Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Moran.
Amanda, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
That is a loaded question; when people ask me about my start, I always joke it was completely fortuitous. I started the journey of building my career, kind of accidentally, in 2001 signing up for cosmetology classes. I had always been obsessed with makeup. I can remember being very little, sitting and watching my mom put on her red lipstick asking to have lipstick, too. My mom gently touched the lipstick as two dots to my upper lip. When I looked in the mirror and saw that I did not have a full red lip, I was pissed and, apparently, I had caught the bug. This was the days before social media and the vast information we have available on the web, so I, incorrectly, assumed they taught extensive makeup at cosmetology school. When I learned that was not the main focus of the curriculum, I almost quit. One of my sisters gave me the advice to “stay” and just see if I liked it. So, I kept at it and caught a new bug, learning hairstyling and practicing makeup when I could. I started school young, at 17, and it was often very intimidating.
At cosmetology school, I was the youngest person, compared to all of my friends who were in their senior year of high school. I didn’t know anyone in the business, and my parents weren’t thrilled with my choice. I decided to throw myself into my choice and to be open to whatever might happen. Every day, I would drive to school and I would pass Elizabeth Arden (one of only a few high-end spa and salons in Dallas, at that time). As I passed it by, I would always think, “how do I get to work for a place like that, where do you even start?” As luck would have it, one day that very salon showed up at my school looking for a new apprentice. When they asked the head of the school who was their most requested student, luckily, it was me. FUN FACT: The majority of my requests while at cosmetology school were not for hair. I had started a little following for brow waxing and makeup and, honestly, I was still struggling with hair, at the time. When they offered me the apprenticeship, I was 17 and not too sure about my abilities, but I, once again, threw myself at my choice and never looked back. That first salon apprenticeship and chance opportunity really built my confidence and cemented my commitment to the beauty industry. Taking things head-on is how I feel I’ve traveled my windy road to get to where I am, and I’m still traveling.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I hope, for a lot of people reading this, that their road is smoother than mine. For me, it has felt like every opportunity came to a setback. I’ve trusted and listened to people I shouldn’t have, taken direction on decisions that did not benefit me, allowed myself to be taken advantage of and I’ve worked hard and kept quiet thinking hard work speaks for itself (not realizing the squeaky mouse gets the cheese). I’ve learned that on your path to success not everyone has your best interest at heart. At times, I have felt very much alone on my journey. No one in my family was in this industry, so as much as they wanted to, they could never advise me; I had to figure it out, myself. Also, pregnancy, the guilt of being a working mom and finding the time to work on my craft after-hours, all while having a household to manage, has not been easy. At times, it has been a whirlwind and with no mentor, I had to forge my own path. I now have a passion for helping other people just starting out in my industry and will be launching a podcast @confessionofabeautypro talking to other beauty professionals about their “glow-ups” to help people who are like me; that is starting out on their own. I want to encourage people and to help them realize that, behind the scenes, nothing is ever easy. But, if you don’t give up and keep working towards your goal, you can find success.
Please tell us about your work.
I’m Dallas’ best-kept secret! I’m a multifaceted stylist, which translates to hair, makeup, skin, styling, education, consulting, mentoring and I’ve been beautifying and styling Dallas’ elite behind the scenes, for years. I take clients at Enlighten salon, in Dallas, when my clients want a salon experience, providing various color techniques, cuts, styling, extensions, blowout and makeup services. I, also, provide at-home glam services and styling by recommendation only, within a specific area of the city of Dallas. I travel with clients, where I not only do glam but, also, help curate their entire look(s). I love teaching and am an educator for a global hair care product line. I love all things skincare and work with my clients to create individually tailored skincare regimens. I, also, do consultation work, helping to streamline processes anchored by my luxury spa salon experience that spans over a decade. As a service provider, I am most proud of my work ethic. I pride myself on providing a sophisticated level of service and consideration for each and every one of my clients of all ages, genders and walks of life. One of the things that sets me apart is my working relationship with my “partner-in-crime”, Wendy Macias. It’s common for stylists to work in tandem with clients, but Wendy and I have a working relationship that goes back ten years and a friendship that began twelve years, before that. Our partnership is cohesive and intuitive and relaxed, which makes for a very accommodating, fun, easy and comfortable environment for our clients.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Be persistent. Keep working at your goal and craft, even when you think you’re not pushing forward. One day, you’ll look up and be surprised how far you have come.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5232 Forest Ln. Dallas, TX 75244
- Phone: 4698556807
- Email: 72moranamanda@gmail.com
- Instagram: @crosking
Image Credit:
Amanda Moran
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