About Amanda
Born to Braid. Built to Lead.
A 49-year journey from a front porch in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to the forefront of beauty education, workforce development, and systems consulting. Amanda is the Co-founder of the 1st Black-Owned Online & Hybrid Cosmetology Apprenticeship School in the United States.
The Beginning
Amanda Manigault began her beauty career at the age of eleven years old on her front porch in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania as a hair braider. Her parents had no more than an 8th grade education, so she handled all their business matters — reading, writing, managing affairs — and became their little assistant. Through her beauty talents, she became self-sufficient with a desire to lead others at a very young age. Her father built her very first beauty salon in the basement of their home when she was just eleven years old.
Education & Licensure
After graduating high school, Amanda pursued cosmetology for licensing and graduated from Empire Beauty School as a cosmetologist and cosmetology instructor. Since that time, Amanda has never worked another job outside of beauty. She is a licensed cosmetologist and cosmetology instructor in multiple states, a beauty salon and beauty school franchise owner, beauty advocate, school advisor, state exam preparer, beauty product manufacturer, hair braiding expert, and beauty coach and consultant.
Media & Recognition
Amanda appeared on the reality television show 'Cuttin In The ATL' on WE tv as a beauty salon coach. She is also an evangelist, inspirational speaker, philanthropist, and visionary who has lived her entire life building a beauty empire brick by brick. In all she does, God is first.
Her Mission Today
Amanda's main role today is CEO of Black Girl Beauty School of Careers, where she offers traditional, apprenticeship, and online learning platforms in cosmetology and performing arts. She and her daughter Uniquia Manigault — who leads the Performing Arts Division — are the founders. Through the Black Girl Beauty Foundation, she offers scholarships, leadership training, youth development, community outreach, and a national alliance empowering Black women and girls in under-privileged communities.
Advocacy for Black Hair Care
A major focus for Amanda is Black Hair Care education. She advocates for accessibility through online education as a means to eliminate barriers to entry within the beauty industry. She strives to help others gain financial freedom through the world of beauty, performing arts, and business — teaching all phases of hair, skin, and nails while specializing in Black hair care. The Global Black Hair Care Market is projected to reach $15.34 Billion by 2033.
Credentials & Expertise
A Career Built on Mastery
Book Amanda for Your Next Event
Building up women, small business owners, and beauty students and professionals is what Amanda is known for. She's a true motivator who will keep your audience on their toes.