We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mandy Montana. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mandy below.

Hi Mandy , thanks for joining us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

I’ve been a hairstylist for a decade, and the relationship with my clients can be very close. We’re there for their wins and losses, seeing their families and careers evolve, and supporting them through difficult times like divorce or the loss of a loved one. A salon appointment often feels therapeutic, with a sense of confidentiality about what is shared.
About two years ago, I began incorporating energy work, specifically reiki, into my services. I see it as enhancing the therapeutic experience. I’m naturally intuitive and have a good sense of people’s needs. While I understand that not everyone is open to reiki, I was surprised by how many were unsure or resistant due to religious beliefs or misconceptions about it being witchcraft. I can assure you that reiki, a Japanese healing technique involving placing hands on or near the body, is about promoting relaxation and healing. It translates to “universal energy” and has no negative effects, often fostering feelings of peace and warmth.
I know that “woo woo” services aren’t for everyone, but reiki has helped me through challenging times, and I feel honored to share it with others.

Mandy , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi! I’m Mandy Montana, a hairstylist and reiki practitioner. I grew up in Las Vegas, and ever since I learned that turning 18 meant I could pursue my dreams, I knew I wanted to move to LA and become a hairstylist, just like my mom. I accompanied her to work whenever I could, watching as she and her colleagues worked their magic. To me, they were like celebrities with their style, hair, and confidence. I was determined to join their ranks no matter what.
I’ve always been drawn to vibrant colors. When I was growing up, having hair in every color of the rainbow was considered quite taboo. Fortunately, by the time I started beauty school, it was becoming more accepted. I’ve been practicing and mixing color palettes for a decade now, making it my specialty behind the chair. If you’re looking to spice up your hair game, I’m your stylist! I love taking inspiration from nature and art and applying it to my clients’ hair.

I’ve always marched to the beat of my own drum and embraced a non-traditional lifestyle. There was a period in my life when I felt quite lifeless, dealing with a breakup and newly embracing sobriety. In my search for purpose and healing, I discovered reiki. After nearly 20 years in LA, I felt drawn back to Vegas to meet a reiki master named Jimmy. My first session was transformative, and I knew I wanted to learn this technique to share its benefits with others.
During my reiki training, I experienced a significant spiritual awakening and gained valuable clarity. I believe that reiki and hairstyling complement each other well. The trust between a hairstylist and client is unique, as we work closely within your energy field, offering peace and confidence. Full reiki sessions can help alleviate anxiety, trauma, and stress. Healing journeys are not linear, and I’m here to support clients wherever they are, whether it’s through achieving a fantastic hairstyle or helping clear negative energy to empower them. I offer chakra balancing in the salon during your shampoo service and full 60 minutes are available at my reiki studio.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

When I first started my career, I was eager to see rapid improvement in my skills. I believed that the more I worked, the faster I would learn. While this approach worked for a time, it eventually led to burnout. I found myself working six or seven days a week for years, which stifled my creativity and left me feeling like a zombie, simply going through the motions. I became trapped in a hustler mentality that made me feel guilty and anxious during my downtime; I even struggled to take a nap without feeling like I was wasting time.
Over time, I have come to appreciate the importance of being present and listening to my body. I’ve learned that this approach allows me to absorb new techniques and information more deeply. Now, I enjoy the process without the pressure. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget that we are here to live our own lives, not just to work.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The freedom I’ve gained over the years is truly invaluable. I now have control over my schedule and my income. Although it took years to reach this point, I appreciate not having anyone dictating what I should or shouldn’t be doing. While many people have moved away from traditional 9-to-5 jobs, I have effectively found ways to maximize my time. I currently work in the salon two days a week and earn the same amount as I would if I were there for four days. I wouldn’t change a thing about my journey.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @blvcksheephair
• Other: @blvcksheephealing

Image Credits

Kara Hengle , Eli Montana