Today we’d like to introduce you to María de los Ángeles Contreras.
Thanks for sharing your story with us María. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It all started back in Venezuela when I was 13 years old. Braids became a popular trend and were considered very fashionable informal and casual events. I loved braids since the first time I saw one, but I did not know how to do them. A close friend made me a fishtail (my favorite braid) and when she finished, I asked her to teach me how to do it but she said no. After getting home that night, I undid the braid very carefully to notice every detail so I would be able to do it again. From that day on, I never stop doing braids. I do at least a braid every day. With this in mind, one of my cousins worked at a hair salon and many of her clients asked for braids; however, she didn’t know how to do them. She noticed my passion for braids and hairstyles so she offered me a weekend job at the salon to do braids. I worked with my cousin for a few months but since my father didn’t like the idea of me working at a young age (14 years old), I had to quit for a while. Even though I stopped working at the salon, my clients would call me to come over to my house so I could do their hairstyles for special events. Moreover, in my family’s annual vacations to the beach, I would braid everyone’s hair. Later on, when I was in high school, my friends asked me to braid their hair every time we had physical education. I became an expert not only on other people’s hair but even on my own hair. Even on high school graduation day, I did my own hairstyle.
A few days before I turned 18, my cousin opened her own hair salon and offered me to work with her again. This time, I was very happy, I could not resist to say yes. I worked with her for one year. During this year, I met amazing people, I learned many things not only about braids and hairstyles but also about beauty in general. I learned how to deal with clients professionally and the importance of constantly learning new techniques that emerge every year in the beauty industry. I did professional training on hairstyles, microblading, eyelashes extensions, colorimetry, bleaching techniques such as balayage and many others. A year ago, I moved to the United States and I currently work in Any Gonzalez Studio, where I keep learning and improving myself in the beauty industry. I have worked with women from different nationalities and backgrounds that each represent a new challenge and a learning experience. Although, it has been a long time since I first started developing my passion for braids, I still feel the same when I am working with my clients. Now that I am 21 years old, my hobby became my own business.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Never listen to people who tell you that you can’t do it. Nobody is perfect, and every day we must learn a little more to grow as professionals.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Viva la Trenza – what should we know?
The world of beauty is BIG. I have learned about several areas, but, hairstyles with braids is my favorite!
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
I believe that women’s leadership at this time is at a level never reached. We are leaders in the home, in our work, country leaders. And all these, thanks to the work of many years of other women.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2501 S Mason rd suite 280 Katy, TX 77450
- Phone: 3467751856
- Email: vivalatrenza@gmail.com
- Instagram: Vivalatrenza
Image Credit:
Estefanía Rodríguez, Any Gonzalez, Faviola Montiel, Martha Arrambide
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
