Meet Brandi Maddox

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandi Maddox.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Brandi. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I spent the majority of my childhood with my grandmother, and I remember before we went to bed every night, she’d plat her long hair in five braids, then put a pink sponge roller on the end. Oh my God, I can’t even begin to tell you how fascinating this process was to me, lol! One day, I mustered up the courage to finally ask her “Ma, can you teach me how to do that?” Lo and behold, my passion for hair ignited and has been on fire ever since.

Fast forward to middle school, I literally had a full-blown clientele by 8th grade, which consisted of a few of my school friends, their siblings, and even a few adults! I used to debate whether I would do my homework or take clients.

I was always an artist at heart (which is my fancy way of saying me and school never really saw eye to eye, lol). My passion for hair was so strong and my mom knew it far outweighed school for me… everyone pretty much knew I would be a hairstylist – it was no question! So, she let me graduate high school at 16, so I could begin cosmetology school sooner… and I’m grateful for that.

I’ve now been doing hair professionally going on ten years now and I can say it has truly been a journey to get to where I am but I wouldn’t trade any of my experiences. They helped make me who I am!

Has it been a smooth road?
I’ve definitely had many obstacles, thus far…. some bigger than others but I’ve overcome them all. I would say my biggest challenge was being under the wrong leadership. I got so caught up in the name or years of experience of older stylists that I forgot my own value. While they were seeing if I was a good fit for their salon, I should’ve made sure they were a good fit for me and were a reflection of where I desired to be in my career. I learned the hard way that years of experience does not equal professionalism.

If I had any advice for younger stylists, it would be to not get caught up in names and to go where you will be taught- however small or big the salon does not matter. Sure nothing is perfect, but if you can list more positives than negatives – then that just may be the place you should stay and learn from. Oh and make certain you know what it is that you want to be before joining a salon or getting a mentor… that’s the most important part.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in detailed work on natural hair- mainly curl patterns 3A-4C. I do a lot of hair coloring and cutting on real hair – that’s what I’m known for. I love doing drastic transformations and showing my clients their real hair can be top notch and healthy, without having to resort to weaves and extensions. You’d be amazed as to what all hair can do… I love it.

What I think sets me apart is my passion for hair art. I’m sure there are great stylists who do similar work to me, but I allow my passion to speak for me. I love hair so much I do it for free at least once or twice a month. I select women in need of a makeover and I get to work! I love to allow my passion to speak for my creativity.

Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I have a few motivational speakers I like to learn from. My top 4 are Myles Munroe, Wayne Dyer, Bob Proctor, and Andy Stanley. It’s very important for me to stay grounded in the most important part of life, which is love and giving. These four people help me to focus on what matters most.

As for other artists and platforms, I learn from PaintedHair, Behind The Chair, Razor Chic, LisaLovesBalayage, Kara Williams, Dawn Bradley, Greg Gilmore, and Zach Mesquit. This is who I normally tune into a few times out of the month. I believe iron sharpens iron… so, I stay educated with whom I like to think is at the top tier in their craft. It’s important to be optimistic and learn always… I live by that.

Pricing:

• Silk Press (natural hair) $60 and up
• Foils $70-$100
• Cuts $15-$50
• Relaxers $75 and up
• Shampoo and Style (relaxed hair) $50 and up
• Balayage $150-$175
• Bleach and Tone $125 and up

Contact Info:

• Website: www.iambrandibeauty.com
• Phone: 404.918.5390
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @iambrandibeauty
• Facebook: I Am Brandi Beauty
• Location: 425 Ernest Barrett Parkway-
  Loft 11 in the Salon Lofts Building

Image Credit:
Brandi Maddox

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