Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Barrera.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Amanda. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have been cutting hair for about ten years, with a majority of my focus being on barbering, but I love everything about hair. I became curious about hair and hairstyles as a pre-teen when I would experiment with my own hair. I would try numerous hairstyles, cuts, and even ventured out with learning more about wigs and hair attachments.
The reason I’ve always been so interested in hair dates back to around 5th grade when I discovered I had Alopecia Areata. Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder that often results in unpredictable hair loss. For me, this meant that the hair on my head would sporadically fall out or become very fine. It was usually small bald patches that would appear and I would change my hairstyle to help hide these patches. Of course, my parents worked hard to help find a fix for my Alopecia, like numerous Dermatologist visits, steroid shots, medicines, etc. (You name it- we tried it!), but there was and is still no cure. As a kid, it caused a lot of frustration, but I adjusted and found ways to be comfortable. Hair is often the first thing someone looks at (at least for me) and I didn’t want my illness to define who I was. Despite having this disorder, I am thankful it has sparked and continued my interest in hair. At a young age, I learned that hair can do so much for your presentation and how you feel; I love being able to do that for others.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been a challenging road to get to where I am now. In a world that is predominately male (both in the chair and those cutting), it’s been an experience to rise above and to make a name for myself. It definitely creates tough skin, though. For any young women looking to get into this business, be ready to be the hardest worker in the room. Learn as much as you can, always strive to be better, don’t let the boys push you around and make that name for yourself.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I manage and work as a barber at Fanatics #2 in Pearland, Texas (Barber Mandy). My career in hair started about ten years ago when I attended San Jacinto College to achieve my Cosmetology license. Back then, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do within the industry, but I knew I wanted to be there and it was going to be a start. During my time at San Jac and soon after graduating, I worked my way up from a receptionist position to a manager’s position at a chain hair cutting company. I had reached my peak within this company when I was approached with an opportunity to work at Fanatics.
Within the last five years, I have again worked my way up from a barber’s position to managing and owning Fanatics #2. I have many loyal clients ranging in all ages, mostly male but the occasional female and especially kids. I treat each person with the same attention. I aim to have each person leave with a great cut and experience because most often when you’re looking good, you’re feeling good. I worked and continue to work hard every day. This business is one that rarely closes. Every holiday, every weekend, every special event, picture day, back to school, back to work… every season calls for a fresh cut and so that’s what I get to do. I get to help transform people and get them feeling their best.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Be you. Keep learning. And let your artwork shine!
Contact Info:
- Address: 2002 N. Main St #108
Pearland Texas
77581 - Website: www.Fanaticsbarbershop.com
- Phone: 3467742175
- Instagram: Mandytheladybarber
Image Credit:
Alyssa Lopez
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