Future hairstylist

Taphany Salley grew up in the East Garfield Park neighborhood on the West Side of Chicago with nine siblings. She graduated from Michele Clark Academic Prep Magnet High School in 2024 and will attend Northeastern Illinois University to pursue general business. “Growing up with nine other siblings it was always hard but easy at the same time because I was able to lean on my older siblings but it was hard because I had to watch after my younger siblings. Being the last girl in the house it became my responsibility to cook for my younger siblings and being there for them while my mom was at work,” said Salley. 

The passion behind Taphany’s reason to study general business is her love for doing hair. “When I was about 11 I started doing my hair and I started picking it up more whether that was doing it with weave or without,” said Salley. "My favorite part about doing hair is when my clients say how good their hair looks. And when they tell me how everyone would ask who did their hair." Taphany also mentions that she chose to study general business because she wants to open a salon and know the basics of how to run a business and open one. With this business, Taphany plans on giving back to the community through hair. “I plan on spreading the word and teaching other young women or other people about the ways to become an entrepreneur and the benefits of starting their own business,” said Salley. 

As a Pursue Scholar, Taphany is looking forward to the mentorship from the program. “I hope to gain community [from Pursue Scholars] and just more motivation to go on in college and be able to have people to mentor me through college,” said Salley. “Looking back at my family, it makes me want to become something better to help them out more.”

Taphany's goal to reinvest in her community is the reason why we are grateful for Pursue partners like you who invest in our scholars. Your gift to Pursue Scholars today will be actively investing in young Chicago leaders and helping them embark on a journey that will truly lead to change.