Meet Mannie | HairStylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mannie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mannie, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’m a Mama’s Boy and would often go with my mother to the salon on Fridays. Just so happened that her beautician was my cousin, the late Linda Wilkins. I would notice not only how emotionally safe my mother felt in the salon as well as how her confidence changed once she turned to see her new style in the mirror. I wanted to make others feel this security and this good once my hands touched them and they left my presence. Once I started Cosmetology School, and reach the practical part of the course, styling came natural.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I would say that my inquisitive mind is what has set me apart in this business. I have always been a student of my craft and the filming industry. Whether researching terms that I didn’t understand or wasn’t familiar with on a call sheet, on down to picking up a book on styling techniques or watching a show or movie set in the period that I’m about to work on for accuracy.

I’m very proud of the fact that when it comes to the industry, I haven’t allowed my shyness to overtake my wondering mind. I have developed a love for research and authenticity when it comes to character development on the stories that I tell with hairstyling.

The main lesson that I’ve learned is to always keep an open mind and a willingness to try something a new way. With that you develop your own method with the end goal of precision.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Anytime I have guests come into the city , especially the first time to Atlanta, I take them to the landmarks first. Places such as Martin Luther King Center and Ebenzer Baptist Church. Of course the Mercedes Benz Stadium and sightseeing around Centennial Park/World of Coke/Georgia Aquarium. Then we’ll venture into Midtown for my favorite spots such as Virgils, Soice House, 10th & Piedmont, Henry’s, The Lawrence, The Nook or if I’m feeling it, Vortex. Nightlife for me includes G’s, Blake’s, Mixx, Friends on Ponce.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My career path into Film/TV hairstyling came by way of being connected to MyManMoe! at Attitudes by Moe! Salon.

I saw an ad that he had published on Craigslist with an opening station at his salon and once I clicked on his website, I knew that was the place I needed to be in order to learn the business of Editorial, Music Videos and Film/TV because Moe! was already established in the field.

Website: MandrillHardgeHairstylist.com

Instagram: MandrillHardge

Twitter: Mandrill Hardge