Meet Your Hair Bestie
Sometimes, our paths lead us to unexpected places
Overnight success took me ten years
1999
College Dropout and The Unplanned Hair Destiny
Sometimes our paths lead us to unexpected places. For me, my future began with a casual entrance into the world of hair, almost by accident. I enrolled in an ROP program in high school, not out of a burning passion for cosmetology but simply to enjoy more free time with friends, can you blame me? I had zero interest in hair—imagine that! College was my plan, yet it left me more tangled than a bird’s nest.
Despite never dreaming of a life surrounded by scissors and shampoo, I got licensed, but college just didn’t cut it for me. My mom couldn’t see the value in “washing dirty hair for a living,” but my Dad, ever the entrepreneur, saw things differently. His advice? “Follow your passion, and the money will follow.” So, I ditched the textbooks for hair dye.
My first gig? Crafting $10 haircuts in a bustling barbershop in East LA. While these humble beginnings didn’t exactly style my mom’s pride, they set the stage for an incredible career. And here’s a twist that fate snipped in: my dad’s name is Harry, and I’d eventually marry a man named Curley. Talk about being destined for hair success! Here’s to the beginnings that would one day make even my future self proud.
2005
Stepping Up at Ulta
My journey was marked by countless learning opportunities and moments of self-doubt. I grappled with imposter syndrome and faced my fears head-on, pushing myself to overcome challenges and expand my skill set. I stepped into my first salon manager role at Ulta, feeling more like a rookie than a leader. But with scissors in hand and ambition in heart, I quickly snipped through my doubts. Not only did I become Redken certified, but I also shepherded our salon team into the spotlight as one of the top 5 salons company-wide. We celebrated our success by winning Ulta’s prestigious Club of Excellence Award!
This role was not just about styling hair—it was about growing leaders. I educated all levels of leadership on the ins and outs of salon operations, helping my team clip their way to the top. My journey at Ulta was the cornerstone that sculpted me into the leader I am today, perfectly teasing up the next layer of my career: becoming a hair educator. So, let’s say this was where I colored my initial doubts with vibrant shades of confidence and leadership!
2014
The Kenra Kaleidoscope!
My dream to become a full-time hair educator felt more tangled than a backcombed updo. I applied to nearly every haircare brand you can name—Redken, Sexy Hair, Living Proof, L’Oréal, Wella, Goldwell, and, of course, Kenra Professional—only to face a series of “no”s. Recruiters often brushed off my experience at a corporate salon, doubting my chops as a “real colorist.”
But I wasn’t about to let my dreams wash down the drain. Lacking a professional portfolio, I took matters into my own hands—or rather, my own studio! I organized a photoshoot, curated my first collection of striking hair photos, and launched my debut Instagram account to showcase my work to the world.
Persistence paid off: after three applications, Kenra Professional recognized my true colors. I was hired as the Regional Education Manager for the West, covering states from California to Utah. This role didn’t just amplify my career; it expanded my influence, teaching me to harness the power of social media to educate and grow business. Here’s to turning snapshots into success!
2016
From Updos to Upgrades!
My role as Regional Education Manager for Kenra Professional blossomed into a whirlwind of incredible opportunities. I styled my way into history by creating Kenra’s first-ever updo education program, twirling brushes and bobby pins into educational magic. Across the country, from bustling salons to dazzling hair shows, I spread the gospel of glam, teaching the Kenra team to weave social media into our strategy to spike sales and share our styling secrets.
As my flair for color and style caught the eye of the industry, I became a session stylist for brand campaigns, with my creations gracing the shelves of every Ulta, pages of top industry magazines, and windows of distributor stores. My skills even landed me a role leading the hair team for Katie Maloney’s televised wedding on the hit Bravo TV show, “Vanderpump Rules.”
And to top it all off, I snagged the Behind the Chair OneShot Upstyle Award in 2017, further cementing my status in the styling stratosphere. Amidst making invaluable industry connections, I launched my own website to blog about the art and soul of hair, setting the stage for my next big movel—becoming a hair influencer. Here’s to the year that had it all: updos, accolades, and a dash of TV glam!
2018
Unveiling My Salon Dream!
I embarked on the biggest adventure of my life—opening my own salon! It was no small feat: securing a five-year lease, navigating endless city inspections, and finally flinging open the doors to a chic 12-chair haven… all while being 8 months pregnant with my third child. Initially, it was just three of us hairstylists managing the flurry of foils and shears.
My vision was clear: the salon had to cover its own costs so I could transform part of the space into a hub for my online education empire. During my maternity leave, I wasn’t just rocking cradles; I was creating viral videos, each click boosting my confidence that yes, I could totally rock the content creator gig full-time.
