes to my family and close friends.

My childhood was a whirlwind of constant change, an ever-shifting tapestry of nine different schools across various states. My family’s nomadic existence, dictated by job opportunities and the complexities of divorced parents, shaped the very core of my being. But let me assure you, I harbor no bitterness towards this chaotic dance with destiny. It was simply the rhythm of life that I embraced with open arms. The first two weeks were always hard. Predictable. Mean girls and bullies exist now as they did then. Interestingly enough, those who misjudged me and gossiped about me eventually came to me, apologizing for misjudging me and saying how they wished they were as brave as me. True story. One of my dearest friends confessed this to me recently. She needed my light, and I needed a true friend. Isn’t life bewildering, and beautiful.

Even as a child, I reveled in the unknown experiences that awaited me in each new move. An extrovert by nature, I eagerly immersed myself in every school activity that came my way. ( It also served as a babysitter, as my parents worked long hours. (My mom was a hairstylsit for film and TV too, working 16-18 hr days.) From a young age I ran track and field, dance and gymnastics. As I entered Jr.. High, I cheered, competed in gymnastics , and auditioned for every musical, and theater production available.
(winning best actress my senior
year at Burbank High!) I guess I was an early version of “sporty spice….”
I seized every opportunity to connect with others. These experiences not only nurtured my social skills but also instilled within me a remarkable adaptability and confidence that would prove invaluable in my future endeavors.

And so, at the tender age of 22, I embarked on a career that would set my heart ablaze with unbridled passion. I found myself catapulted into the mesmerizing world of film and television, leading the charge as the department head hairstylist. The dopamine rush of transforming characters and bringing scripted stories to life became my reality! The relentless pursuit of perfection in my craft never idled.
I remember Della Reese saying to me, “Baby, you know why you are so good at your job?” I replied, “No Miss D….” (my nickname for her.) She was my “other mother” (even my own mother recognized this, sending her flowers and notes of appreciation over the years. M) Della replied, “Because you never think you are. “ my eyes tear up remembering her words.

Working as Della’s makeup artist and hairstylist on “Touched by an Angel ” for 8 seasons brought us intimately close. She wanted only the best for me. When the opportunity came to be Robert Redford’s personal hairstylist, during our season of TBAA, I would go to her and ask her advice as it would take me away from her for weeks or months at a time. She always said, Go baby, just come back to me. darnit, more tears…

My nomadic spirit refused to be tamed. State after state, year after year. I wandered, embracing the unique experiences that each state had to offer. Idaho’s gift was learning the thrill of snow skiing at Brundage mountain, and water skiing on Payette Lake. I learned to fish amidst the beauty of camping. Fly fishing in Montana while filming “a river Runs Through it!” Utah, stole my heart and still holds it. Not only did it launch my film career, It is the best playground! My first esxperience rock climnbing was with frinds from TBAA, up little cottonwood canyon! I ventured up that cold rock, shaking with excitement, nor fear.
I taught my boys to snow ski at Sundance and Brighton, and wakeboard on Deer Creek. I love all the seasons and colors. my favoratie time of year is fall, driving up provo canyon, and taking the chair lift up Sundance. I skiid sundance when I was in Junior high, 1/2 year at lakeridge Jr. High, and 1 year at Orem Jr. High.
So you see, exploration and adventure flows feely through my veins, igniting a fire that refuses to be extinguished. Time, that elusive and precious commodity, holds the key to my heart, to my very existence. And with every beat, I live and love with an understanding that “none of us gets out of here alive.”
(my brother Bret, loves this line) So we are to live each day as if it were our last.
I have been told throughout my life that I am a light that others are drawn to. I want to use this gift to shine a light on others, hence my Unitng Artist Podcast! The podcast highlights a film professional every week! Tune in on your favorite streaming platform. We still have our training wheels on as we just launched Oct. 23, 2024. Thanks for listening in advance.

Pricing:

  • Uniting Artist Podcast will be a Non-Profit by the second quarter of 2025.
  • UnitingArtist.com, a m2ultifaceted community platform will be free for the ‘community tier.’ My peers can place their side hustles, for free, be it merchandise, tools, education etc for free, like a consignment store, only until the sale of their items will UA take a small %. Money made form the platform, app capable platform will donate a % to our non-profits to help our community.
  • Book; Two generations, a Mother and Daughter’s stories from being department head hairstylist for film and TV. A unique mommy and me book, with BTS stories from award shows, films, TV series and more. With my mom having 64 film credit and myself, having 70 on IMDB and still working in the Industry! It is guaranteed to be a page turner for anyone who loves the film Industry. Pricing estimated at $20.00 with a % of proceeds to create a scholarship for future film professionals. My Mother and I feel passionately about giving back to the industry that provided for ourselves and our families..
  • TBD!!! App…. but affordable! My Film App: I have designed an app, which will be an essential “tool of the trade” to help the film professionals do their jobs even better and seamlessly…This app is not only going to help film professionals, but a multitude of other industries. $$$$$ Funding needed! Reach out and sign my NDA and let’s make some money, Yes, as always…a portion of all sales will donate a % to my UA non profit, to continue to support my film industry peers! UnitingArtist@gmail.com I can’t wait to share my designs!
  • I am seeking funding, Grants, affiliates, collaborators & partnerships to continue to support my film industry peers. I have an exciting strategic road map that will keep feeding funds back into the UA Non Profits. (My co-founders have a hard time keeping up with all my ideas. ) Join us!!!! Be a Uniting Artist! It will take a village, to save this village. With my humble thanks, for reading this far! Please send us good vibes, funding, affiliates, collaborators, any and all that may help me on my mission to support my film industry peers! Much Love, Tena

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