Meet Amanda Payne

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

Hi Amanda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
At 15 years old, I decided to stop eating meat and save the animals of the world in the only way I knew how to work with dogs! I worked at a wonderful local grooming and boarding facility for 15 years. I was able to be a part of a great culture, work on animal rescue missions like Hurricane Katrina, and beautify puppies!

Deep inside, I knew my passion was elsewhere. I have always been intrigued by the “behind the scenes” work that goes in in show production. Runway, fashion, hair, concerts, all of it screamed, “This is where you belong!” In my late 20s, I remember walking into a salon culture that aligned very much with my “save the world one animal and plant at a time” mentality.

That was the first time I realized my shift needed to be in the human beauty world. I started meeting and working in salon retail and soon ended in distributor sales. I very much enjoy partnering with salons and stylists, and finding ways to help them grow! Through that, I have been able to meet some remarkable people! Vilma Subel, one of those amazing people, invited me to be a part of an event called the Midwest Hairstyling Awards Show.

That thing, that I have been searching for, for most of my life, was finally presented to me. The Midwest Hairstyling Awards Show makes up a 10-state region. It is an event that was created to recognize, celebrate and award the best hairstylists and makeup artists in the Midwest.

We are in year 3 of the MHAs, and I am on board as the Events Operations Manager. I have been able to travel and help with other regional awards shows across the US and continue to gain knowledge and grow!

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?
Is life ever easy?! I thought I found the perfect position, with the perfect company, but life has a way of taking you down a different path when you least expect it.

In hindsight, that shift led me to exactly where I needed to be. Life is all about the journey, learning, and growing as long as you are open to it. Those hard moments brought some lifelong friendships into my life!

Every mistake comes with a new outlook and how to be better the next time.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I volunteer as the Events Operations Manager for Midwest Hairstyling Awards. If you see me at the show, I will likely be very focused aka running around like a crazy person! I am so grateful for the hairstylists and salon owners in this industry. It’s not always easy working in the beauty industry, and it is my goal to be a part of something that showcases the grit, talent and love for the individuals who spend all day making others feel good.

I am known for my love of animals, and for being a part of the Baby Bottle Kitten Squad through Kansas City Pet Project. I love to raise babies and help them find their lifelong home.

Contact Info:

• Email: m.payne.midwesthairstylingawards@gmail.com
• Website: midwesthairstylingawards.com
• Instagram: @Mandapaynekc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069161301981
• Other: www.beautycraft.com

Image Credits
Long Shots KC