Exclusive Interview: Being a Good Human with Amanda Craig

Few hairstylists can say they’ve spent nearly two decades shaping the looks of music’s biggest stars, but Amanda Craig has built a career doing just that. As the founder of Leigh, Edwards & Company (LEC), she has styled and traveled with artists like Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, Miranda Lambert, Brett Eldredge, Raelynn, Lee Ann Womack, and Cassadee Pope—bringing her creative vision to both stages and screens. Beyond her celebrity clientele, Amanda has grown LEC into one of the fastest-growing salon companies in the U.S., with two thriving Nashville locations and a team of more than 25 stylists.

But ask Amanda about the secret to her success, and she won’t point to red carpets, hit TV shows, or award-winning artists. Instead, her philosophy is summed up simply: BE A GOOD HUMAN. It’s a mantra she has trademarked, but more importantly, it’s the compass that guides every interaction—from mentoring young stylists to running her business to caring for her family at home.

In an industry often perceived as larger-than-life, Amanda has built her career on humility, kindness, and professionalism, proving that true staying power comes not just from talent, but from character. Here, in an exclusive interview with Palomino County's Editor-in-Chief, Amanda shares her journey from nursing school dropout to celebrity stylist, her biggest career lessons, and how she continues to inspire the next generation of beauty professionals.

Rebekah Iliff: Let’s start at the beginning—how did your journey into the world of hairstyling begin? 

Amanda Craig: For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to work in a creative industry and be a positive part of peoples’ lives. My path originally led me to nursing school when I was around 20 years old. I quickly discovered nursing wasn’t the right direction for me personally. So, I took a chance on cosmetology school and the rest is history. 

RI: What was your very first big break in the industry?

AC: Truly, my first break was in getting hired at a salon called Studio Gaven in Franklin, Tennessee, back in the mid-to-late 2000’s. The owner, Gaven Smith, taught me so much about professionalism, work ethic, and the industry in general. His mentorship really put me in position for my next break: getting hired as a hair and makeup stylist for Lee Ann Womack, while on tour with Reba and George Strait. That was such an incredible opportunity and experience for me, and at the young age of 26.

RI: What was it like being on set with Blake Shelton during The Voice? Any behind-the-scenes moments that stand out? 

AC: Working with Blake and his incredible team, and then the entire NBC and The Voice team, was a dream-come-true. There’s really no other way to frame it. The Blake you see on TV or on-stage is the exact same Blake behind-the-scenes. He’s just an all-around great, fun-loving guy! When you spend almost a decade working in the trenches with folks in such a fast-paced or high-stress capacity, you build incredible bonds and learn in ways that set you up to handle just about any job going forward. I’m proud to call Blake, and so many beautiful humans from that chapter, dear friends to this day. I met my husband because of that chapter, so what better behind-the-scenes story could there be? 

RI: Your work has taken you everywhere from salons to television sets, what have been some of the biggest turning points in your career so far?

AC: I can’t pinpoint specific turning points. For me, it’s always been about doing my best to take the right career chances, listen to the advice from people who have already been through it, and to not be afraid to step through doors of opportunity when they open. That’s what led me to opening Leigh, Edwards & Company; now I get the opportunity to build up the next generation of stylists and professionals. 

RI: How do you stay grounded in an industry that can feel larger-than-life? What keeps you centered? 

AC: For me, everything revolves around my family, my friends, and my faith. Lucky for me, I landed in a career with a lot of personal and professional overlap, in a good way. 

RI: What's your approach when stepping into a new client relationship, especially with someone high-profile? 

AC: This may sound cheesy but, aside from maybe some nerves at first, the approach to working with celebrities or high-profile people is absolutely no different than working with any person inside the salon. Generally speaking, if you treat people with kindness, respect, and professionalism, things are going to go well 99% of the time. 

RI: Can you share a moment from your career where you really felt like: "Okay, I made it." 

AC: Never! As an entrepreneur, I don’t think you ever reach that point. I’ve had plenty of moments where I think “Wow, I can’t believe I made it to this point!” As you grow and learn, you certainly figure out how to relax a bit more; but I don’t think there’s ever an “I made it” end-point. I’m ok with that. 

RI: What’s one part of your work that people might not realize is as challenging as it is? 

AC: Owning a salon with two locations and 25+ employees and team members is very rewarding, but I don’t think the general public understands the amount of management and time that goes into it. For anyone aspiring to this career, you’d better love it, or it’s going to get really tough, really quickly.

RI: When you’re not on set or behind the chair, how do you unwind and recharge creatively?

AC: As a mom and a wife, my greatest recharge comes from being with my son or my husband. Beyond that, I put a lot of stock in exercise and good sleep! 

RI: What advice would you give to someone who wants to break into this industry, but doesn’t know where to start? 

AC: You don’t need to know where to start. Just start. Walk into a salon (in a professional manner, of course) and ask to meet the owner or manager. Maybe ask if they’re hiring, or if they offer an associate program. Check out local cosmetology schools. Do anything you can to meet other people in the industry. Don’t expect things to happen overnight, but those relationships will eventually snowball into opportunities. 

RI: Last, and probably most importantly, do you have a personal mantra or philosophy that keeps you moving forward with purpose? 

AC: I actually have a trademarked phrase that we live by at Leigh, Edwards & Co. and in my own personal and professional life: BE A GOOD HUMAN. That’s it. Nothing profound. Just be good to people. Carry yourself with class and kindness and empathy. Will it always be reciprocated? No. But most of the time, it comes back around. 

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To learn more about Amanda and Leigh, Edwards & Company, visit: leighedwards.co. Follow them on Instagram @leighedwardsandcompany. And while you’re contemplating as to whether or not a good haircut is worth it, remember the words of the great Lady Gaga: “I’m as free as my hair.” Amanda and her team can free your hair! We promise.