Today we’d like to introduce you to Andi Smith.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been doing hair professionally since 2009, but it feels like I’ve been doing it my whole life. Starting off with cutting my barbies hair, my own hair and even my brothers (sorry, bro!) I feel blessed because I never questioned what I wanted to do; I knew I was doing to be a hairstylist. I started my career off at a few corporate chains to get going; at one point, I did just men’s haircuts but I knew that’s not what I wanted to focus my career on. So I moved to my first “salon” and was there for a couple of years. It wasn’t the right fit for me so I tried out a few more places before I found a salon in Lee’s summit. This place was great and I learned so much and worked with incredibly talented stylist.
While I was at my salon in Lee’s Summit, I was starting to get bored and a feeling a little burned out so I knew it was time to up my game. I had a business meeting with the owner and told him I wanted to learn hand-tied extensions. They were so impressed with my business plan he said yes and off I went to learn. Coming back from my shadowing and education, it completely changed my mindset and my career. I realized I could do anything I put my mind too. I had more of a business mindset and loved how I took something that didn’t exist before at my salon and created a whole new element. I hired a photographer and worked with other brands. I eventually built myself a reputation and brand.
I eventually decided that I was ready to take my career to yet again the next level. I took a huge leap of faith and opened up my own business and moved into a studio at the building I am currently at. It was the scariest thing I have ever done and I wasn’t sure who would follow or if I would succeed or fail. I was scared but I was more scared to not try. If you don’t try, you’ll never know and always wonder what’ if. So I made the move and was overwhelmed and humbled because almost every one of my clients followed me. My dreams couldn’t be a reality without the support of my family, friends and my amazing clients.
After being open for only three months I had to close my books for new clients (again another milestone) and I am beyond humble and grateful for this journey. For now, I am loving where I am at but I have the mindset of always being open to new possibilities and opportunities.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Biggest challenges I’ve had to get over is worried about what others would think. I had to get out of my head and stop worrying about what other people would think. This was my journey, no one else’s. Not everyone has to understand and I realized that’s okay because I knew what I was doing was the right thing for myself and my family. I now have freedom with my schedule and can travel as much as we want.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a hairstylist since 2009. Specialize in hand-tied extensions, lived-in color and men’s haircuts. I am most proud of myself for taking a huge risk and opening up my own business in February.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
This is your journey and you have to do what feels right for you. You can’t worry about what others are going to think. I used to worry a lot about hurting other people’s feelings so I stayed small and in the box. I eventually learned that I was living someone’s dream, so why not take the risk and live my own dream. I actually think lessons and failures and good and healthy. We can learn from them. So never beat yourself up over a failure, take it as an opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @hairby._andidandi
Image Credits
Photo credit Corey Brown
