Our Affiliates play a crucial role in the VirtueⓇ community. As shepherds of the brand, they are our feet on the ground and our voices behind the chair. Each Affiliate Spotlight, we love sharing with you these stewards of style who share our vision that everyone deserves to have truly healthy hair. They remind us that teamwork makes the dreamwork, and we’re so grateful they chose our team.

Even though stylist Andrea Saccone Snyder of The Flow Beauty Project in Carrboro, NC, comes from a family of hair stylists (she’s third generation), it wasn’t what she set out to do. “I wanted to be a painter, so I went to art school. But the pull was strong and I ended up in beauty school. It was a natural fit,” she says, explaining that she loves psychology and social work, and as a hairstylist, she gets to do it all. In 1998, she moved from Buffalo, NY, to North Carolina, and opened the doors to her first salon shortly thereafter.

Still a painter, illustrator, and coach, and author and illustrator of an inspirational guide book for hairstylists, salon, and service industry pros and their clients, she’s continuing to do it all. Here she discusses her biggest beauty school mistake, how she manages her work-life balance, and what’s next for her clients and career.

Q: What insights do you have for the pro community regarding re-openings/navigating the new normal?
First take a minute to assess whether you feel comfortable reopening and if it’s the right time. Use your instinct to determine if it’s safe in your area. I also think this is a perfect time for the industry to reset and reflect, and really take care of and nurture ourselves.

We’re going through such a transformation as a world and an industry. Touch is so highly valued and, as we know, salons and this industry have been in the spotlight since Covid. My book, Mindful Beauty Maker’s Little Book of Wisdom, is about the high value we have behind the chair, the unseen benefits we add to our clients lives both the inside and out, and not only daily but also through the years. It seems like since we got closed down, the world really started to notice this.

Q: Is there anyone in the industry or beyond that you really admire, or someone who inspired you in your career?
I admire anyone who is willing to follow their own heart and inner guidance at the risk of rejection, especially if their cause is for the greater good. I admire creators of all walks of life. I think life is our canvas and we paint it with our choices, attitude, attention, and intent.

Q: How do you define a “success” after a client leaves your salon?
I define success for my clients based on sitting down, looking them in the eye during a consultation, and really listening to what they are saying––reading between the lines, looking at them holistically and finding out their lifestyle, time commitment to hair and style, budget and reality, and then coming up with a plan that works for them. I like to make my clients feel safe and confident, but also not bored. I won’t do something just because the client asks if I don’t think it looks good, but I want them to feel heard. I’ve learned over the years to listen to my intuition.

Q: What’s your favorite way to unwind after work?
Chilling with my dogs.

Q: If you could spend the day with someone who you consider a “style icon” who would it be? What would you do?
Having Vidal Sassoon show me all of his inspirations around the U.K.

Q: How do you like to stay up to date on the latest trends, techniques, and styles?
I like to look at fashion, works of art, my peers, and at YouTube and social media.

Q: What do you value most about being a Virtue® affiliate?
It feels like I’m part of a team that not only helps me and my business financially, but also allows me to really serve my clients’ needs.

Q: What was the worst haircut you ever had?
Probably when my mom was in beauty school practicing––trying out the Dorothy Hamill wedge and perms on me. Sorry, mom.

Q: Worst haircut you ever gave someone else?
When I was in beauty school, I thought I was too cool and I made the mistake of cutting another student’s extremely long hair way shorter than she wanted. When you section the hair closest to the nape for a cut, that section of hair is usually shorter than the actual length of hair because of breakage in that section. I used the breakage section as my guide and then cut everything to that length. The girl thought she was getting a trim, but I took off like, seven inches. I really learned my lesson there. She cried. Oops.

Q: What other things are you passionate about that aren’t hair related?
I’ve been having a great time traveling and educating with Virtue®! I’m passionate about helping people and my creative endeavors. I love being with my dog and my son. A perfect day would be me getting up and meditating, drinking a great cup of coffee, writing, walking, yoga, self-improvement, making some art, hanging with friends, doing some hair, having a great meal, laughing with my son, and going to bed early after reading and a Netflix binge!