Hidden Gems: Meet Paige Wanamaker of STYLED x PAIGE

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Wanamaker.

Paige, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Going back, my relationship with hair really starts before I had the language to call it a “career.” I’ve always felt a pull and interest towards all things creative, but specifically in creating things with my hands. I used to say this craft chose me VS. the other way around. Some of my earliest memories involve playing with hair—experimenting on my sisters, friends, and anyone who would sit still long enough. By middle school, I had already become “The Hair Girl” to those around me, running my little side business out of my childhood bathroom. I don’t think I ever charged more than $15 back then, but what I gained was priceless: the realization that I loved creating and enhancing people’s natural beauty… watching their confidence grow right in front of me.

At 14 years old, I did my first bridal client, and by 16, I was working in a local salon. That was the foundation that eventually grew into STYLED x PAIGE, a business that today services clients across the Southeast and beyond, including destination weddings and special events! I like to think I’m more than just a hairstylist for all my clients– I promise to bring a peaceful energy, genuine connection, and expertise I’ve honed through years of experience (and trial and error) in this industry.

I’ve been lucky enough to do this full-time going on 5 years now! STYLED x PAIGE is all about luxury special-event hairstyling. Beyond local + destination weddings, I also work on editorial and campaign shoots, partnering with brands to create trend-forward hair looks that elevate their creative vision. I provide an experience where clients feel both taken care of and inspired. Whether it’s a bride on her wedding day or a brand prepping for a shoot, my role is to ensure they feel confident, understood, and bring their hair goals to life. I even had the opportunity to do hair for some of the Eagles’ Wives and Girlfriends at Super Bowl LIX last year. That was a real pinch-me moment, and I’m so blessed to call this my job!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Ooo this is a good one — I feel like it’s been pretty smooth sailing and continues to only get better, thankfully. Of course, in the beginning, there were many kinks I had to figure out as I went. Pricing, communication, time management, always refining my skills, to name a few ;). When I started doing more and more weddings specifically, I took each one as a learning opportunity and discovered there was a lesson in each one.

In the early days, I remember getting home from weddings and immediately tweaking/adding things to my contract and email templates in order to avoid making similar mistakes or in order to create clear expectations for the next – for both myself and for my clients. I was just learning as I went!

For example: wedding days run on tight, strict timelines, so I don’t offer (nor do I have time to offer) blow drys before styling. On one of my very first solo weddings, the entire bridal party showed up with wet hair expecting me to do exactly that. Because I was young and didn’t want anyone to be “mad” at me, I continued to dry + style each and every one of them. That might sound silly, but a bride is not going to be happy that you are the reason their day is now running 2 hours behind schedule on one of the most special days of their life. As soon as I got home, I changed my contracts and hair prep guides to include that the bridal party must show up with clean *dry* hair, in order to be styled — a simple tweak that avoided so many frustrated feelings and miscommunications moving forward.

Thankfully, I have grown so much that I rarely face client-facing struggles these days. Now, it’s mainly remembering that I, too, have to prioritize my own time and self care in order to always find a good work-life balance and continue to fall more and more in love with what I do on a daily basis. It’s safe to say I’m living out my dream job at this point!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
STYLED x PAIGE is all about luxury special-event hairstyling. Beyond local + destination weddings, I also work on editorial and campaign shoots, partnering with brands to create trend-forward hair looks that elevate their creative vision. I provide an experience where clients feel both taken care of and inspired. Whether it’s a bride on her wedding day or a brand prepping for a shoot, my role is to ensure they feel confident, understood, and bring their hair goals to life.

I think the combination of luxury and warmth is what sets me apart, professionally. My clients know they are in expert hands, but they also know I’m someone they can laugh with, trust, and lean on during highly emotional moments. I stay deeply tuned in to trends while also respecting timeless beauty, which makes me a resource and open to anything. I want every client to walk away not only loving their hair, but also remembering how good it felt to be in the chair.

STYLED x PAIGE isn’t just about hair—it’s about confidence, connection, and celebrating life’s best moments. When you sit in my chair, you’re not just getting a style, you’re getting an experience and hopefully gaining a friend!

Oh, and if you ever visit me in my studio, there’s a good chance you’ll also meet my mini dachshund, Chicago, the unofficial mascot of STYLED x PAIGE.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the diversity of Atlanta and all it has to offer! From the art scene, to food, fashion, entertainment, and creative, it’s an amazing area to be among. I have grown so much, professionally and personally, from my time in and outside ATL that it’ll always hold a special place in my heart! Now that my studio space is located in Birmingham, AL, I take advantage of any opportunity I get to work or collab on something in this special city.

Least favorite — take a wild guess haha…. The traffic, of course!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.styledxpaige.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/styledxpaige
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/styledxpaige
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@styledxpaige

Image Credits
Greddins
Jenn Davis Imagery