We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amanda Iwu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amanda below.
Amanda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
After graduating from college, I knew I was not ready to say goodbye to the dreams and goals I had set for myself. Coming from a West African immigrant family, it was taboo to be anything other than something in the medical field, lawyer, or engineer. I have always been fascinated with the beauty industry and everything it encompasses. Anytime I tried to do something else, I always found my way back to beauty. It was a risk stepping out from a cushy, stable opportunity into the realm of entrepreneurship, especially with so many voices in my ear telling me, “it won’t be easy, and I should not do it.” Often those voices got to me, and I would hide back behind what was comfortable and safe. I knew this risk would either make or break me, push and pull me in many directions, but I would be better for it either way. Not knowing the future for myself or this new business endeavor was scary. I do not regret stepping out on faith and saying, “I will work for myself,” It was the best decision I could have made. It has opened up so many new opportunities for me, fostering new channels, meeting, and connecting with new people that I would not have met otherwise. I did this for myself, my future family, and the people from immigrant families who have aspirations to do something out of the ordinary, something extraordinary. To not be scared but if they genuinely believe in their dream to step out on faith and follow their purpose.
Amanda, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Amanda, and I am the owner/founder of Nne’s Hart Studio. This name is unique to me and holds a dear place in my heart or Hart, a combination of two things that make up my business and passions. Hair and art equal “Hart” while “Nne” is a shortened version of my middle name and a reflection of my West African heritage. I love art. Actually, I have a minor in studio art; hair allowed me to create still but on a different canvas. I have always been fascinated by the beauty industry and have always wanted to get my professional license in this industry. I chose cosmetology because it encompassed everything from hair to skin and nails. At that time and even still now I focus on the betterment of an individual’s whole self not just their hair even though that is my business’s focus. My business provides custom-made units, luxury extensions, and customized color services for clients. My eCommerce business is specific to raw hair extensions that provide the best quality and longevity. Although extensions are a great enhancement that is exactly what they are an enhancement and should not overpower the beauty we already possess. I love the reaction I get from clients when they turn around and see a refreshed and amplified version of themselves. The process of creating a work of art is intense and collaborative. Using inspiration garnered from all around the world, especially in the UK, but also from some of my favorite brands and stylists like Alonzo Arnold, Yummy extensions, Sheisthebeauty, and Bellami Hair. We get to create a new look together and being a part of the process is imperative because not only do they come out with something physical but it is also a learning experience. I believe what sets me apart from others is the continuing education I provide regarding products and how to use them. It is easy to give someone extensions or provide them with a service but being able to teach my consumer how to get the most out of their purchase is so important. I love giving my customers new ways to style and properly care for their luxury extension pieces.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
There is no such thing as an oversaturated market. I am sure most business owners have been told the story of walking down the bread aisle in a grocery store and seeing the hundreds of brands of bread. Bread regardless of any fancy logo or packaging still needs yeast, flour, and whatever else makes bread. Still today more and more companies and brands are putting out the same bread. Why? Because they believe they have something to offer that their competitor does not. I have had major imposter syndrome since starting my journey in the beauty industry. Actually, it stems all the way back to when I was applying for medical school. I felt like I didn’t compare and therefore could not compete. I told myself I was not good enough and would not get into any school. Those thoughts surfaced later in my business, and would completely agree that it slowed my progression in growing faster in this business. I honestly could not tell you where it came from because I know hands down what I am talking about when it comes to sourcing and providing quality products. I have high-quality extensions that have stood and will stand the test of time, I offer great customer service, and I know my industry. I love my industry so much that I keep going back for more continuing education, never ceasing to make sure I can provide my customers with the best. Every day is a challenge and changing that mindset starts on the inside and surrounding yourself with uplifting words and people that want to see you succeed. They push you and help you see what’s usually right in front of you. The next thing is to just go after it with every single fiber because no one will do it for me or ride for my business the way I will.
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Honestly, it is a tie between my art and servicing my clients and customers. Being able to take what is in my head and create something that I imagined is the best reward. I love the idea of working with my hands and turning something into nothing. From constructing extensions into a cascading wave of tresses to adding highs and lows of vibrant colors. Even today I still find my way back to my original canvases with pencils, pens, and brushes using different mediums to create unique works of art, but I love how painting can translate over to hair. Also, I would have to say seeing the reactions from my clients and customers. Knowing that a client or customer chooses to shop with you when ther are other options to choose from is an honor and something I will never take for granted. I get to take my passion and turn it into a lucrative business. Genuinely using the gifts God has blessed me with to transform people’s lives from the inside out. I believe that a new look, haircut, or a touch from another person can turn around the worst of days. People walk in one way and walk out another way mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It’s crucial to not only service the outside but the inside because life is hard and this world is ugly. If the little time my clients and customers spend with me talking and shopping for their next look helps in any way, that is a reward on its own. I like to think of myself as a beautypreneur because I specialize in other things than hair, although that may be a story for another day. I am not only a stylist, but I’m a therapist, a counselor, an advisor oftentimes, and just a friend. My job is awesome and what they say is mostly true, “find something you love doing, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iamnneshart.com
- Instagram: @nneshartstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nneshartstudio/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nne-s-hart-studio/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/NnesHartStudio
Image Credits
Ebony Ohen