Today we’d like to introduce you to Amia McKinney.
Hi Amia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As a licensed cosmetologist, I specialize in natural hair and micro-link extensions in Memphis, TN. My journey began in high school as I studied cosmetology for three years as an elective course. After graduating, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Sports Management from the University of Tennessee, Martin in 2017. During college, I launched my YouTube channel, Mia’s Mane, sharing content about my hair, makeup, and lifestyle. The name Mia’s Mane comes from my big blonde curls that resemble a lion’s mane.
Post-graduation, I moved back to Memphis and quickly realized working the average 9-5 wasn’t for me. I wanted to pursue a career that I was passionate about. Through my YouTube channel, I rediscovered my passion for hair and developed Mia’s Mane into a brand. In 2019, with the support of my family, I decided to quit working and enrolled in Paul Mitchell cosmetology school. I knew right away that this was the career path for me. I attended school full-time for 11 months until I reached my 1,500 hours. In November 2020, I passed the Cosmetology State Board Examination and became a licensed cosmetologist.
To further my education, I attended a micro-link course where I found my niche and was offered an apprentice position at The Chic Standard Salon. I was excited and humbled to find a salon home to grow with such great women. Now, I am on my own as a stylist and the floor manager at Chic. My clientele is rising and Mia’s Mane is gaining more exposure across the country. I have truly found my passion and my calling through cosmetology.
I strive to be a positive influence by using my God-given talent to uplift other women. My goal is to make my clients feel confident and beautiful each time they leave my chair.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been many obstacles and challenges while pursuing my career. The biggest challenge was attending school in the midst of a global pandemic. COVID-19 took over the world in the middle of my cosmetology school journey. It was a challenge to stay motivated to learn while attending school via Zoom.
However, being in quarantine was also a blessing in disguise. I was able to push myself to think outside the box and be more creative. I was able to grow as a person and a stylist during this time.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Mia’s Mane is known for natural, versatile extensions and natural hair. With the help of extensions, I am able to enhance my client’s hair leaving a seamless blend. My clients are able to add length, volume, and even color without compromising the integrity of their natural hair. It’s the most versatile and seamless extension there are!
I am most proud of my growth. One year ago, I was a timid new stylist. I had lots of self-doubt and insecurities. Now, I am confident in my craft and always striving to further my education to become better. My books are consistently full and busy. I am so grateful for each person who has sat in my chair and trusted me as their stylist.
Each day, I strive to become a better professional through my clients. The goal at Mia’s Mane is to empower all women to feel beautiful one mane at a time. When clients sit in my chair, I hope to minister to them through God and allow Him to guide my hands to create beautiful work.
What does success mean to you?
The textbook definition of success is the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. To me, success is never-ending. It means to continue to strive to be better than you were yesterday. Today might have been a successful day, but tomorrow can be even more successful. Success is temporarily obtained until you are no longer satisfied and a new goal is set in place to reach.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@miasmane.com
- Website: www.miasmane.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mias_mane/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MiasManee
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvqlq5pA2LoxLEzL52e4V-g
Image Credits
Walesha Yates (Unleash Photography)
