Angel Robinson is what the beauty industry needed. Her thriving career spans 30 years as the owner and educator at A.R.T Academy, a licensed Barber Stylist, Holistic Health Coach, Holistic Trichologist, and the owner of Charlie’s Angels Beauty Bar. She is sharing her knowledge and giving back to the industry that made her a boss. Let’s meet her.
How did you get into the beauty industry? Have you always been interested in hair -even as a child?
At the age of 11, I discovered my passion for hair styling. I was always intrigued by the way hair could be transformed into something beautiful and unique. My mother was my biggest supporter and mentor. She would give me feedback and guidance, and would even stay late with me to practice and perfect my skills. My family had a long history in the barbering industry, with my great-grandfather, grandfather, and father all being barbers. However, I was the first female in my family to show an interest in the profession.
Looking back, what was the hardest pill to swallow in terms of lessons learned in your career as a licensed professional in haircare?
One of the most challenging lessons I have learned in developing other people is the importance of patience and understanding. As a leader, it can be easy to become frustrated when someone is not progressing as quickly as I would like them to, or when they make mistakes that seem obvious to me.
However, I have come to realize that everyone learns and develops at their own pace, and it is my job to provide the guidance and support that they need to succeed. This often means taking the time to listen to their concerns and struggles, and to offer constructive feedback that can help them improve.
What problem were you trying to solve with the A.R.T Academy and what did you feel the industry was missing in terms of education and the sharing of knowledge?
ART Academy was founded with the goal of providing a dedicated space for professionals in the beauty industry to come together and further their education. As a beauty industry professional myself, I saw firsthand the need for a space where individuals could host classes, workshops, and continuing education seminars.
Our mission is to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where professionals can come together to learn, collaborate, and grow. We offer a wide range of classes and workshops, taught by experienced and knowledgeable instructors who are passionate about sharing their expertise with others.
How many years were you in business before you felt like a BOSS and truly felt like you had navigated all of the early pitfalls and hurdles that came your way?
In the beauty industry, leadership is critical for success. As a leader, you are responsible for guiding, inspiring, and motivating your team to achieve their goals and provide excellent service to clients. You also play a key role in shaping the culture of your organization and building strong relationships with clients and industry partners.
However, being a boss is not the same as being a leader. While a boss may have the authority to make decisions and give orders, a leader is someone who inspires and motivates their team to work together towards a common goal. A leader is someone who listens to their team, values their input, and empowers them to take ownership of their work.
In the beauty industry, this kind of leadership is especially important. Beauty professionals must be able to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, and inspire their clients to look and feel their best.
What did success look like to you?
It’s important to remember that everyone’s idea of success is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, by prioritizing the needs and desires of those around me and helping them achieve their goals, I’m creating a positive and supportive environment that can lead to greater overall success for everyone involved including myself!
Any low points that you can say now you successfully pivoted from and was able to get back on track without much fallout?
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for all of us. It has affected every aspect of our lives, from our health and wellbeing to our relationships, work, and daily routines. For many people, this pandemic was the lowest point in my life, as we all have faced loss, isolation, and uncertainty.
Despite the pain I have experienced, I’ve learned something valuable from that experience. The loss of loved ones has taught me that life is short, and that it’s important to cherish every moment that we have. This is a lesson that many of us can take to heart, as we often get caught up in the stress and busyness of our daily lives, forgetting to appreciate the things that truly matter.
Did you have a mentor early on or even now and outside of the academy have you mentored others as you progressed and leveled up?
Yes, I have mentors and I am a mentee. My Mother use to always say stay the man in the middle. Meaning, you are being pulled up and you are pulling someone up as well, the man in the middle has stuck with me my entire career. I also have a virtual mentorship and coaching program on my website http://www.angelrobinsonteaches.com for the beauty industry take full advantage of.
Is there a style or technique that you are most known for?
