We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad’s 25 Under 50K contest, sponsored by Platinum Seamless.
Get to know Amanda Brown (@coiffurebyamandab). She is an independent hairdresser at Lucid Hair Designs in Brighton, Michigan!
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Amanda Brown (AB): I am a certified yoga instructor. I’ve found yoga to be a restorative way to take care of my body, so I can feel my best when I’m working in the salon.
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
AB: I grew up in the salon; my mother was a hairdresser. I remember being around nine years old and spending a lot of my Saturdays and summers in the salon out of pure necessity. My mother was a single mom, and there weren’t many options for childcare. I kept myself busy to pass the time; if I wasn’t napping in the utility closet, I was folding laundry, making coffee, sweeping the floors, etc. Bonnie, the owner, was always really nice to me and would throw me some cash for helping out. I started beauty school at the age of 15. My high school offered a program that allowed me to go to beauty school half the day and high school the other half. As a senior, I graduated with both a high school diploma and a cosmetology diploma at the age of 17.
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment?
AB: Freeing myself from my own limiting beliefs. I used to define success by other peoples versions of it. Once I listened to my own intuition and defined what was truly important to me, I was able to create my own version of success.
BLP: What is your current favorite hair trend?
AB: Bobs, lobs, hand painted balayage, curtain bangs, and naturally textured looks – anything low maintenance because we have enough stress in our lives. Our hair shouldn’t be one of them.
BLP: What is a tip you have for your fellow stylists who are looking to grow their following on socials?
AB: AUTHENTICITY. Make the “cringe” content, and share what’s on your heart. Once I stopped worrying about what other people were going to critique about my content, I stopped trying to make everything “appear” to be perfect. Being my authentic self has connected me to others that I may have never connected with if I didn’t show the parts that make me, me.
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
AB: Spend more time with people that will positively influence your path and less time with people that dull your sparkle. I know, you’re scared to make a mistake, but know that those are the moments you learn the most. Remind yourself that you are special because no one else will. You are worthy to have dreams of your own, and when you’re nervous talking to people you think are more important than you, just remind yourself that “everyone poops”.
BLP: What is a valuable hair tip that you want to share with your fellow stylists (whether it’s a business tip or something related to styling/working with hair)?
AB: Find what services you love to do the most, educate yourself in them and become the most efficient in those services.
BLP: What inspires your work?
AB: Education. Growing up, I struggled in school due to undiagnosed learning disabilities and lacked the resources needed for success. I often felt stupid. However, in beauty school, I discovered a language I could grasp. Transitioning from a D average student in regular classes, I found myself effortlessly acing hair-related tests. It turns out, I was just a big hair nerd. Now, as an educator, I remain eager to learn every day. Whenever I need inspiration, I return to the classroom.
BLP: What is something that keeps you passionate and motivated in the industry each day?
AB: The ability to serve my guests. Knowing that I can help someone leave the salon feeling better than when they walked in is such a rewarding feeling.
BLP: What changes would you like to see the industry make in order to grow/change/evolve/be better than it was before?
AB: As a hairdresser who deals with anxiety and depression, my mental health journey has influenced my perspective in our industry. Navigating through personal struggles while maintaining a demanding career has taught me the importance of self-care and the need for a supportive work environment. We work in an industry that thrives on creativity and personal connection, yet the pressures can be overwhelming. From managing client expectations to staying up to date on the latest hair trends, having a social media following, etc., the demands can take a toll on our mental well-being. I have learned the importance of taking breaks, seeking therapy and fostering open conversations about mental health. It’s crucial that we create an environment where it’s okay to not be okay and asking for help is encouraged, not stigmatized. By prioritizing mental well-being, we can ensure our creativity and passion are sustained and can offer our best to our clients.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
AB: My career goal is to collaborate with other beauty industry leaders who understand the importance of mental health and prioritize spreading awareness within our community. Together, we can create initiatives and programs that support mental health well-being, foster open conversations, and ensure that our industry values mental health as much as professional skill and creativity.
