Amanda McKnight shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Amanda , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Who are you learning from right now?
I am so lucky to be surrounded by so many talented women professionals in my line of work. My friend Chastidyi is so giving of her computer knowledge. She has recently walked me through creating a blog and finding a good website hosting platform. She is my go to for creating ideas. Another awesome friend Nelya invites me to lots of Networking events so that I can meet other professionals in our industry. Tonya gives me insight on expanding my business. Lastly,Erin is a good sounding board. There really are too many amazing women to name in my area that I get to work with. I see them all crushing it in their specialty and that is inspiration in itself!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, my name is Amanda McKnight, and I own Southern Sirens and Southern Sirens Studios. Southern Sirens is my original company which specializes in on site hair styling and airbrush makeup services for weddings. As my team has grown, they encouraged me to open up a Salon Suite to provide beauty services beyond weddings. Southern Sirens Studios offer hair cuts,hair color, hair extensions, lash extensions, nails,and in mere weeks, esthetic services My goal has always been to make other women feel good about themselves.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad and my grandfather. Literally the two hardest working people I know. They taught me my work ethic, to help people, be dependable, and to follow through. I’ll never reach their level of hardwork,but I will keep trying to make them proud.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of failure. Every time that I was too scared to move forward to the next step, I believe that God pushed me forward. For example, I knew that to grow my business that I needed to move into a bigger space, but I was comfortable in my current space. That place got taken over by someone else, and they raised the rent to a point that it made more sense to move to a new location. I am still working on being afraid of failing. I have some amazing people who are rooting for me and supporting me, so that helps a lot.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That we are not replaceable. A lot of our industry is blaming inflation when its really greed. There is a way to still make money and provide quality beauty services to your clients. The beauty industry is overpricing themselves, and consumers are finding a way to cut out the beauty professional and do it themselves. I feel like a good majority of beauty professionals are pricing themselves right out a job. I want to provide my clients with service that is great, but is affordable because they are choosing to spend their hard earned money with me and my team.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
My character. I am loyal, giving, thoughtful, funny, and strong. My character is the foundation on which everything is built.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.southernsirens.com
- Instagram: @southernsirens @southernsirensstudios
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/southernsirenstn/
Image Credits
Nelya Photos
Star Noir
Jimmy and Kim Photography
Erin Morrison Photography
