Conversations with Amanda Bacon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Bacon. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Amanda Bacon (Rittwage), I’m 29 years old and started my own business doing hair working for myself 2 years ago when we were allowed to reopen after the pandemic lockdown. I’ve been doing hair for 8 years and worked at one salon previously before starting this journey. Working for myself was always part of the plan, I wanted to start at an apprentice salon so I could get more hands-on training after cosmetology school and really build myself a clientele. I am unbelievably obsessed with my career and I am in love with what I get to do every day! I feel so much passion and creativity with doing hair and I love the industry as a whole! It’s super inspiring to be a part of! 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has honestly been a fairly rough ride since I started this journey. My father was diagnosed with cancer and passed away when I was 19 before starting cosmetology school. A few years after my father’s passing my mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. 

I worked at one previous salon after my graduation and completed a year and a half apprentice program before becoming a stylist there. As I graduated the program my mother was diagnosed and I immediately became a part-time brand-new stylist which definitely had its challenges when trying to be consistent with my clients and build. As my mom’s disease worsened, I worked less and became more part-time. It wasn’t necessarily always a struggle when I didn’t work for myself, it was just more difficult. I will forever be grateful for the support and love I got from the salon I worked at, they worked with me and my life and allowed me to work as little as I did and spend more time with my mom. 

Fast forward to a world with Covid and everything shutting down. I had plans to go out on my own working in a private suite before the shutdown originally and then the entire world fell apart and my plans became hazy. Things started to get worse with my mom’s disease and she was needing more round-the-clock care and care is expensive so I knew the time was now. I got my arrangements in order and made the decision to start working for myself so I could feel more confident with my finances while having the ability to work less and help with the care of my mom. My sister, my husband, and my entire family helped so much throughout my mom’s sickness so I was able to keep somewhat of a schedule. My sister and I are so close and we are truly blessed with all the help we received. I worked for myself throughout the final stages of my mom’s life and that truly was the best decision I could have made for me. I was able to be with her and be able to spend the final weeks with her and our family by her side. She passed away in January of 2021. 

I miss both of my parents so deeply I cannot even begin to describe; I had such an amazing childhood with two parents who loved my sister and I unconditionally and supported and provided for us in every way they could. They both were huge supporters of me in going through with cosmetology school and starting this career, I think about them every single day and wish they could see how far I have come! 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My passion I found in this cosmetology career is truly with hair color and extensions. I love coloring people’s hair and customizing it to them! I specialize in balayage, lived-in color, blondes, and brunettes, and hand-tied extensions! These are my absolute favorite services to offer as well so it’s super fulfilling to offer what I am most passionate about! When I first graduated school, I did a little bit of everything which was fun at first, but I am so grateful to have found what I truly love to do and continue to educate myself and learn new trends on it to keep getting better and providing my clients with the best service I can!!! 

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Save! Put money away! Make sure you have somewhat of a rainy-day fund, you never know what is going to happen. I was blessed to still have my husband considered an essential worker so we had one paycheck coming in still, but it was rough for a while. Also don’t feel bad for doing what is best for YOU and YOUR FAMILY. 

Life is short and you will never regret spending time with your loved ones and doing what is best for your healthiest self and lifestyle. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/creations_amanda
• Facebook: www.faccebook.com/amandabacon-rittwage