I am known for two key areas of expertise in the beauty industry – Holistic Trichology and Short Cuts and Styles. Holistic Trichology is a holistic approach to hair and scalp health that considers the overall health of the individual, including their nutrition, lifestyle, and stress levels. It focuses on identifying and treating the root cause of hair and scalp issues, rather than simply treating the symptoms. As an expert in Holistic Trichology, I am known for your ability to provide personalized solutions that not only address hair and scalp issues but also support overall wellbeing.
In addition to Holistic Trichology, I am also known for my skills in Short Cuts and Styles. With your keen eye for detail and creative flair, I am able to transform hair into stunning, personalized styles that reflect my clients’ unique personality and style. My ability to combine knowledge of Holistic Trichology with skills in Short Cuts and Styles makes me a sought-after expert in the beauty industry.
How did you stay relevant and keep your work fresh and innovative throughout your career?
Working in open-air salons and gravitating off of other professionals’ work has allowed me to remain relevant in the beauty and barbering industry by enabling me to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques.
As a professional in the beauty and barbering industry, you understand the importance of staying relevant in a constantly evolving field. Open-air salons offer a unique environment where you can interact with a diverse range of clients, each with their own unique style preferences and needs. This exposure to a wide range of clients allows you to stay informed on the latest trends and styles, and adapt your techniques accordingly.
By staying current and relevant, I was able to provide my clients with the latest trends and styles, while also ensuring that my techniques are efficient and effective. This commitment to professional development and continuous learning has allowed me to build a strong reputation in the industry and attract a loyal client base.
Would you say that is easier or harder now compared to when you first began to break in the beauty industry?
As a professional in the beauty and barbering industry, I feel that social media plays a major role in the lack of trust and professionalism with clients. While social media can be a powerful tool for building our brand and attracting new clients, it can also be a double-edged sword that can lead to a lack of trust and professionalism in the industry.
One of the main reasons for this is the high level of competition that exists in the industry. With so many professionals vying for clients’ attention on social media platforms, it can be difficult for clients to determine who to trust and which professionals are truly committed to delivering quality services. This can lead to a sense of skepticism and mistrust, as clients may feel that some professionals are more interested in promoting their brand than delivering quality services.
Another issue is the pressure to constantly showcase your work on social media. While this can be an effective way to attract new clients, it can also create unrealistic expectations among clients. Clients may see highly filtered and edited images of your work on social media and expect the same level of perfection in real life. This can lead to disappointment and a lack of trust in your abilities as a professional.
What advice would you give to a new stylist at the start of their career?
Seek wise counsel. I would also tell a new stylist when seeking wise counsel, it is important to be clear about the problem or situation you need help with. This will help your advisor understand your situation and offer the most relevant advice. It is also important to be open and receptive to their advice. Even if their advice may be difficult to hear, it may be the best course of action for you.
How can our readers find out more about you and your work?
They can find me on http://www.angelrobinsonteaches.com for my online school or my new product line called Deeper Than Roots The Scalp Care Company (the birthplace of healthy hair is the scalp!) www.deeperthanroots.com
Anything to add/promote?
Let’s not forget about I am also the owner of Charlie’s Angels Beauty Bar with my husband Charlie Petty. We are located at 1635 W. Trade Street #1F Charlotte, NC 28216 http://www.charliesangelsbeautybar.com / Instagram.com/charliesangelsbeautybar
ART Academy is also available for rental by calling 704-310-8893 instagram.com/angelrobinsonacademy
instagram.com/deeperthanrootsscalpcare
Deeper Than Roots is a scalp care company that focuses on creating 100% natural, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly products to help people maintain a healthy scalp. The company offers a range of products that are designed to address common scalp issues such as product buildup, seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff.
The products are made using natural ingredients that have been carefully selected to provide the best possible results. These ingredients include herbs, oils, and plant extracts that are known for their scalp-healing properties. By using these natural ingredients, Deeper Than Roots aims to provide a gentle and effective solution to common scalp problems without the use of harsh chemicals.
The products offered by Deeper Than Roots also help to detoxify the hair and scalp, removing impurities and buildup that can lead to scalp irritation and other issues. Additionally, they rebalance the pH of the scalp, which is essential for maintaining a healthy and vibrant scalp.
