Editor’s Note: In honor of Mother’s Day, which is right around the corner, we’re celebrating mother-daughter teams making waves around the South. Get to know today’s dynamic duo!
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For Amy Head, cosmetics are a celebration of individuality, self-love, and empowerment. Her company, Amy Head Cosmetics, is a manifestation of that. With decades of experience, Amy has built a brand that aims to highlight natural beauty and offers a sanctuary for women of all ages and ethnicities. Even better, she shares her passion and business savvy with her daughter, MacKenzie Walker.
Together, the two focus on cruelty-free, gluten-free, and paraben-free products made here in the United States. With two locations in Mississippi — Ridgeland and Oxford — a nationwide digital studio, and a brand-new location in Nashville, they’re making their mark on the beauty world.
First things first. Amy, what inspired you to start Amy Head Cosmetics?
Amy: I was inspired to help women and girls see more of the beauty that already existed in their faces before makeup … to see their faces in such a beautiful way that it did not call attention to the makeup itself.
I realized I had made an important discovery, and my husband, Harold, did too. At the time, I was using space in his commercial photography studio with consistent lighting in order to study this. His entrepreneurial spirit and support were what made it possible.
This all happened in the late ‘80s when colorful shades were the thing. In my mind, none of it belonged on skin. The common techniques back then created such overly made-up looks.
MacKenzie, when did you join the team, and what inspired you to do so?
MacKenzie: I began working for the business full-time about seven years ago, but I feel I’ve truly been a part of it my whole life. Amy Head Cosmetics is like my big sister — I’ve had a heart for her and what she provides ever since I can remember. At 14, I became the face of the brand, appearing in all of our advertisements and marketing materials. It was definitely a careful decision for my parents, as they made sure I wasn’t negatively affected by it.
It turns out I enjoyed the process of photoshoots from every angle, both in front of and behind the camera. Plus, I grew up in our stores; I worked in them during high school and continued during my first year of college until I transferred to Belmont and explored other jobs and industries. Even as I held other jobs after college, I always had one foot in with AHC — I couldn’t help myself.
Eventually, I decided to jump in with both feet and help in whatever way the business needed me to. Now, that’s led me to create the Nashville store as the perfect next step in the journey.
What are the benefits and challenges of working together as a mother-daughter team?
Amy: Goodness! Can you imagine sharing your passion and calling with your child [because it is] his or hers too? Every day is a gift! The benefit for AHC is the sheer infusion of youth. MacKenzie affirms what is still true today after 35 years. She can also see where change is needed (better than I can) and what that should look like.
[As for the] challenges, I am her mother, boss, partner, mentor, and friend. Each of those roles can be needed within a single conversation. Each means everything to me; I cherish them. Need I say more?
MacKenzie: Working alongside family brings so many unique blessings. One of the most special is how it deepens our empathy and understanding of each other in ways nothing else can. The challenge lies in having so many dynamics interwoven with each other. We are always working to balance and nurture them, especially our mother-daughter relationship. This dynamic is the foundation from which everything flows and is ultimately the most important.
What is your favorite way to spend time together?
Amy: My number one favorite time with MacKenzie is simply shopping. I cannot shop with anyone else. She gets it. She is a natural stylist like I was, and we “see” the possibilities together. It’s fabulous.
MacKenzie: We’ve always loved traveling together, especially with my dad. It was a significant part of my childhood. However, our absolute favorite activity is shopping together. We both revel in our shared love of fashion, seeing it as a form of art, expression, and creativity. It’s truly special to be able to share this passion with my mother.
When you aren’t working, where will we find you?
Amy: In the kitchen. I cannot stay out of it! Even when I’m tired, I’m thinking about how I can make something healthier, more delicious, or both. I love to read cookbooks.
MacKenzie: When I’m not in the store, you’ll probably find me out on my deck with my husband, Sam, and our dog, Myka, enjoying a meal or drink together.
What’s one makeup or skincare hack you wish everyone knew?
Amy: That’s a hard one! With makeup, it’s putting warm and cool tones together — not using just one side of the color wheel. That was one of my first discoveries in natural-looking makeup.
MacKenzie: At first, I wanted to suggest that everyone come by the store to discover their own unique makeup and/or skincare hack because that’s just how much each individual’s face and lifestyle vary. However, one crucial thing that comes to mind is the practice of double cleansing. It would be amazing for everyone to know the benefits of cleansing twice: first to remove makeup and then to cleanse the skin and provide it with nutrients instead of stripping it, which is what happens most of the time. This routine leads to healthier skin, which in turn enhances beauty, making makeup even more radiant.
What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
Amy: I don’t really love products. I should study more of what is out there, and I have no desire. I love color; I love beauty. I love creating it, and I need the products in our line to do just that, but I don’t have a lust for beauty products in general.
MacKenzie: This is a bit tricky because it’s tough to pinpoint how others perceive me. But it’s always surprising how people react when they learn I’m an introvert.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Amy: My husband’s advice when I was the most afraid or anxious about business was, “Just do what you do best; love them.” Somehow, this showed me that being myself was enough. It was usually before I had to face a big speaking engagement or staff meetings or training new staff in new markets that knew nothing about AHC … I have a very shy side that I have always dealt with.
MacKenzie: I’ve always had the most amazing advice and role models in my parents and grandparents, but I’d say the best comes down to two things: “This too shall pass,” and “Expect miracles.”
Excluding faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
Amy: Eating and cooking healthy, delicious food. Fabulous shoes. Coffee shops.
MacKenzie: A dog in the house. The opportunity to travel. Easy access to nature.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Favorite restaurant in the South?
Amy: Hot and Hot Fish Club in Birmingham, AL
MacKenzie: Having breakfast at Stanley’s on Jackson Square in New Orleans.
Favorite hidden gem in the South?
Amy: David Arms Gallery in Leiper’s Fork
MacKenzie: Mississippi’s giant house party, the Neshoba County Fair
Book(s) on your nightstand?
Amy: The Women by Kristin Hannah and Yes, and… by Richard Rohr
MacKenzie: Horse by Geraldine Brooks and God Calling by A.J. Russell
One item ALWAYS in your makeup bag?
Amy: Amy Head Mineral Foundation in Silk, Berry Color Cast Powder, and Brow Shadow in Taupe. Always!
MacKenzie: One of our Mineral Foundations in either shade Silk or Flax, depending on the time of year. And our Magic Lash Mascara.
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Nashville women are doing inspiring work. Meet more of them over at our FACES archives!
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