We were lucky to catch up with Atalaya Figueroa recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Atalaya with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I have to say I get my work ethic from my parents, and life situations I have gone through. I have worked since I was 16 years old and have always had the hustler mentality. I’ve always believed if there is a will, there’s a way. I’ve always done whatever I needed to, to make a way for myself and my family.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’ve been in the hair industry since 2006. I worked in salons for 10 years before deciding to go out on my own as an independent stylist. I am a color specialist and blonde expert. After being behind the chair for over 17 years, in 2023 I started educating and leaning towards that a little more. I am a brand educator for a worldwide professional color brand, and I also do small, intimate classes in and around my city. I am really loving the education side of this industry, you never stop learning and I love seeing the excitement when I get people in a room and show them some things that can help in their journey to success. I also do an event once a year, that I call Cut-A-Thon by a Blonde, where I rally up other stylists and barbers and we do haircuts for any amount donation so that we can build a grant to give to a student in the beauty industry to help pay for it. I started it in 2019 and since then it has grown so much and the support from the community has been phenomenal. We bring in local businesses, music, food and it’s just one great big event that helps give the gift of an education to someone. I love seeing people succeed and if I can be a helping hand in that, that’s what I live for. I want to leave my footprint in this world and the best way I can think of is giving someone a skill or advice they will have for life. Cut- A-Thon by a Blonde will be coming again In February 2024 and it’s the 5th anniversary so it will be BIG!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I would have to say the three qualities that have always been “me”, is kindness, strength, and humbleness.
My advice for anyone early in their journey or even years into it, you always have to remember your true self, and keep that kindness and humbleness as you rise. Remember we all at one point started at the bottom, and just needed that ONE person to believe in us. So when you’re in that position to help someone on their journey, be that one person for them and lend that hand.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I love this question, because over the last 17 years in this industry, I cannot owe my success and the drive to keep doing what I do to only one or a few people. I have had a whole community of women and men that have helped me along this journey. Each person in my life currently or not, made an impact on me and had a part in career. The people in the city of San Antonio and my hometown Floresville, Tx have made a huge impact with the support they have shown me since day one. No matter what challenges I have faced, or what has come my way, there has been so many people I appreciate so much that gave me the strength to keep going and not give up. I will always thank my community and my village of people around me, I am forever grateful. I could not do this alone
Contact Info:
- Website: Hairbyablonde.com
- Instagram: Hairbyablonde
- Facebook: Hairbyablondee
Image Credits
Rae vision photography
