Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Waite.
Hi Anna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Ever since my teenage years, I have loved anything beauty-related. This was a time when YouTube beauty gurus were taking over the video platform and I used to spend hours watching YouTube videos on how to do different kinds of makeup looks and hairstyles. A lot of my friends noticed I started to get really good and they were always asking me to do their hair and make-up for school dances.
Eventually, I was even getting paid to do so. Right out of high school in 2013, I decided to go to the community college route because I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do as a career. Growing up Asian-American, my immigrant parents had higher career expectations for me. As much as I love my parents and wanted to please them, something about the beauty industry was always in the back of my mind. After one semester of college, I finally had the guts to tell my parents I wanted to go to cosmetology school. Although they weren’t thrilled, they agreed that I could go but go back to college once I got my license. I initially wanted to pursue make-up but realized I didn’t love it as much as I fell in love with doing hair. So here I am, seven years later and I’m owning my own studio and needless to say, I never went back to college. After passing my state board cosmetology test, that same day I started interviewing at any salon I could. I got a call back the next day and accepted a position at my very first salon. Since then, I’ve moved salons a couple of times and eventually worked my way up as a salon manager of a medical spa/salon. Since entering that management position, I soon learned that the leadership role wasn’t quite for me. I also realized how unhappy I was because having someone tell me what I can and can’t do didn’t sit right with me. It was so bad to the point I was about to give up completely on my hair career.
Right after the COVID quarantine, I had decided to forfeit my management position and leave the spa scene. Although I took a huge hit financially, I felt that my mental health and happiness were way more important to me. I took a few other salon jobs, but then an opportunity came across me that felt like a huge sign. I heard that the very first salon suite concept was coming to my area and without hesitation, I knew this was what I wanted. I could be an independent stylist, be my own boss, set my own hours, and creatively think with no judgment.
I started my own business head-on, and with the help of my husband who is very business-minded, I created Studio AW. It is my own studio where I could be myself and where my clients could also feel welcomed and comfortable. I developed a lot of marketing skills over the years and it really helped me put my business out there. I can say this is the happiest I’ve ever been in my career and I can only see more good things coming.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Definitely not! As I said before, I couldn’t freely be myself as a stylist at other salons. There was always someone telling me what was right or wrong. This left me feeling stuck. I dealt with a lot of obstacles especially when it came to my mental health. I soon realized the only thing that was in the way was myself. I let my fear get to me and I had to challenge myself to be able to grow as a stylist.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I would say I’m your modern colorist. I love creating beautiful heads of hair, specifically blondes. My main focus is blended blondes and balayage. I’m most proud when I’m able to build confidence in a client after doing their hair. It’s super rewarding to give them their dream hair all while creating a trusting relationship with them. I believe being an honest stylist sets me apart from others. I’m always realistic with my clients in order to give them not just beautiful but healthy hair.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I love when clients are able to support my business by sharing photos of their hair!
Pricing:
- Women’s Haircut $55
- Balayage $250
- Full Highlight $145
- Partial Highlight $115
- Base Color $75
Contact Info:
- Website: www.studioaw.co
- Instagram: @thestudioaw
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestudioaw
