Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Webb
Hi Amanda, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve wanted to do hair my entire life. There are even pictures of me as a little kid styling my grandpa’s hair! I initially pursued the college path right out of high school because I thought it was what I had to do. However, I quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit for me, and I was miserable. After starting and failing at traditional college, I enrolled at the Aveda Institute at 20 years old. While in school, I supported myself by working various restaurant jobs and proudly graduated in 2016. I got my first job at a high-end salon, where I started an apprenticeship program to further my education. From there, I moved on to a second salon, where I joined the management team. In 2018, at 25 years old, I opened my own business at Salon Lofts. Since then, I have been building my clientele and business to the success I have today. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the constant love and support from my family and husband. They have been and always will be my rock and my reason! And I’m so happy to announce myself and my husband, Dan are expecting our first child this fall! We have both worked so hard in our personal and professional lives to get to this point and I am so proud of us!
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?
The journey has definitely not been easy, but is it ever? I faced significant challenges in my first few years of doing hair, and I was even fired from the first salon I worked at. I will never forget that phone call. It was unexpected, and the manager said, “I truly hope you figure out if this is what you want to do with your life.” I was so lost after that. I ended up doing hair in my kitchen, afraid to invest my heart and soul into another salon. Salon culture can be very toxic, and I experienced that firsthand. Additionally, I have struggled with various mental health issues over the years, which I am very open about. These struggles have affected my relationships, livelihood, and business. However, I am proud to say that I have invested in myself and therapy, working extremely hard on my mental health to get where I am today. I never gave up on myself, even when it felt like the world was giving up on me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
When I first started my business, I was terrified. I had a part-time retail job and worked bartending here and there to make ends meet. There were weeks when I couldn’t even afford to buy the color I needed for my clients’ hair. That’s hard for me to admit, but it’s the truth! In just six short months, that changed drastically. I put everything into my business—posting on social media, working all hours of the day and night whenever clients needed me, offering new client discounts, and doing whatever I could to get people in my chair to prove my worth and talent.
I have invested all of my hair education into learning about natural hair colors, focusing mainly on blondes. I absolutely love lived-in looks and don’t want my clients to feel like they have to be in my chair every month—unless they want to, of course! What sets me apart from others is that I am friends with so many of my clients. I have worked hard to build a foundation and relationship with them. I absolutely love getting to know people’s stories and what makes them unique. Work doesn’t even feel like work most days because my clients trust my creative process, and we just chat for a few hours in such a fun environment.
Another thing that sets me apart is my speed. I never want people to feel like they need to take a day off work to get their hair done. I can almost always get my clients in and out in about two hours, which I am really proud of. What I would want readers to know about my brand is that getting your hair done should feel fun and special. I am a very casual person, which usually makes people feel like they can relax, unwind, and be themselves in my chair. I think that’s why I have such great relationships with my clients! I am also an over-communicator with clients, ensuring they always know what to expect.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I foresee the industry continuing on its current trajectory. The concept of owning one’s own business and working independently is poised to grow significantly. This model offers tremendous flexibility and creative freedom. I believe that full-service, overpriced salons will become less common in the next 5-10 years. The impact of COVID-19 has shifted client preferences towards more personalized, one-on-one experiences in an intimate setting. This approach allows stylists to fully concentrate on the client they are working with at any given moment. Additionally, I anticipate that the “lived-in” look will remain popular. While trends are always evolving, this particular style seems set to endure.
Pricing:
- $65 haircut with blow dry
- $180-$265 creative color blonding services
- Free consultations – always!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amandatippett.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blondetipps?igsh=bzVwYjI1dzBlbTY0
