Meet Manda Dior | Hairstylist

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

Hi Manda, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued an artistic career after realizing how important passion was to me. I struggled day in and day out to fit myself into societal norms, profession wise, before realizing the gift that I have been blessed with. Without a true drive to engage in certain tasks, I experienced absolutely no pleasure in those activities despite the reward factor. Hairstyling served as a way for me to incorporate both my passion and a desirable reward system, making others feel more confident in themselves.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Getting your hair done by TheMDiorSlayy is an experience in itself. In my time, I’ve seen a number of people decide start doing hair simply because it’s a means of income, no plan, preparation, or dedication goes into their impulse decision. The business I am building has come from within. The number one rule that I emphasize to my clients is that I do not do rushed work. I take my time and perfect every aspect of the work I do. Unlike most stylists, I value quality work over time duration. The road to where I am today was everything but easy. I’ve stood on my feet in one spot for styles that have taken fourteen hours, I’ve gone full days without meal or water breaks, and I’ve had clients that made me consider quitting. But, through all of that I constantly kept track of how much braiding hair was needed, how many jars of jam, expenses, and profits. The price list for the services I offered started off in my notes app. I got to a point where I wanted to be more professional and through trial and error, figured out how to design my booking website. Therefore, I was no longer sending screenshots of my services to people, but having a web address that could reach more people in a shorter amount of time. The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is the importance of time management. The lowest points in my journey were due to a lack of time dedicated to caring for myself. This line of work requires more than just your tangible presence, but also your intangible presence. I first started doing hair based off of my ability to see and recreate. I am a visual learner and I like to challenge myself. Hair styling is the one factor that has been apart of my life that constantly challenges me in a way that doesn’t leave me feeling defeated every time.

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?
Food just might be my love language. If I had friends visiting the area, majority of my itinerary would be places to eat. One thing I can say about the city is there are places to eat. Breakfast would be a combination of Silver Skillet, The Flying Biscuit, and Toast on Lenox. Lunch would be a choice between Chef Kodak’s Pasta Tuesdays and Grindhouse Killer Burgers. Dinner would be between YoiYoi Japanese Steakhouse, Old Lady Gang, Carrabbas, and Mary Mac’s Tea Room. Aside from food, there are inexpensive activities to engage in as well such as the Black History Museum, The World of Coke, The Georgia Aquarium, and Amicalola Falls.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My success up to this point in my business is due first and foremost to the most high, followed by my parents and family, and finally my close friends and clients. To an extent all of these individuals have played key roles in my business by either referring my services to other friends and family, word of mouth, or simple inquiries. My support system is very elaborate and I would not trade it for the world.

Website: www.mandadior.as.me

Instagram: themdiorslayy

Facebook: Manda Dior

Youtube: Manda Dior

Image Credits
Taylor N., Noah D., Tommy R., and Miyang T.