Annie Smith

2014 LJ GIRL INTERVIEW

Tim McCollum, President and COO of Lady Jane’s, caught up with a very excited Annie to get a good look at the incredible girl who will represent Lady Jane’s in 2014:

Position & Locations: Manager - Troy, MI

TM: What interested you in being part of the Lady Jane's team?

AS: I have always had a passion for styling hair. It’s something that I would be doing for free if it weren't my career. Fortunately, I get paid to do something I love:) When I took the job at Lady Jane's, I was inspired by the ambition, drive and love for the company that Chad has. Working for someone with that much dedication and drive for the business is inspiring. He gave me motivation to be more than just a stylist and and an opportunity to do so.

TM: So, how long have you worked at LJ?

AS: I have been with the company for 5 years. I have been managing at the corporate location for 4 years now and have been able to see the company grow and become, in my opinion, the best men’s salon in the country. I had my focus on becoming a manager and after a year of hard work and proving I had what it took, I was offered the position.

TM: And how do you like working in an environment that’s the equivalent of a high-end man cave. Do you ever get tired of the sports on the flat screen tvs and all the memorabilia on the walls?

AS: I had no idea that I could ever have the best of both worlds! Hair and sports..are you kidding me...I'm in HEAVEN! I am a huge Lions and Tigers fan. I watch religiously and don’t miss a single game unless there is something very important stopping me. I love being at work and watching the game with my clients. I have had so much fun watching the games while at work. Sometimes I have to pause in the middle of haircut to cheer for our team. It’s such a fun and exciting atmosphere everyday.

TM: Tell me about your love of the Lions...

AS: I couldn't have avoided it if I tried. My mom was the die-hard who would be yelling at the t.v every Sunday and would not miss a second of a game. I would laugh and say "they cant hear you". Well, now I have kids of my own and I’ve actually “shushed” my daughter when she said the same exact thing to me while in the middle of a rant to the officials during a game. I guess its something you’re born into because my kids are well on their way to the emotional roller coaster that comes with being true life-long Lions fans.

TM: How has your love of sports influenced your career choice to work at Lady Jane's in Troy?

AS: I grew up in the very small town of Argentine, MI. I was very active in sports. I was a tomboy and didn’t care for anything but sports and the outdoors. When I got older, I started to care about my appearance and took interest in style and fashion. I would spend hours styling my hair different ways and went thru several funky styles, colors and fads. I would find new styles that I had never seen and crazy hair styles soon became my thing. Eventually, it mellowed out but my love and passion for hair will always be there.

TM: So, you love obviously love sports and hair. What else are you passionate about?

AS: I love music and its has always been a big influence on me. I love it all--ok , no rap..unless its 2 Pac or Biggie. We change up the music in the salon to keep the atmosphere happy and alive.

TM: What about music? What do you like to listen to?

AS: I'm kind of all over the place with music. I'm usually pretty open minded and giving everything a chance. For the moment I've been on a Bob Marley kick, he always gets me ready and pumped for summer time!

TM: Getting back to hair, what products do you like working with?

AS: I am very specific when it comes to recommending product to a client. I actually get excited when selling a new product to someone. When recommending a product, there is so much to take into consideration. From the preferred style, texture, sheen, to the feel of the hair. I’m never afraid to give all of my input and product knowledge to the client. And I’m not partial to any particular product. They are all good for different reasons.

TM: Well, while you’re plugging the place, what are some of your favorite products to work with and what do you recommend most for your clients?

AS: Oh, there are so many great products that we get to work with--from the hot lather shaving cream to the shampoo and, of course, all of our styling products. But, if you’re asking me to pick my very favorite, it’s definitely the Bed Head Matte Separation Wax. That stuff is awesome. Working with it makes my job so much easier because it's such a workable product. Plus, I love the look it gives a guy’s hair. It gives it a rugged look, but at the same time, keeps it looking really natural. It's the best.

TM: You certainly embody what it means to be a Lady Jane’s girl, Annie. We are proud that you represent the company. Any words of advice to other stylists out there?

AS: My philosophy on life: Time goes by fast. So, “be the changes you want to see in the world.” And always remember that a real hero does something special when no one is looking.

TM: Thanks Annie! And good luck, you’re going to be Wicked Awesome as the 2014 LJ Girl!