Today we’d like to introduce you to Aurora Garza.
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?
I began braiding my family members when I was about six or seven. At that time, I could only do regular plaits. I was braiding strictly out of necessity because it was expensive. My hobby quickly grew into a “Hussle.” I began braiding my friend’s hair, but yet still not charging. It was when my friend from middle school, Annette Martinez, gave me my first $10 to give her “twisties.” It was then when I realized I could make some money doing this. I began charging for braids as twisties quickly became outshined by braids and designs. By the time I was sixteen, I was able to work in a barber shop, Current Cuts, owned by Jason Roland a.k.a J.Ro The Barber, who gave me the opportunity to learn the ropes in the hair and beauty industry, and I am so thankful for that. After returning from a break, a year later, I began to work for Mr. Kenneth Roland with Correct Cuts. He taught me how to manage my books, record keeping, and importance of clientele relationships. My third opportunity was at Platinum Image, where I was given the freedom and motivation to truly execute my past experiences and training. Within a year, I decided to focus on my entrepreneurship; if I was going to be one of the best in Houston, I had to work. With life happening, I had to work a 9-5 job, along with a hussle. I worked as a receptionist at an ob-gyn clinic. Although I loved helping women, I wasn’t completely happy. I knew I could offer more with my passion, seeing people happy and showcasing my skills. After another year, I went back to braiding hair. It was something I was always able to go back to because of the flexibility and the amount of relationships I’ve made aside from expressing who I was with my work. Braiding has allowed me to give back in so many ways. It’s the way I show love and appreciation for allowing and trusting me with their hair. One of my biggest accomplishments has been able to grow myself enough to be trusted with professional athletes. However, I understand it took my good friends and clients to support my hustle and a message from my good friend, Catherine Salinas, about a new team player from the Texans. Aaron Colvin was looking for a stylist who could accommodate his schedule experienced and professional. I respectfully sent him a message on Instagram, trying my luck, and he messaged back! He then connected me with his teammates, and the rest is history. I have been blessed to continue my relationships as their favorite Houston hairstylist! I now have a suite at Phenix Salon and Suits in midtown, where I now continue my journey.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road, and it was mostly my fear of failing. I would struggle with procrastination holding things off because they were not worthy according to my thoughts. Then Covid happened, and that tested my faith. Thankfully I learned to adapt.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My specialty is braiding all hair types, and I believe my creativity is what I’m mostly known for. My proudest moments have been the relationships I built with my hard work and, of course, the support of friend family, and clients. I believe what sets me apart is my ability to design very complex and intricate designs as well as being able to create on any ethnicities.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Best quality I feel is the most important to my success is my attitude and respect for those who come to my chair and allow me to create. Having an optimistic attitude is important; no doubt
Contact Info:
- Website: https://braidsbyaurora.as.me/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/braidsbyaurora?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/BRAIDSBYAURORA/
