Mandy C. shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Mandy, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
I have. When I was teaching at a beauty school, I stood up for both students and staff when I felt things weren’t being handled fairly. There were moments where speaking up about certain issues made me a target for tension and misunderstanding, but I couldn’t stay quiet knowing others were being affected. I chose to advocate for respect, transparency, and the kind of environment that students deserve to learn. It cost me comfort, and honestly some peace of mind, but it taught me that protecting what’s right is never easy and that my voice has power, even when it shakes.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Amanda Chang, and I’m a licensed Salon Manager Cosmetologist and educator dedicated to blending creativity, education, and empowerment within the beauty industry. I’m the owner of Shine Artistry Studio (SAS), a brand inspired by my Hmong heritage and my Hmong name, Nouci, which means “sunshine.” The essence of my brand is to help others feel confident, radiant, and inspired to embrace their individuality through artistry and self-expression.
With years of experience managing multiple storefronts and running my own beauty business, I’ve learned to combine creativity with professionalism in everything I do. I specialize in detailed custom nail designs, lash extensions, natural brows, and providing educational experiences that empower others to refine their craft and grow their careers.
What makes my work special is how I merge artistry with education. My goal isn’t just to create beautiful work, it’s to help others discover their own unique light within this industry. As I continue expanding Shine Artistry Studio, I’m exploring new ways to educate and uplift beauty professionals beyond the classroom, building a community rooted in creativity, authenticity, and growth.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed that being quiet and agreeable was the best way to keep the peace and be accepted. I used to think that my worth depended on how well I could make others happy. Over time, through both personal growth and my experiences in the beauty industry, I’ve learned that my voice, boundaries, and individuality are what truly define me. I no longer feel the need to shrink myself to fit in. Instead, I embrace my creativity, confidence, and purpose. That shift has allowed me to not only build my business but also empower others to show up as their most authentic selves.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me things that success never could, especially about keeping going and trusting the right people. When I was starting my business from the ground up, I faced setbacks, doubts, and moments where I had to rely on myself and the people who really supported me. Those hard times showed me patience, strength, and how to see what really matters. Success feels good, but it is the struggles, the late nights, and the challenges with people that really shaped who I am and how I do my work today.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is real, but it’s only one part of who I am. People see the confident, creative side that loves connecting with others through my work and helping them feel good about themselves. I also love to show my sensitive and silly side, whether it’s laughing at little things, being playful with friends and clients, or sharing parts of my life that make me human. Behind all of that, I’ve been through a lot and still have quiet moments of doubt, but those experiences taught me patience, strength, and how to keep going. I’ve learned it’s okay to be both strong and soft, serious and playful, ambitious and vulnerable. Both sides are real, and embracing all of them helps me show up as myself every day, in my work and in my life.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people tell the story of someone who never gave up on herself even when life got heavy or when she had to start over again and again. I want to be remembered as someone who carried both strength and softness, who gave more love than she received sometimes but never let that stop her from showing up for others. Someone who turned her struggles into lessons, her pain into art, and her voice into something that helped others find theirs. I hope people say I made them feel seen, that I reminded them they could still shine even through their darkest days. That I lived with purpose, patience, and heart, and that my light in some small way helped others find their own.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shineartistrystudio.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shineartistrystudio/
