Meet Amanda Rush | Hairstylist

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

Hi Amanda, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Everything that is meant for you will give you as much energy back as it takes. Everything that is meant for you will feel like a deep exhale, a return home. Sometimes the quest is about how to keep pushing through the discomfort and finally reaching the other side and sometimes it’s about knowing when to let go. Letting go is hard and it’s not the same thing as giving up. Sometimes letting go is the most courageous act. It’s knowing that something better, something more aligned is trying to enter your life and all that you need to do is open your hands.

I opened my first salon in 2017 and closed the doors in 2022 before moving to LA. This was an incredibly painful process to close something I had worked so hard to create but I knew this was the right path for me. There is in between time, I call it the void, when you have let go of everything that is comfortable and familiar but you don’t quite know what’s on the other side. This shadow period can be the most transformative time of deep contemplation and alignment. It’s an opportunity to reflect on what makes you feel alive, what you love, and what you want to experience in this life.

I’ve been on the other side, living in LA for two months now and I can honestly say it was worth it. Everything I’ve given up has come back to me ten-fold.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In my artistic journey I have really followed what inspires me. I do hair the way that I would want my hair to look, and style hair the way that I would want my hair to be styled. I think when we stop trying to be everything for everyone that’s when we can really find our own unique artistic expression. I am learning to say no to most things, anything that doesn’t inspire me. I believe when we say no, we amplify the yes when it comes. The opportunities then become our dream clients and our dream jobs. I am personally excited about the work I’m doing now with models and when I work with brides I feel alive. I would love to travel more with weddings and see more of the west coast!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
LA is such a big city and I think it would take me a lifetime to explore everything there is to offer out here. If my best friend was visiting we would start our day at a coffee shop, most likely a black and tan from La Colombe. On the way out to Malibu we would stop at Juicy Lady’s for an açaí bowl to eat at El Matador beach. It’s such a magical beach with caves and arches. We would spend a lot of time going to thrift stores and farmers markets. Melrose Trading and the Silver Lake Flea are some of my favorites. For dinner we would go to Bavel for some incredible Middle Eastern food or Meteora for a magical dining experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am so grateful for all the mentors and supporters of my life. I would not have had the strength and courage to leap if not for the encouragement of my best friend Brianna and the loving support of my husband Drew. Every person that has come along my path as a client, bride, employee, employer, and friends have helped me become the person I am today.

Website: amandaleighrush.com

Instagram: @amandaleighrush

Image Credits
Adam Naples & Madeline Isabella