Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Tsai.
Amy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My interest in hair styling for special occasions and bridal industry start when I was a young girl. I always love getting my hair braided by my mom. It grew into something I wanted to learn to do on my own since I would usually get in trouble for coming home with my hair down. Haha! So, I asked my mom to teach me how to braid my own. Where I came from, we didn’t have the funds to buy new clothes or get our hair done for special occasions. My mom was a seamstress and my dad was a mechanic. We learn to make things with what we have. This where I am blessed with creativity and hand skills, thanks to my parents. As I’ve gotten older, I practice styling my own hair for school and outings. Then, it leads to the joy of styling from curling to updos for my sisters for any occasions that came up. I took several bridal hairstyles courses and subscribed to multiple online courses to get my certification as a bridal hairstylist. Opportunities started to open up the doors through several mentors and years of assisting jobs which then I met my amazing partner, Kathy Huynh. I would assist several jobs for her and we both saw a great opportunity to collaborate together as the bridal dynamic duo. With my knowledge in hairstyles and her make-up expertise, we decided to partner up as Kathy Huynh Artistry. I am so grateful to have our life cross path. She has so much talent and creativity as an artist. She is great at what she does and very passionate. I’ve not only gained a business partner but a good friend and a sister from another mister.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Having low self-esteem and zero confidence didn’t make it easy. One of my main struggles was learning to build confidence in myself. I didn’t think I was good enough to build my own clientele or even know where to start. I would criticize my work by comparing the works of others who have been in this industry for decades; telling myself that I wasn’t good enough and I can’t do what they do. Any comments I would get, I would take it as if I didn’t do a good job. It took a long time and a few people to push me to be proud of my work and understand that any suggestions or comments are to help me grow to become a better artist. I also shouldn’t compare myself to anyone because everyone’s growth is different and the only person I should compare is the old me vs current me. Self-confidence is one of the greatest key to have in being an artist and self-growth. I learn without it, there will be no growth in the business. If the client sees that I don’t have confidence in my work, they will not feel comfortable or trust me on with their special day. It’s one of the biggest days they look forward to and want to feel glamorous! So, having confidence in my work will help execute the style they are looking for on their magical day. When I see the smile on their faces, it’s the best gratitude I can get to keep my passion going. Be confident in your work and be open to any critics, it is not meant to be offensive. It’s for self-growth and helps develop a better connection with the clients.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My specialty at Kathy Huynh Artistry is helping brides create the hairstyle they desire for their wedding day. Learning how to braid from my mom really helped me become a known hair artist able to incorporating braids in the hairstyle. Kathy and I decided to become a partner because we each have our own specialty and we can focus on perfecting it as we grow together. We come as a pair, they won’t have to book two separate specialty artist. The other thing that set us apart from others is our communication skills with our clients. We make sure that we deliver what they want by understanding what they like or don’t like and provide a suggestion that would bring out the look they envision. It isn’t easy to decide a look and not every look will go with everyone’s features. We create a look that enhances their features and suits their personality.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
I got into doing a Vision Board that was suggested by Kathy. She and Zee Najarian hosted a fun vision board group party on Facebook. that helps you create goals you want to achieve for the next year in your personal, business, financial, or healthy lifestyle. It was motivating and exciting to see how I’ve grown. By creating this vision board for myself, really help push me to do my best and got me to where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kathyhuynhartistry.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/amytsai_hairstylist
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/bridalhairbyamytsai
Image Credit:
Kelly Waterman Photography, Frances Tang Photography, Playful Soul Photography, Michael+Anna Costa Photography and John Nguyen from Johnathanh Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
