Exploring Life & Business with Amanda Craig

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

Hi Amanda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been in this industry for eighteen years. I was originally on the nursing path. I love serving others, but I soon realized that I wanted to serve others in a different way. I have always enjoyed fashion and I found myself daydreaming about being a stylist. After much debate, the beauty industry won. It is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!

I have had the privilege of wearing many hats in this industry- stylist behind the chair, I have toured with artist, video shoots, photo shoots and enjoyed working with Blake Shelton for eight years on The Voice. It has been a fun ride and lots of memories. Who would have thought that a girl from a small town in West Tennessee could truly live her dream. I hope to inspire more people that you can have it all, it just takes sacrifice and a good work ethic.

Fast forward I now happily own two salons in Nashville- Leigh, Edwards and Company. I love my businesses and my team! I recently started a new chapter that will involve my team. I have started a mentorship program, my mission is to help grow others in the beauty industry. I not only want to help them see their full potential, but to help them game plan for the future. There are several tiers to the mentorship and it has been wonderful creating the perfect tier for each individual.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have learned a lot along the way. However, I have learned so much about myself being a business owner, Learning to pivot has been my greatest lesson. When opening a business you have a dream and a vision of what your business will look like, but sometimes the vision changes (not the dream) and you need to pivot. Covid has been an example of pivoting.

As a business owner, I have learned that rarely business lies in black and white for the most part business lies in the grays. Yes there are polices in place, but as the world changes policies may need to pivot. I have learned as a leader/mentor to not only LISTEN but to HEAR my team after all they are the business. We recently rebranded

“Build A Team So Strong, No ONE Knows Who The Boss Is” We are so excited and this slogan represents us perfectly.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Leigh, Edwards and Company?
Leigh, Edwards and Company is a salon in Nashville. We have two locations currently serving Belle Meade and Bellevue. There are many great salons in Nashville. However, I feel what sets us aside from other salons is our mission. Our mission is to not only deliver beautiful hair, but we want you to feel like you were heard and appreciated. In our eyes everyone is royalty.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
It is so important to have a mentor in any business venture. A mentor will help guide you along with build you up. Remember this is your time to shine! Show your mentor what you are made of- work hard, dress to impress and ask lots of questions.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.amandacraiglec.com
• Instagram: @amandacraiglec

Image Credits:
Posh PR