We recently had the chance to connect with Mandy Davenport and have shared our conversation below.
Mandy, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
Yes, absolutely. Back in January of 2022 I toured a suite and really started considering the idea of going out on my own. At the time I was still working in a full-service commission salon. A co-worker and I had tossed around the idea of opening a space together, but deep down I wasn’t fully certain it was the right move. I could feel how toxic the environment had become where I was, yet I also had a solid clientele and was earning well enough that walking away felt like a huge risk.
After a lot of thought and prayer, I decided not to jump too quickly. Looking back, that choice gave me the time I needed to gain clarity and courage. By the end of June 2022 the circumstances lined up in a way I never expected, and I finally stepped out to open my own salon suite solo at the beginning of July. What felt uncertain in January turned out to be perfect timing a few months later. It was one of those moments where waiting ended up being the biggest blessing, and I can honestly say it was the best decision I’ve ever made for myself and my career.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Mandy. I currently live in Birmingham, Al. I’ve been in the beauty industry for over ten years, and during that time I’ve built my career as a versatile stylist with a true passion for both creative color and precision cuts. Over the years I’ve had the chance to compete in men’s competitions where I placed third at the state level, as well as showcase my work in women’s color and cut competitions. Some of those looks were even featured in the Premier Birmingham Hair Show magazine and other industry publications, which has been such an honor.
My brand is really centered on blending skill with connection. A salon for the whole family. I believe hair is not just about how it looks but about how it makes someone feel. I’ve created a salon space where clients feel welcomed, comfortable, and truly listened to, because at the end of the day the most rewarding part of what I do is building genuine relationships. I want every client to walk out feeling more confident than when they walked in.
I also believe in never stopping when it comes to learning and growing. I keep up with the latest fashion and hair trends through continuous education, and I recently became an ambassador for Alter Ego Italy. That partnership has opened exciting doors and my long-term goal is to expand into education and help other stylists grow in their craft as well.
Right now I am focused on growing my salon suite, enhancing the experience for my clients, and pushing myself to the next level in my career. What sets my work apart is not only the technical skill but also the personal care and passion I put into every service. My priority is to provide my clients with the highest quality services and products while staying current with the ever-changing beauty industry.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My granny was without a doubt the one who saw me clearly long before I ever saw myself. She raised me with so much love and strength and showed me what it meant to be an independent woman who could accomplish anything with faith and hard work. From a young age she told me I was destined to be a hairdresser, and I pushed back on it for years. I even went through cosmetology school twice before I finally accepted that she had been right all along. She recognized the passion and talent in me before I could, and she believed in my ability to make something of it.
She also knew that my story would one day serve a bigger purpose. Growing up as the child of two parents who struggled with addiction and being raised by her, she taught me that my journey could inspire others who might be walking through something similar. She always reminded me that my struggles would not define me, but instead could be used to give hope and encouragement to others. Looking back now, I see how clearly she saw who I was meant to become.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I think the fear that has held me back the most in life is the fear of failure and the lack of confidence that comes with always trying to please others. I have always been a people pleaser and caring for others has been such a big part of who I am. Making sure those around me are happy matters deeply to me, sometimes to the point where I have doubted myself or held myself back from taking risks out of worry about what others might think.
That fear has shaped the way I approach my work too. I put my whole heart into making sure every client leaves happy and feels seen and valued. If for some reason something is not quite right, I want them to feel comfortable enough to tell me so that we can fix it together. Over time I have learned that while my caring nature is one of my strengths, I also have to balance it with confidence in myself and my abilities. I am realizing that failure is not the end but part of the process, and that people often appreciate authenticity and effort more than perfection.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the beauty industry is the idea that anyone can do hair if they just watch enough tutorials. While online videos can definitely inspire and teach basic techniques, they can’t replace formal training in chemistry, anatomy, color theory, or the years of hands-on experience it takes to truly understand how hair works and how to work with it safely and effectively.
Another common misconception is that stylists just play with hair all day and that it’s not a “real” career. In reality, this profession demands a mix of science, artistry, psychology, physical endurance, and business savvy. Behind the chair, stylists act as chemists, artists, therapists, entrepreneurs, and marketers—often all within the same day.
Then there’s the expectation that you’ll walk out of the salon looking exactly like the photo you brought in. The truth is, every head of hair is different. Hair texture, density, health, color history, and natural movement all affect what’s realistically possible. A good stylist can create something customized and flattering, but they aren’t magicians, and copy-paste results don’t exist in this industry.
Finally, there’s a widespread belief that professional hair products are just overpriced versions of what you find at the drugstore. In reality, the quality of ingredients, concentration levels, and formulation science in salon grade products are often far more advanced. That’s why professionals rely on them for consistent, predictable results something generic formulas rarely offer.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I only had 10 years left, the first thing I would stop doing is overworking. In this industry, it’s so common to fall into the pattern of long days, packed weeks, and especially giving up weekends. Saturdays are usually a given we keep our books open so clients who work traditional 9 to 5 jobs can still get in. I’ve done it for years, always prioritizing flexibility for my clients, making sure I stayed late, started early, or rearranged personal plans to accommodate them.
But in doing that, I’ve sacrificed a lot. Time with family, time to rest, time just to live outside of the salon it’s all taken a backseat. If I only had 10 years left, I’d shift my priorities immediately. I’d start protecting my personal time more fiercely. I’d make space for moments that matter outside of work. I’d still do what I love, but not at the cost of everything else that makes life meaningful. Finding balance shouldn’t be something that comes too late, and I know I need to be more intentional about creating that space now.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://smokeandmirrorsparlor.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokeandmirrorsparlor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smokeandmirrorsparlor
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