Today we’d like to introduce you to Angie Williams.
Hi Angie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been a Hairstylist since 2000, graduating from Iowa School of Beauty, Ottumwa, IA. I stumbled into the hair industry quite literally. I attended an Open House with a friend merely for moral support and a day out of school. I was completely intoxicated maybe by the smell of the perm or the fumes from the hairspray or possibly the energy of the students. I enrolled that day and began my Cosmetology career as a junior in high school.
Throughout my career, I worked as a commission Stylist, Booth Renter and now I have a Suite that I share with a friend! We love our space and the ability to give our guests privacy, creativity, and the flexibility to spend time with our growing families.
As a Stylist, you are open to so many paths in our industry. 10 years into my career I began working as an Educator for Matrix traveling the country and learning and teaching Color Theory, Placement, and Product Knowledge to Salons and Schools. This was an incredible opportunity to meet like-minded Stylists who love their guests, and industry and want to give them their best. I then transitioned into a Sales Rep roll to spread the news of new products about to hit the industry. Because of my love of hair and education, I started an education business, Intentional Hairdresser Workshops, to help Salons, Schools and Stylists work smarter not harder. Having the flexibility of both businesses I was able to continue creating behind the chair, allowing me more time with my family.
When I’m not behind the chair I love traveling with my family, trying new restaurants, exploring the outdoors, and thrift shopping. I love a great thrift shop!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are several struggles in the industry to overcome. The first is always confidence. Not being confident enough to step out of your own head to tackle a challenge, whether it be a new guest, technique, or product line; it all comes down to believing in yourself that you were made for more and you are worthy of the knowledge, experience and the success that comes with it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a Stylist, there are so many niches that you can be drawn to. In the beginning, I loved haircuts! I loved how you could customize every cut to the individual guest, their life, hair texture, face shape, and budget. I’m a sucker for a great bob haircut, I’ve been featured 6 times in Sophisticate Hairstyling Guide Magazine for my bobs, I love them!!
After about 10 years in the industry, I felt confident enough to step into creative hair color techniques. Before I would do classic foils, and color retouches but when I found my creativity I fell in love with the Ombres, Sombres, Balayage, and Foilage… Being confident, and comfortable, and having guests who trust you allows your work to come alive.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory would have to be spending time with my grandparents. On each side, I had amazing grandparents. They taught me to be proud but respectful, helpful but not submissive, and fun but not wild.
My grandparents took the family to Disney one year, I was 12. I remember being so excited for all of the adventures ahead of me, having only been to Missouri and Iowa, we were all pumped.
We loaded up in their conversion van… there were at least 10 of us. The chaos, laughing and bickering was amazing!
On more than one occasion my grandpa threatened to pull over and we all just rolled our eyes and giggled, knowing he wouldn’t. Once we hit Florida it was fantastic! Swimming, fishing, Disney, Nasa, so many adventures and memories! Definitely worth the wild road trip! For that reason I chose to travel by car whenever possible, the scenery, shops, and new restaurants, you can’t find that in the air.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Angiewilliams.stylist
- Facebook: Angiewilliams.stylist
