Her Story
About Mandy
Mandy Lewis has been active in the barber and beauty industry since she obtained her cosmetology license in 2002 after completing an 18-month apprenticeship. Over the years she has worked at multiple salons and barbershops including Hair Cuttery, Bubbles, Fantastic Sam's, Kings and Queens, Sport Clips where she served as a manager, Roosters as a manager, 77 Barbershop, Hammer and Nails, Mr. O's Barbershop, and His Grooming on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C. As a Master Barber she is skilled at cutting all types of hair with particular expertise in ethnic hair and Asian hair, and she earned Rakuten Honors in Texas for her work with relaxers. Lewis attended cosmetology school at Woodbridge where she made the Dean's List while also managing a shop. She credits her professional development to colleagues at her early workplaces who did not take it easy on her and taught her techniques such as flat tops and straight razors, which motivated her to pursue proper licensing and build her expertise.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mandy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the people I first worked with who didn't take it easy on me and pushed me to prove myself. Colleagues taught me skills like flat tops and straight razors, which drove me to become more determined and get properly licensed as a master barber.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell her to follow her heart and stick with her guns. If you have a goal, stick with it. Even if you fail, at least you know you did the best you could do. You can always try again. I made straight A's and Dean's List later in life, showing it's never too late. My mom went back to school after doing hair and became a nurse while raising a family, proving it can be done.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is equal pay. Business owners sometimes don't pay what they say, and there's unequal treatment especially as a woman. I advocate for equal pay when doing the same work. As a master barber with more experience, I sometimes face issues with coworkers getting angry about pay differences, but I keep moving and set a good example.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Morals and loyalty are most important. I'm Christian and a peaceful person. Family is really big to me, including my sister, mom, grandma, uncle, and little nephews. Professionalism and keeping a positive vibe are key, even when opinions differ. I love being like a hippie and staying positive.
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