Amber Kelley shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Amber, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
People often think coloring vivid hair is just about slapping on bright dye, but it’s so much more than that. Every head of hair is a unique canvas with its own history, texture, and needs. There’s science, artistry, and a lot of patience involved—sometimes it takes multiple sessions to achieve the look while keeping the hair healthy. My work isn’t just about making hair look magical in the moment; it’s about bringing colors to life that turn heads, last longer, and make my clients feel incredible inside and out.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Amber Kelley, owner of Tink’s Magic Manes and known online as @magichairfaerie. I specialize in vivid, dimensional color work—transforming hair into wearable art that’s as unique as the person wearing it. My approach blends science, creativity, and a little sprinkle of pixie dust to create vibrant, healthy, long-lasting results. I’ve been honored to have my work published in both print and online magazines, but my favorite ‘award’ is the look on a client’s face when they see their transformation. Right now, I’m working on expanding my brand with custom hair tools and products designed for fellow stylists who love pushing creative boundaries.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a barefoot, sun-kissed dreamer who laughed loud, loved big, and collected moments instead of things. I was happiest outside—chasing sunsets, feeling the wind in my hair, and seeing the world in colors most people overlooked. I was carefree, confident, a little wild, and completely myself—a mix of silly humor, gentle kindness, and unapologetic uniqueness.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that’s held me back the most has been the worry that I’ll fail—or that I’ll look silly, say the wrong thing, or not be good enough. I’ve second-guessed myself, afraid of making the wrong decision or not living up to my own expectations. But I’ve learned that those fears are really just part of the process, and the moments I’ve grown the most have been when I stepped through them anyway.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the hair industry is that creativity doesn’t pay—that stylists have to stick to ‘safe,’ cookie-cutter looks to make a living. I’ve built my career proving the opposite. My most loyal clients come to me because I think outside the box and create colors they can’t get anywhere else. The truth is, when you lean into what makes your work unique and unapologetically yours, you attract people who value it—and they’re willing to invest in it. Creativity isn’t a risk; it’s my brand.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m doing exactly what I was born to do. My eye for color and placement feels like a gift, and I get to turn that into art every day. I was never really told to be anything else—my family and friends always seemed to know I’d follow this path. With my creative, artsy spirit and love for hair, this career isn’t just what I do—it’s how I leave my sparkle in the world!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @magichairfaerie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BHsr3N1en/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://tinksmagicmanes.glossgenius.com
