Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Bañuelos.
Hi Brittany, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As a teen, I started doing my friends and family’s hair color in the bathroom. Wearing trash bags as aprons and grocery bags as processing caps to working in a beautiful salon. I’m making a living doing what I love for this community I adore and appreciate. I went to beauty school at Fullerton Community College using VA benefits I acquired from my Dad’s service in the U.S. Army. Not having much of a plan other than ‘I want to do hair for the rest of my life’. I wasn’t good academically. I didn’t know how to verbalize or sketch up a rough draft for my future. I left everything up to chance. Whatever the outcome would be on this journey, I knew I’d always give everything 1000%. I completed 1,600 hours and passed my state board exams in February 2013. Shortly after, I applied to work at Carlton Hair Salon inside the Cerritos Mall and was hired two weeks later. I assisted under Lacy Rothrock for nine months while learning Sassoon techniques at Carlton headquarters. I learned a lot at this establishment and from Lacy. I valued my time there but knew I wanted more out of my career. Fast forward ten years, a few salons and everyone I’ve met along the way have helped shape me to who I am today. Knowing that this isn’t the end, I’m filled with gratitude.
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 wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows. I had a total of three years, give or take, that I invested into building my clientele. There were days, weeks and months where my bookings were low and but I showed up every day regardless. Ready for whoever stepped inside the salon. I posted on social media and made myself available. I never expected anyone to hand me my career. It was my responsibility. It was my life. But the family I had chosen to surround myself with believed in me so much, sometimes more than I did. My community kept me going. Day after day, their support encouraged me when times were tough.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work consists of precision haircuts and bright colors but is ever-evolving. I specialize in vintage-inspired haircuts and color correction transformations.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Everyone I’ve worked with has contributed to my career big or small. But there are a few worth mentioning. First being my mentor Lacy Rothrock. I was her right hand my entire assisting career. She taught me that basics are timeless. Always cross-check, always line the hairline with endpapers, and NEVER take shortcuts, ever! She worked with integrity and cared about quality, to that I owe a lot. Next is Jennifer Medrano. I worked alongside her for three years. Jennifer already had a name for herself in the beauty world and has the talent to prove it. We befriended each other and with that, followed her endless support. It was during the time I spent next to her that I learned there’s room for all of us at the top. Lastly, my husband Victor Bañuelos (owner of Elysian Barbershop). It made it easy that he’s in the same industry but what he brings is love. His love for hair and his love for me. I met him at the perfect time in my life. My career could have looked a lot differently without him in it. He showed me how to take my time and things are only worth being done if they are done with care. Also, how to never be ashamed of the work and mistakes it takes to be good at something. And to that, I owe the most.
Contact Info:
- Website: Brittanybrushes.com
- Instagram: Brittanybrushes
