Today we’d like to introduce you to Destiny Fuentes & Barbara Gutierrez Fuentes & Gutierrez.
Hi Destiny Fuentes & Barbara Gutierrez, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Our journey to becoming business partners began over seven years ago, rooted in a beautiful friendship and a shared love for creativity. From the very start, we bonded over braiding hair, spending countless hours creating bold, fun, and sometimes wild braid styles just for the joy of it. As a proud first-generation Salvadoran-American and Barbara as an immigrant from El Salvador, we found not only a deep connection through our shared culture but also a sense of purpose. We’ve always embraced our roots, and it was at a vibrant event hosted by Persona, a Latina-owned store in Los Angeles, that the spark for Chicas Braidz was lit. Seeing Moños de Mi Niñez, a braider celebrating tradition through her work, made us realize that living in our authenticity and honoring our culture was powerful. That moment inspired us to create Chicas Braidz—a space where we proudly represent our Salvadoran heritage, build community, and express our art through every braid.
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?
Starting Chicas Braidz has come with its fair share of struggles and challenges. One of the toughest hurdles has been securing the necessary funding to grow our business, especially when we haven’t yet seen the financial return we hoped for as a new venture. Building a brand from the ground up has also been a challenge, as we are working to establish a name for ourselves. Lastly, managing social media and staying consistent with a posting schedule has been another major obstacle, as we juggle it all while balancing our personal lives and day-to-day operations. But despite these challenges, we remain determined and motivated by the vision we have for Chicas Braidz, knowing that every step forward is a step closer to our goals.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about ChicasBraidz?
Our business is small but we believe this is a way to give back to ourselves and thrive without fear. To give back to our community and love ones
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising is seeing how much our clients love our braids. How comfortable they feel by us doing their hair and also hearing their stories about that last time someone did their hair. The person usually turns out to moms, sister and family friends. One of the most surprising aspects of Chicas Braidz is how deeply rooted our business is in the rich cultural and historical significance of braids, and how this history connects to the confidence we see in our clients after each style. Braids are more than just a fashion statement for us—they carry centuries of meaning. For example, ribbon braids were worn by Latina women as a sign of resistance to colonization, a powerful symbol of resilience. Concha braids, originating during slavery, were used to create escape routes and hide seeds and nuts in the intricate designs. To us, these braids tell stories of survival and strength. But what truly surprises us is the confidence our clients radiate after getting their hair styled. There’s something powerful about connecting with their roots and walking out feeling more empowered and proud of their heritage. It’s a reminder of why we do what we do—because every braid we create carries not only beauty but also the weight of history and the confidence of self-expression.
Pricing:
- $20 for concha Braid
- $20 for ribbon Braids
- $35 for both
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @chicasbraidz
