Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Ryan.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
So, my story starts off pretty odd but I’m here to be totally honest. I first thought about doing hair and makeup in high school but was quickly reminded, by my dad, that I was “too smart” for beauty school and that I was going to college. After a few years (and majors) into college, I was still undecided and looking for a change. The odd part of the story here: I was watching Intervention, one night, and the girl on this episode was a hairstylist. Her story was about how she went to Paul Mitchell and became a huge success and favorite among the greats of this company. During that episode, I saw the career I wanted. I wanted to do hair on a MAJOR level. I wanted to meet the greats and be on shoots making icons look and feel beautiful. Soon after, I enrolled at Paul Mitchell. I made it a point to meet these people I saw on Intervention living my dream. After school ended, I was styling and managing a blow dry bar in Nashville. I then opened a salon with this same company and relocated. As I was committing to this move and promotion, I told my boss she had me for another six months and then I’m off to LA! It took me a year and a half, but here I am!!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think it’s ever a smooth road. School took me a year longer than I planned to get through, making my move to LA took me a year longer than I planned for, and being here among all this talent is tough, you have to stand out somehow and you have to be persistent. You have to WANT it. Want it more than going out with friends, more than seven hours of sleep, more than living in the same city as friends/family. I would say I’m still in the struggle of having my work “being noticed” but it’s a marathon! For anyone starting out – know your strengths and use them. DO NOT let people tell you to take a path you don’t think is right for you. You will know your niche and you need to stick to it. Be confident, humble, and learn from everyone you meet. Be a ‘yes’ person and work hard. Stay late, arrive early, get coffee. Work ethic will take you so far! There is no such thing as learning too much, so keep quiet and take in information from anyone in the position you want to have.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about AmandaRyanHair – what should we know?
Hairstylist here! I’m definitely known for my styling techniques. My friends back home call a specific curl I do “Amanda waves.” I was not a part of this and don’t even know how they became so unique but I guess that’s a really cool thing! My passion is doing Red Carpet looks. Teaming up with makeup artists and stylists, nails, the whole team is just somewhere I feel at home. I also do a ton of bridal work and specialize in updos and Old Hollywood Glam. I am really into sleek hair right now and I am trying to convince clients they need a long bob and/or a trendy look. I feel like I stand out, as a service provider, because I always keep a positive outlook and truly LOVE what I do. Passion is a key ingredient when I am working. I’m most proud of what I have accomplished so far as a whole and of course, the talent I’ve done for carpets!!
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Ahhh networking! This is so scary for me. I have to say the best advice I can give, as a very shy person, is to really show up when you’re asked on the job. I have booked many jobs from other stylists’ recommendations. You have to be good at your job and be pleasant to work with. Be helpful. Go above and beyond. If you have any downtime, ask the other team members how you can help make their job easier. I email a lot of people and use Instagram DM’s. Be persistent but not annoying.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @amandaryanhair
Image Credit:
Brittany Photographs
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