January 30, 2017

Meet Audrey Borunda of Audrey B Hair Studio in Pasadena

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey Borunda.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Belize and had a passion for beauty and hair which made it very easy for me to get into the beauty industry.

I started my journey about 15+ years ago. I was in Pasadena for 2 years then I moved to San Marino for 10 years. I’ve been involved in many editorials, runway I recently got published internationally with my work. Many opportunities started coming my way so I decided to go back to college to improve myself as a business woman. It was scary making that decision on starting both at the same time. Education has also been very important to me whether it was degrees or learning new techniques in the beauty industry. My current project at the moment is starting another business targeting only bridal party’s since I’m very creative in updos. I’m planning on keeping my studio for my clients and having a separate team to travel to wedding parties.

I also use my talent to raise funds for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. I strongly believe in giving back to society

Then I realized I wanted to do more.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was definitely a tough road for me. Being in this industry with creative people can be a bit stressful with a strong personality. We are special gifted human beings and I found out as time went by. There is a lot of politics in this industry but the great thing about it is I got experience with customer service and dealing with different personalities, A few years ago I was insecure but I never gave up, I kept pushing to where until I got to where I’m at now.

In 2015, I got fired because I insisted to my previous boss that I was going back to college and she refused to work with me. I stood my grounds and explained to her that it would even benefit her business. August 20th, 2015 she handed me my last check and said I wasn’t happy there anymore. I didn’t explain anything to her because I knew I had to keep it together for myself and my clients. I packed all my stuff and put it in my trunk and did house calls until I found my very own studio 4 months later. Getting fired and starting college the same month gave my anxiety but I pushed through. My clients are seriously my family. I appreciate every one of them for supporting me. Within a year I can say I kicked butt and still pushing. Opportunities have been coming to me without even trying and I’m taking it as it comes. The key for me was to always have a smile, always think positive and treat people they way I want to be treated.

Audrey B Hair Studio – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Audrey B Hair studio specializes in women’s haircuts and bridal parties such as updo’s and creative hairstyles. I am now traveling to wedding locations to do hair. I’m the most proud of my personality and making my clients feel relax when they are around me. I have the gift to switch my personality accordingly as weird as that may sound. What sets me apart from others is my honesty. If I can’t deliver a certain style which is not often, I will refer someone else. I’m very honest and patient with my clients.

I’m not very good at wording things. I hope I don’t overdue it.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as being open to learning and helping others. Also, education is very important to me. My criteria is listening to them and having a proper consultation. I do need to improve in marketing myself and that is where college comes in.

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