"Doing hair" can be just the beginning. For licensed beauty professionals, there are so many ways to go. While some will choose to be generalists, enjoying all the different disciplines and practices, others find themselves pulled in a specific direction. 

Amelia Fugitt (@ameliahairmakeup), based in Marietta, GA, says her focus on transformations has transformed her career.

Something Special: Transformations

MODERN SALON: Why did you choose to specialize in transformations? 

AMELIA FUGITT: I love the challenge that a color transformation brings and nothing beats seeing my client’s reaction during the big reveal. I always turn my clients away from the mirror before I spin them around for that moment! It’s not just for the drama (though that’s fun too), it gives me a chance to thoroughly look over my work and make sure everything is up to my standards before they see it.

Of course, I want my clients to love their hair but it’s even more important that I love it and feel proud of what we achieved. If I think it could be better with a different tone or adjustment, we’re doing it!

MS: And at what point in your career did you make that decision? 

AF: I always knew I wanted to specialize in color, but it wasn’t until about six years into my career that I felt fully confident taking on any color correction or major transformation.

MS: Did you lose clients when you specialized?

AF: Yes. Once I truly understood the value of my time and expertise, my pricing increased and naturally, some clients dropped off. That can feel intimidating at first, but you have to remember: you’re making room for clients who value your specialty and are happy to pay your rates.

MS: How has it impacted your income?

AF:I now make more money while seeing fewer clients. Specializing has increased my income and significantly improved my mental wellbeing which is priceless.

I’m able to dedicate the time each project deserves without feeling rushed. I also have more control over the energy I absorb each day, which has made a huge difference in avoiding burnout.

MS: How do you market your specialty?

AF: Social media was a powerful tool at the start of my career. Now, most of my business comes from referrals which I actually prefer. Like attracts like, so when I love the clients in my chair, their referrals usually bring that same great energy.

The best tip I can give stylists building their clientele: ask your clients to post a selfie and tag you! Their followers are typically local friends and family, so it’s the best free marketing you can get. You could incentivize them too, by offering a complimentary treatment with their next service if they get over x amount of likes on their post!

MS: What’s one mistake you made when building your specialty?

AF: Not maintaining a healthy work/life balance, which is something I am still working on. My ADHD makes me very “all or nothing,” and I tend to hyperfixate on challenges. I can get so locked into a transformation that I forget basic needs like eating, drinking water, or even taking a bathroom break.

To combat that, I’ve learned that some services need to be split over two consecutive days and that’s completely okay. Protecting your energy is part of protecting your craft!

MS: Has specializing improved your overall career satisfaction?

AF: Absolutely. It’s allowed me to charge more, challenge myself, be selective about who’s in my chair (good vibes only!), and leave work feeling fulfilled instead of drained.

MS: What advice would you give someone considering specializing?

AF: Do it! Take classes. Invest in education. And most importantly, master your consultation.

We hear it all the time: under promise, over deliver. Specializing starts with setting clear, realistic expectations. I review multiple inspiration photos to fully understand the placement and tone my client wants. Then I discuss their color and chemical history while assessing their hair. We talk about what’s realistically achievable in our first session, and I educate them on the current state of their hair and how the lightening and color process works. Finally, I do everything in my power to achieve their goal in one session! 

Transparency builds trust, and trust builds loyal clients.

MS: How much additional training did you invest in to become a specialist?

AF: t’s hard to put an exact number on it, but I would estimate at least $20,000 invested in hair shows, classes, and online education. I will always continue to invest in education because there will always be new techniques, trends, and tools to learn!

A fun side story: While teaching at a beauty show, I met a 78-year-old stylist who had been doing hair for 58 years and she drove nine hours to continue her education. That’s the kind of stylist I aspire to be!

MS: Do you ever say no to services outside your niche? How do you handle that conversation?

AF: Yes. I don’t do men’s cuts but I happily refer those clients to another stylist. Trust me, you do not want to see me doing clipper work!

As far as color goes, though? I’m open to any challenge.