Meet Bobbi Mendez

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bobbi Mendez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Bobbi 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?

From a young age, I noticed I had exceptional drive, dedication, determination. I got these traits from my grandfather, he got kicked out of his house at the age of 12 because his family didn’t have the money to feed him with 12 other children. He struggled, he worked hard, and he was the American dream. I credit my grandfather for being the human I am today. I started going to school at Jean Madeline Aveda Institute in Philadelphia, from then on I continued to reach for the stars.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I believe your past does not define you it prepares you.
I grew up in a strict Mennonite home, in a town that had more cows than people. At the age of 17 I left home and moved 2 hours away to the big city of Philadelphia. With grit and determination I made it through.
I am so happy to say that I am currently living my passion as a salon, owner and celebrity stylist. You can see my work from New York LA to Paris. I’ve worked on “A” listers like Johnny Depp and Jennifer Lawrence. I am an award winning hair salon owner of Glamour Room, which is an all natural Aveda salon. I won “Best Salon” 5 years in a row in Lancaster County. I won “Top 40, Under 40” and “Most Professional Women” of the Year award.
Today I am the founder of “Operation Dignity” giving homeless a new lease on life as they journey towards stability. I have served over 5000 unsheltered, providing them meals, haircuts, showers and dignity bags.- (which are self care items.)
This March I had the most profound transformation of my lifetime – by funding $75,000 on an orphanage and community center in Sierra Leone Africa – the outpouring of the tribes were humbling.
I also educate young aspiring entrepreneurs to create profitable businesses with my money mindset program reaching over 6000 minds . I even got to bring this over to Sierra Leone Africa to help 180 women become micro entrepreneurs.
This next year- it is my mission to bridge the gap of poverty. This is a global issue. My family and I are currently raising funds for a playground in Uganda, – and I also plan to distribute my dignity bags all over the globe. My goal is to distribute 10,000 dignity bags to Africa. India, and the Philippines.
I want to share my story rising from hopelessness to inspire women around the world to unlock their full potential and see their true beauty from within.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I believe, grit, determination, and wanting to follow a dream is the reason why I am doing what I am doing today. I am currently your Mrs. Queen of the World. I want everyone to know it’s never too late to follow a dream, and your dreams are always valid. There is never a dream that is to big or too out of reach to conquer! My advice is to never give up. I do not believe in mistakes- I only believe in “ah-ha” moments. These moments are to try again, there are so many ways to get where you want to go!

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

I believe that we cannot pour from an empty cup.! This is why “self care” is so important. We need to take care of ourselves emotionally, physically and mentally before we can put our best foot forward to make an impact in other lives. Yoga and deep breathing exercises are my “go to”. It keeps me grounded and keeps me focused. I also like to get my family involved so doing nature hikes and self care days with my daughter- it is a highlight for the both of us. We indulge in diy mini facials, pedicures and body scrubs! I also believe in positive affirmations to keep me going. I highly suggest to put some on your mirror and look at them when you are getting ready in the morning as a daily reminder!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Carlos Velez
Anthony Panzino

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