Today we’d like to introduce you to Annie FitzGerald.
Hi Annie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up, I was obsessed with any movie I saw that referenced salon culture (Edward Scissorhands, Grease, Legally Blonde, Beauty shop). I forced my family and friends to play these movies often. If I was left alone, I would cut all my hair off. I loved the idea of self expression through hair and makeup. Any time I got my hair done in a salon, I was obsessed with the process, the smell of the color, the salon atmosphere. By the time I was in middle school, my mom was consistently taking me to Walmart to buy box hair colors to try. In highschool, I was the one doing makeup and hair on all my friends for different events.
After highschool, I went to college to study fashion merchandising. Although I loved fashion, the traditional college experience was not for me. I made the decision to leave and immediately enrolled into cosmetology school. During my time in cosmetology school, I was also working as an apprentice in a salon. I fell in love with working in the salon and connecting with clients. The first few years of my career, I was really focused on hair and makeup. I spent lots of time doing education with Redken, which really helped hone my hair skills and technique. On the weekends, I would do makeup for photoshoots or weddings. At one point, I was learning SFX makeup and seriously considering working in film. I always knew I loved every part of the beauty industry and didn’t want to limit myself on what I could do.
After many years in the industry, I felt ready to pursue another dream of mine – learning permanent makeup and brows. I became a licensed + certified permanent makeup artist in 2022.
Being a multi faceted and multi licensed artist is something that I’m extremely proud of and grateful for. Because I don’t stick to one niche or type of service, each day in the salon is a little different – which I love.
Throughout my career, I have moved between the Atlanta area and south of Atlanta. I am excited to announce that I recently expanded my services back into the Atlanta area. Being able to service clients in two locations is a dream come true. I really enjoy meeting and connecting with all different types of people. Looking forward into the future, I want to continue creating a safe space for self expression through my artistry and serve the LGBTQ+ community in the Atlanta area.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Things haven’t always been easy in my career. Early on, I struggled with bosses telling me “what I was good at” or “what I should do” and let their opinions dictate how I felt about my skills and my career. Taking others’ opinions into consideration TOO MUCH always led to me feeling “not good enough or experienced enough.” I’ve also had struggles with anxiety and depression that can cause me to overthink or not fully show up for myself. If I could give my younger self advice, it would be to breathe, focus on myself, and lean into a growth mindset above anything.
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?
I specialize in custom hair color + cuts. I’m known for my layered haircuts, bangs, shags, mullets, haircuts that can be air dried…I’m also known for cutting curly and wavy hair – and helping clients find the right cut and routine that works for their texture. Color wise, I love to do it all – from blondes to vivids. What sets me apart from other stylists in my area is the fact that I work with all hair textures, have extremely thorough consultations, and have a gender affirming service menu. I’m really proud to create a safe space for everyone within the salon setting.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’m so grateful that my family fully supported me when I decided to go to beauty school.
My parents put me through beauty school and almost 10 years later, I still do my mom and sister’s hair.
When I was a new artist, I did hair and makeup on friends to build my skills and portfolio. Kelsey Seelye, Taylor Mobley, Matalyn Hopkins, Courtney Walker, Jordan Guest, and Kendra Harper. – Our styled photoshoots or kitchen beautician color appointments really helped me to grow my skills and find my style.
I’ve worked with several stylists who made a big impact on my career too – Molly Harden, Amanda Gonzalez, Lani Young, Angel Sostre, Katrina Williams. I learned so much from them early on and really value how we continue to support each other.
All of these people have supported me and helped shift my career into what it is today.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artistrybyannie_
