Today we’d like to introduce you to Z Nombrana.
Hi Z, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hey hey! My Name is Z Nombrana!! Here’s my story! How I started is both a story of using your lowest points to build yourself up to your highest potential AND a simple “I fell into it!” Prior to this industry, I was a Corporate Facilitator with a well-known insurance company and had a Corporate America Background from the age of 20. I lived the 9-5 and was generally happy with it.
Then, at 25, the lowest point showed itself. After a few weeks of digesting the life-changing event, I went back to work and caught myself staring at all the vehicles pulling into the parking lot. I remember thinking “I can’t do this for another 40 years.” With that thought, I went to a friend’s house and we talked about the future.
Having success in the hair industry herself she pushed me to get into the industry as a barber and with no hesitation, I took the steps to get that path started. I signed up for Barber College and set out to be the best barber I could be!
This leads to the “I fell into it” part of the story! While in barber school, I saw a mannequin head and thought back to times of getting my own hair braided. Being the new guy and still relatively to myself I took a shot at braiding back the doll head. After my first attempt, I stepped back and thought “Oh this don’t look right!”
Another barber student walked in and saw the braid. They let the school know I could braid and then we went home! The next day someone came in asking for braids and the student who saw me the day before told them I could do it. At this moment, I remember thinking “Oop, I don’t want to do this but since I got put on the spot now I GOTTA DO IT.”
It TOOK ME TWO HOURS to do Two (Manbun) Braids. I finished, I felt the pressure, but then I got paid. I saw the price they paid and that’s when I knew… Z about to be a Braider!!
Having early success on other IG pages (in different industries) I knew what building/presenting a good online presence could do. I worked with a graphic designer, created my first logo, and took the steps to begin building my portfolio in school while sharing the process online.
I went to school every day thinking “I have 1500 hrs to build my clientele list.” After scrolling through IG and going down the hair wormhole I found StyleFactor Edge Control. I took notes from their braid ambassadors and truly admired their work!
Having related to a few of those Braiders I set my intention that I would be the FIRST MALE Traveling Braid Ambassador on their team. Maybe two weeks later they reached out and asked if they could send me products. At that moment I was LIVING! I was more than happy and finished Barber School within the year.
After graduating, I was contacted by StyleFactor and was asked to travel with them and their team. I was the First Male to do so! And it has been the best journey since then! I’ve had to navigate since choosing to leave my full-time career in corporate America (in Jan. 2020) to take on being a full-time entrepreneur.
I’ve been able to overcome and prevail during COVID, challenge myself to perfect a skill I’ve only recently found out about, work with so many amazing hair artists along the way (while also working with those not on my side), and build a name for myself as a male in a female-dominated industry, continue to travel the nation in an entirely new sub-realm of the industry, and open my own Braid Shop in San Antonio Texas!
ZiConic by Z Nombrana. The First Male Latino-owned Braid Shop in San Antonio!
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?
The road has NOT been smooth, But we’re getting there! What’s hard work without a few bumps in the road, right?!
Early on, I learned that not everyone will respect a Male Braider when I had clients canceling on me after finding out I was a guy. While it wasn’t the best feeling, it made me want to perfect my skill even more!
I’ve had to overcome both myself and my clientele being discriminated against in a Barbershop, I was renting a chair. The barbershop was full of people who went to barber college with me, but it’s where I learned that not everyone has your best interest at heart and that’s okay!
While it wasn’t the best feeling, it made me want to network even more and planted the idea of having my own shop!
Then, of course, opening the shop! I’m big on being able to do things on my own. This meant two years of hard work and sacrifices to give me the proper foundation to have the funds to open (and fill) the shop.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
One of my favorite questions!
I do braids! I’m a Multi-Cultural Braider who specializes in Freestyle Braids. I’m known for my clean work, sharp lines, and intricate designs! I’m also known for Festival Braiding where I bring together bright colors, make beautiful shapes, and set different styles for festivals across the country!
As far as what I’m most proud of?! I’d have to say it would be opening my own shop AND doing it all on my own!
What sets me apart? My corporate America background! I’m very thankful for my time in corporate America and in upper management because of all that it taught me! It gives me the tools that an effective leader in Corporate America would need and that I can then utilize as I lead myself into this business!
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the atmosphere we are starting to build! The artwork and murals that are popping up around the city continue to show and bring light to the art culture!!
In my area particularly (WestSide Downtown, SA) I’m able to see all the beauty that San Antonio has to offer!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/Braidzby_Z
- Facebook: Www.facebook.com/BraidzbyZ
Image Credits
Amaya Images and Lioness Visuals
