Amy Laing, a hair stylist based in Edmonton, Canada, is “living the dream” as a successful stylist and educator. As a stylist at Ponytails + Horseshoes she creates a relaxing and enjoyable experience for the clients and of course, they all come out looking great! Learn more about Amy’s career in our interview.
BANGSTYLE: Can you give us some background on your career?
Amy Laing: I have been happily behind the chair since 1997. I began an apprenticeship immediately after high school. I have taken a ton of classes, and worked with some amazing stylists and mentors. A few years back, I was introduced to a product and a man named Kevin Murphy, and I felt a new excitement and fire in my belly. I have been an educator for the brand for 4 years now.
BANGSTYLE: How did you get your start in hair and how did you know you wanted to make a career out of it?
Amy Laing: I started modeling when I was young, and I found myself more interested in what was happening behind the scenes, particularly involving hair. I think I knew before I began that I would be spending my life cutting, coloring, and pushing hair around.
BANGSTYLE: Can you tell us a bit about Ponytails + Horseshoes? What kind of client experience do you like to create there?
Amy Laing: Cristina Shiferaw (my business partner) and I believe very strongly in personal and positive experiences. We want our clients to come and escape the stresses of life, and rejuvenate their energies enjoying the camaraderie of colleagues and friends, and leave feeling beautiful!
BANGSTYLE: Who or what inspires the looks you create?
Amy Laing: I grew up as a dancer, so I find myself most drawn to and inspired by movement and shape. I always wonder where it’s going next, and what shape it could evolve into. We are not static creatures, I believe in hair that is intended to flow through space as a result of action.
I am inspired by a lot of people (Kevin Murphy, his ENTIRE team, the great Vidal, Angelo Seminara, Luigi Murenu, a number of people from my community…) I absolutely love watching people do hair! The more intentional the process, the more it draws me in.
BANGSTYLE: What are some of your career highlights?
Amy Laing: Getting to work and play with the most amazing group of people everyday at Ponytails + Horseshoes, educating for an industry changing brand, working backstage at Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, styling hair for local magazines (Georgie, ModCity), working with fabulous photographers, and being featured by Bangstyle! I really am living my dream.
BANGSTYLE: Do you have any advice for aspiring stylists?
Amy Laing: Follow your bliss and stay hungry. It may not be easy, but it will be worthwhile.
BANGSTYLE: Do you specialize in any particular looks, cuts, or styles?
Amy Laing: I would have to say long flowy mermaid hair and bobs.
BANGSTYLE: How would you describe your aesthetic?
Amy Laing: Boho-rocker.
BANGSTYLE: Any at-home hair tips to share with our users?
Amy Laing: LOL, please use heat protection! Our tools are so hot, we really shouldn’t be messing around without protection…hahaha
BANGSTYLE: Do you have any future plans or goals for your career?
Amy Laing: I plan on continuing to shoot, travel, and see where this fabulous industry will take me.
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