Today we’d like to introduce you to Hillary Fabela.
Hillary , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started doing hair right out of high school. At the time, I honestly didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. I had always been interested in makeup, and I had an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age—I was starting little businesses as early as 12 years old. When it came time to choose a career, I got into hair somewhat out of necessity because I needed to find a job and start supporting myself quickly.
What I didn’t expect was how much I would fall in love with the industry. Hair gave me the perfect blend of creativity, connection, and entrepreneurship. Over the years, I continued to refine my craft, build my clientele, and explore different areas of the beauty industry. Today, I’m not only behind the chair as a hairstylist and barber, but I’m also passionate about education, content creation, and helping other artists grow.
Looking back, what started as a practical decision ended up becoming a career that truly aligns with who I am. It’s given me the opportunity to build a business, express my creativity, and make a positive impact on the people who sit in my chair every day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. In fact, I often joke that I “failed up.” There were so many moments throughout my career when I wanted to quit. Hair did not come naturally to me the way it seemed to for some of my peers, and early on that was incredibly discouraging.
What kept me going was my willingness to keep learning. I invested heavily in education, attended classes whenever I could, and wasn’t afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. Some of my biggest growth came from lessons I learned the hard way—whether that was technical skills behind the chair, business decisions, or building confidence in myself as an artist.
Looking back, I’m actually grateful that things didn’t come easily. Having to work for every skill taught me resilience, humility, and the value of continuous education. Those experiences have shaped not only the stylist I am today but also the educator and business owner I’m becoming.
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’m a hairstylist, barber, educator, and business owner with a passion for helping people feel confident and renewed when they leave my chair. While I offer a wide range of services, I specialize in color, especially copper tones, which have become one of my signature looks. I also love creating layered haircuts that enhance movement and texture, and lately I’ve been falling in love with extensions and the transformative possibilities they offer.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my commitment to education. I’m a firm believer that our industry is always evolving, and I make it a priority to continue learning while also sharing that knowledge with other beauty professionals through education and mentorship. I never want to be the stylist who thinks they know it all.
What sets me apart is the experience I create for my guests. Technical skill is important, but I want every person who sits in my chair to feel genuinely cared for, pampered, and listened to. I strive to create an environment that’s both professional and welcoming. I don’t take myself too seriously, and I love laughing, connecting, and having fun with my guests while still delivering expert-level results.
I also believe strongly in fairness, transparency, and doing what’s right for the client. For me, success isn’t just about beautiful hair—it’s about building trust, creating lasting relationships, and helping people leave feeling like the best version of themselves.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is going to the flea market with my mom while she worked. My grandfather would meet me there, and we’d walk around, eat barbacoa tacos, and look at all the animals. I especially loved playing with the chickens they sold there. One day, my grandpa even surprised me with a bunny. Looking back, those simple moments spent with my family are some of the memories I cherish most.
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