Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelica Araiza.
Hi Angelica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve had my Cosmetology license since September 2010. I attended Bay Vista College of Beauty in National City. While I was in school they were in a process of making big changes to the name and image of the institution. I was part of the advanced academy program that helped me develop techniques that I would have otherwise learned behind the chair. 4 extra weeks on top of the California hours of requirement to apply for the state board exam. During this time we were taught advanced cuts, color, hairstyles, and a portrait session with professional photographers and models. However, this was not the beginning of my career. My mom had also attended beauty school but she never put into practice her own skills, she knew I had a knack for working with my hands. When I was still a child she had signed me up to a hairstyling class where there were ladies much older than I learning the same thing. They struggled but for me I got it from the get go. That’s where I knew that I would one day become a hairdresser. I thought I had my life planned in such a way that revolved around me becoming a business owner and my own boss as a Cosmetologist. It wasn’t until Covid, my dad passing and a divorce that gave me no other choice than to pursue my passion with full confidence that I would succeed. I married young at 18, had my first child Delilah at 19 and my son Venito at 21. I was mostly a homemaker that would occasionally make time to practice my craft and would find willing salons that would allow me to take my children into the salon while I worked. I now work with a fantastic team in La Mesa as a proud owner of Honey and Olive LLC. I rent my booth with Salon Radiance and also work commission with Beauty Lab Studio in San Ysidro.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. Struggles along the way were that I had a difficult time finding the right support system. Many times I was almost convinced that this industry wasn’t a career and I needed a real job. I’ve moved passed that mindset because what I do makes a real difference in the lives of my clients, friends and family.
As you know, we’re big fans of Honey and Olive LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Honey and Olive LLC represents my personal brand. I chose this name because it is a complete example of what it took to get me to where I am today. The process to produce honey is a prime example of community and perseverance; a whole ecosystem to build, maintain and create such an abundant product. When clients are in my chair I love to share my knowledge with them. They are my community, new people I meet, friends I have and family that are my walking billboards. With them I can continue with my passion of being able to provide them with quality services. Olive represents my faith, God gives me the ability to believe that I belong here. Here grounded on earth with roots and the beauty of the changing of seasons. Together these elements will continue to encourage me to grow and establish my brand.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Finding a mentor who is willing to take you under their wing and help you establish your confidence within yourself will take you further than seeking validation from those who don’t want to see you thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bookangelica.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettybyangie?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelica-araiza-76b54789?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
