Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Stawarz.
Hi Amanda, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I graduated from cosmetology school in 2008 and spent the first few years afterwards trying to find my place in the industry. I wanted to stand out a bit. Back then the trends were a lot different, it was rare someone walked into the salon wanting blue or pink hair. In 2013 I started working at a shop called Electric Chair Salon in Ocean Beach, and that’s where I felt I had found my place where I could have creative freedom. It was there that I really established my clientele and found my “niche.” Unfortunately, the salon closed in 2019, but it gave me an opportunity to be on my own and start my own business. I definitely would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for that salon and the original owner.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say the road has been just slightly bumpy along the way. There will always be obstacles to overcome, and I feel like I’ve always learned something from them. I had a lot of people doubt the type of hair I wanted to do and tell me I couldn’t make a living doing it my way. I’ve also had a lot of people question my decisions and ask me things like “Oh, is this all you do? You don’t have another job?” As if there was no way I could make a living doing such eclectic hair. I never once doubted myself though. I always felt like this is what I was meant to do and I that I was exactly where I was supposed to be.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love change, and I love a dramatic change. It’s one of the main reasons I became a hairstylist, I’ve always wanted to stand out though, be different and do things a little differently than everyone else. I got into this industry mainly wanting to specialize in color. Vivid, rainbow, neon, hair colors. I was also always curious about dreadlocks so once given the opportunity, I learned how to create, maintain, and repair them. I love tedious little things, and this was perfect for me. Before I knew it, my clientele went from being mostly color to mostly dreadlocks. I still have my clients coming in to get a simple cut or color, but I pretty much now only do vivid hair colors and dreadlocks. It’s what I specialize in, and it’s what I enjoy doing the most!
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something most people, especially my clients, wouldn’t know about me is that I’m actually very shy and a bit anti-social. It’s weird being in an industry where you are constantly socializing and meeting new people when you are a shy person. Out in the wild, I’m not one to start a conversation with a stranger or make a random new friend. Behind the chair is a different story, I become a different version of myself because I have to. People need to me able to trust me with their hair and their secrets! So over time, I’ve definitely learned how to adapt.
Contact Info:
- Website: meanmaneshairlab.com
- Instagram: @mean.manes