The decision was made. With a brand-new baby and my salon’s seats slowly filling up, I bid adieu to my globetrotting educator role—a dream job for many—to devote myself wholly to building my business. Just one week after my bold two-week notice, an amazing opportunity knocked: creating content for brands! This kickstarted my YouTube channel, turning it into a growing library of hairstyling wizardry.
2018 was a whirlwind of snips and clips, cries and content, proving that no hurdle—like discovering I was pregnant with my fourth child just 8 months after my third—could keep me from styling my path to success. Here’s to the wild, wonderful world of hair, where every snip carves a new beginning!
Present Day
My Digital Hair Education Empire!
Today, my journey as a hairstylist and entrepreneur is a whirlwind of curls, content, and kiddos. Despite birthing two babies and weathering three pandemic closures, my salon and education company have not just survived; they’ve thrived, curling up a storm of creativity and success!
When doors closed, windows opened—specifically to the vibrant world of TikTok, where my business found fresh ways to wave at potential customers. This digital dynamo (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube) now amass over 1 million views a month, with viral snippets that style smiles across faces.
From the educational snippets of my podcast, Hair B&B—where I simplify everything from hairpins to business plans—to the buzzing floors of my salon that boasts over $1 million in annual revenue, it’s been a fantastic ride. The launch of Hair B&B University marks another highlight, where I share my all-rounded expertise in hair color, styling, extensions, and business acumen, helping other stylists untangle their paths to success.
As a mom of four and a motivator for many, my mission is clear: empower every hairstylist to tease out their potential and brush through any challenges. Here’s to more years of beautifying the business of hair! Who knows what my next venture will be!
From the humble beginnings of $10 haircuts to educating top salons throughout the country, every setback and triumph shaped me into the stylist I am today.
Although we wish our families would undoubtedly support us through every choice we make, sometimes that just isn’t the case. When I chose my path as a hairstylist, I was met with disdain and disappointment from my mother, who doesn’t support me to this day. Would it have been easier if I had the full support of everyone around me? Perhaps.
But, I never would have grown the way that I have.
I don’t have the same qualifications and experiences as everyone around me, and I definitely didn’t have the support of my family while I was growing my career. I’m here to tell you to keep going, even if you feel like it’s too hard. I promise it’s worth it.
Get to know me on a weirder level…
I can move both my ears independently (useless talent)
I’m a bikini bottom enthusiast (SpongeBob certified)
I’ll be the last one to get the joke (but will always laugh)
Taco lover (like an aggressive amount)
English is my second language (but I’ve forgotten Spanish)
I serenade my clients when I cut their hair (it’s part of the experience)
Trusted By:
A love letter to my past self:
Dear 10 year old me,
I’m sending you a hug from the future, just to tell you how proud I am of the person you are! I know you sometimes feel scared or unsure of all the obstacles life will throw at you. But guess what? Everything that hurt you and everything you’re worried about will work out better than you ever imagined.
The challenges you face will build your resilience, give your soul fire, and shape you into someone capable of handling whatever life throws your way. I want you to know you are smart, strong, and so beautiful. So don’t listen to what those bullies say and don’t worry too much about trying to fit in. Just be yourself, because that’s what makes you special.
I want you to keep asking all those wonderful questions about the stars, bugs, aliens and everything else; your curiosity is one of your greatest gifts. And remember, it’s okay to be both strong and kind. They’re not opposites; in fact, they go together perfectly.
I don’t know if I should tell you this just yet, but you know those Jem dolls that you play with and sometimes mom gets mad cause we cut their hair? Yeah, we get to do that when we get older except on real people! As a matter of fact we fly on airplanes all over the United States and make videos on YouTube to teach hairstylists how to make people feel beautiful. You’ll have to wait till you’re a little older to understand what YouTube is but just know it’s a pretty cool job!
Anyway, take good care of your heart and love yourself entirely. Remember to be brave because there will be some tough roads ahead but I am right here inside you every step of the way.
40-something year old me.
Here’s what I firmly believe in…
- You should always follow what you truly love
- Hairstyling is a noble career - we make people beautiful inside & out
- Confidence comes from within (but a great hairstyle never hurts)
- If you follow your passion, the money will come
- Never ever pass on an opportunity (even if you don’t think you’re fully qualified)
I’ve been watching your YouTube videos for years! I love your teaching style and I’m so glad I made the investment to take your hands-on class. The foil workshop was everything I needed to help me work more efficiently behind the chair.
Andrea Hernandez