Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Alvarez-Jimenez
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Mane and Tailored started in Austin, Texas. In 2011 I did my first fashion show at a bar in Downtown Houston. I reached out to a local designer and I created the hair styles for it. It turned out to be an amazing show and time. I’ve always been a determined person and it’s not ever been easy for me. I was a single mom for a good part of my career. That also pushed me to keep going and failure wasn’t and still isn’t an option.
After that show I connected with a good friend who managed a luxury high rise in DT Austin and we managed to have a bigger show in 2012.
We collaborated with local boutiques and vendors. We sold tickets and at that moment Mane and Tailored was created. Reason being I needed a dba so I can donate the money we raised to give to charity called “Safeplace.”
I continued using Mane and Tailored as my business name and now have an actual space in Houston, Texas
I now have a booth rental salon in Downtown or some say we are in Near-Northside Houston.
I have a great team of talented independent stylist who have worked there for a couple of years now.
Since I’ve moved to Houston I’ve been dying to collaborate with other creatives to put a fabulous show on.
Mane and Tailored has also grown a name for itself in the “braid bar” business.
We have done events for SXSW, BodyArmour x Carrie Underwood, Tecovas and our latest was under AT&T for the men’s US National soccer game. Just to name a few.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Originally I had planned to set my roots with M&T in Austin.
But like I said it wasn’t easy. I had people who wanted to invest or partner up with me, but the door always shut when we would get so close to making the next step.
I decided maybe Austin wasn’t for me so I moved out of Austin. I felt there was nothing left for me there. Life in Houston was where it was at for me and my family.
I learned in life when things are meant to happen it will happen easily. That’s exactly how it went down in Houston for me.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve now been a hairstylist for 20 years. My proudest moment is, well… I have a couple.
My first would be assisting The Moroccanoil team at the Mercedes New York fashion week.
I would also say opening my salon in Houston is a very proud moment. Being able to use my platform to help and give back to the community. Also being able to have other creative artist work out of my creative space.
I also enjoy being an Educator for Moroccanoil . Being able to meet other talented stylist and share my knowledge and experience.
I feel what sets me apart from other people in our industry is the passion I have for what I do. I love what I do, putting a smile on peoples faces after I’m done doing their hair. I love being able to give (Stylist) advice or words of encouragement. Inspiring other single moms, moms in general or young artist. Im self motivated and my mind moves 100miles per hour! Always thinking of new ideas.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Consistency, stay positive because every experience you go through is either a lesson or an opportunity.
I’ve been in situations that I didn’t like where I was working and was unhappy, but now looking back, everything was preparing me for where I am today.
Remain humble nobody likes a cocky person. If you think you know everything you don’t leave room to learn something new.
Also take time to reflect on your growth. Pat yourself on the back.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maneandtailored.com
- Instagram: Annara_Jimenez
- Facebook: Maneandtailored
