Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandy “QueenofKash” Williams.
Hi Mandy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am a fourth-generation beauty professional and owner of the legendary La Belle
Beauty Schools & Salons brand. Born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, I
discovered my passion for hairstyling at just three years old under the guidance of my
great-grandmother, Dr. Isabelle Mandy Clarke Gant. As a young adult in college. I realized my talent was special after developing a large clientele from my college apartment in Baton Rouge,La while attending Southern university. I graduated from Delgado Community college with my cosmetology degree at 24 yrs old. My career took off while I was still in cosmetology school. I went on my 1st national tour as K.Michelle hairstylist at 23 yrs old. That same year I began getting plenty of celebrity books from social media, which helped put my work in the entertainment industry. Mentored by generations of
beauty educators, including my grandmother Dr. JoAnn Gant Johnson and aunt
Dr. Donna Williams Phillips, I have been able to elevate not only myself but my family brand as well. I have
traveled nationwide teaching, styling for celebrities, and directing major productions —
including serving as Director of Hair & Makeup for Set It Off Live & BeautyCons Texture on the runway and working on
Disney’s The Crossover, which later won an Emmy Award. Now as a licensed
cosmetology instructor and Board Member of LSBBA, i continue to honor my
family legacy by developing advanced education programs for beauty and grooming industry.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a hairstylist from Louisiana it’s been hard staying consistent in the entertainment industry. I am a non union stylist and I don’t have an agent or representation. So all of the jobs I have gotten have been from my hard work, word of mouth, social media & referrals. The inconsistent industry work has never caused me financially strain because I have always maintained a regular clientele. The pandemic was a very hard time for everyone in the beauty industry including myself because we were state ordered to stop working for months. Rebuilding & strategizing a formula to stay afloat can be difficult but never giving up pays off, when you are doing what you love.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I consider myself a Professional licensed Entertainment cosmetologist. I also am an educator & beauty influencer. I specialize in hair extensions, health hair & Marcel hairstyling. I’m most know for my skills in Marcel hairstyling because its a lost art. Cosmetology schools don’t teach it because it isn’t a state board required. I’m proud to be a younger hairstylist sticking to the roots of styling & caring for textured hair. My grandmother was so skilled in everything and I learned so much from just watching & assisting her while servicing clients. My practical skills, product knowledge & techniques set me apart from the new generation of hairstylists. I been an old school feel which is comfortable to my clients they know they are in good hands.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I’m not a glitz & glam girl. Outside of me being a “celebrity” stylist I don’t wear make up a lot, I enjoy wearing socks and slides with joggers or shorts. I enjoy my family & close friends. That’s mostly where I spend a lot of my free time. I like to chill, cook & eat. I don’t need much to be happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.labellebeautysalonllc.com
- Instagram: Thequeenofkash
