Meet Amanda Croce of AC Styles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Croce.

Amanda, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I was little I used to love playing with dolls. More importantly their hair! I would give each of my Barbies their own hairstyle. From safety scissors to the kitchen scissor haircuts, braids, buns and a endless amount of elastics and bows. My dolls always had fun hair. As I got older I found myself becoming more particular about my own style. My mom and sister taught me everything I needed to know about using electric curling brushes and hot rollers. My hair had some great days in high school!

I’ve always been in love with beauty and art. Drawing, painting, and sculpting in art class were the best part of my high school years. I knew when I graduated from high school I wanted to learn more about the art of cosmetology. My boyfriend, now Husband, started his career at the same time. Fast forward almost 20 years together, approaching 10 years of marriage and 4 small kids, it looks like we did something right! He is my best friend and we have always been very supportive of each other’s careers. We already see our daughters love for her mommy’s career.

Directly after high school I started assisting at a salon in Brookline. It’s where my passion was created. Working as an assistant I was ready to earn my keep. We used to joke about how many times I went to Starbucks for my coworkers on a daily basis, or where I would be picking up lunch for them. When I finally got to go to my first International Beauty Show in New York, I attended cutting classes, color corrections, learned more about clip in extensions, Ground zero, and did lots shopping in Soho. This trip had changed my life forever.

My head was ready to explode from everything I had seen and learned. It started a drive and passion that made me want to work harder to be a stylist. After assisting for 2 years I finally had my own station, directly next to the owner. Now 15 years later, I’m proud to say that I became my own boss.

Great, 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?
Very early in my career, the first salon I worked in had an intensive assistant program. Training was always very hands on which is so important when your learning in this industry. My boss took me under his wing and taught me almost everything I know. He never gave me the option to fail. Instead he would challenge me to perfect my skill and become so meticulous with my every move. I was lucky to have worked with very talented stylists giving daily tips and education along the way. With that knowledge and confidence I was never intimidated to be standing behind my chair. There are always struggles but I look at them as learning curves. For me, being a visual learner can sometimes create a struggle trying to express and reciprocate a client’s needs. This hurtle that I have overcome has resulted in asking detailed questions to my clients so that their hairstyle is exactly what they envisioned.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about AC Styles – what should we know?
AC Styles is my on location wedding hairstyling company. I specialize in relaxed bridal updos, luxurious blowouts, and customizing one of a kind styles for each and every bride. I’m very comfortable working with hair extensions. Any time a bride says she wants to use extensions, I’m happy to guide them in the right direction for color, length and brand. Being comfortable with multicultural styles prepares me for creating not only a hairstyle, but a visual hair creation that accentuates and pulls together your bridal look. Generally I can look at a photo a bride has chosen from Pinterest and other various sites, I then add my spin to replicate it to the best of my ability. It may not be exact but I love the challenge! I thrive on it as an artist. I’m very proud of what I have been able to accomplish. Client referrals are the best form of flattery. What sets me apart from other stylists is I will never give up when it comes to making a brides vision a reality. I’m happy to always go above and beyond for every single detail. I’m too much of a perfectionist to see fly always, or that one bobby pin showing. I pride myself with my attention to detail. When a client chooses AC Styles for their wedding day, for me it’s an absolute honor. I’m very appreciative of every single one my clients and their many referrals.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
AC Styles is my pride and joy (right next to my kids of course!)! As an entrepreneur, I believe my hard work and disciplined dedication has kept me resilient in my field. With over 15 years of working in this fast paced, competitive industry, AC Styles is more successful than I had ever imagined. You never know what your day will bring you, so it’s very important that I remain confident in my skills, creative, and focused. I’m so proud of the stylist I’ve become and how I continue to grow. Learning new skills and keeping up with educational classes is the best way to stay informed on transitional trends.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 508-733-8262
• Email: Hairac422@aol.com
• Instagram: acstyles2
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACStyles2/

Image Credit:
Cynthia Vogan photography

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