Rising Stars: Meet Jennifer Ann Balderrama

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Ann Balderrama.

Hi Jennifer, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Jennifer, I was born on the south side of San Antonio to a single teen mother. We moved a lot and I didn’t have any real foundation as a child. I had to grow up fast. I lived in-between states as a young child and teenager. Every couple of years we had to pick up and move again.

This unstableness caused me a lot of anxiety as a child, I quickly found an interest in art. It helped me escape and be free. I knew at a very young age I wanted to create and share my art (in any form) with the world. At the age of 19, I got married and moved out of state. I moved back to San Antonio in 2011 with two children and nothing to call my own, I was starting over. I was getting divorced and needed to figure out what I wanted to do with my life.

Even more so how I was going to provide for my two children. I knew I wanted to do something with art and creating. Being a starving artist for years and struggling to try and sell my art on the streets of St. Louis, I knew this was not going to be an easy task. No matter how much I tried to think of a 9-5 or a “normal” job I always came up blank. I wanted to be an artist. I wanted to get paid to create. So the brainstorming began, I started thinking bigger. I was always pretty good at makeup and hair so I knew that was an option. So I enrolled in Beauty school at the age of 24 three months after my 2nd son was born. It was very hard having a 3-year-old and a newborn but I was determined to build a life for my children.

A life no one could take away. I graduated from beauty school in a year and quickly fell in love with the beauty industry. I worked at a couple of salons before I found my real passion with Barbering. In 2014, I entered a special effects makeup contest, which by the way, I won first place in. This contest happen to be held at a Barber battle, which I didn’t even know existed. When I walked in I fell in absolute love. People were cutting designs into hair, painting, and creating live art! I had found my calling! I left my full-time job at a salon to go pursue being a barber. I had no idea how to even cut men’s hair or the slightest idea what I was doing in a male-dominated industry, but again I was determined.

After working in all-male barbershops for years and building up not only my clientele but my confidence. I made the leap and enrolled in barber college. Which was even harder than beauty school. In 2015, I graduated as dual-licensed. This was also around the time I met my wife, she also enrolled in barber school. We became an unstoppable duo. Since then, I have opened a female-owned barbershop, I went back to school and got my college degree with a associates in applied science. I travel to judge barber battles, I teach and host workshops. I love to teach and share my passion with the world.

I am currently trying to expand my barbershop and be a staple part of the community to help young artists grow. A safe place to come learn and grow in all aspects. I am using my platform to show women how important it is to never give up and even though faced with challenges, we can manifest anything we put our minds to. I want my children to see a woman who never gave up, I want them to know everything I do is for them and that they too, can create their own reality.

We all deserve to be the best versions of ourselves.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Being a female in a male-dominated industry was one of the toughest challenges. Trying to earn respect from the male community In the barber industry is a very tough task. I had to work a lot harder on my skills and craft. I had more to prove. One of my biggest challenges was finding a place I could work that matches my mindset.

A place I could feel safe and flourish in. Where support came naturally and people were genuinely happy for you. This industry is very cutthroat, and it should not be that way. That’s why I decided to open my shop, create my own space, and start being what I wanted to see in the industry and world. Another challenge for me was juggling it all. Business owner, wife, mother, mentor, artist. I had to be a lot of things at once and in many places.

I use to burn myself out working open to close 7 days a week. I become a workaholic, which was good for business but not my family and social life. I soon learned how to slow down and enjoy the fruits of my labor. This journey has been all about balance.

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?
I am an artist, I love to create and share my art and passions with the world. I specialize in barbering/styling/ braiding. I just started my PMU journey which stands for permanent makeup. I want to one day specialize and master that as well. To be able to create looks and live art on people is the greatest job I could ask for.

I like to think outside the box and look at each cut or braid style like a piece of art. I would say I am known for being a female barber, an artist, an entrepreneur, a business owner, motivational speaker. What I want to be known for and remember is my passion, drive and want to help and motivate others to go after their goals and dreams. In the last 5 years, I have really started to invest in my jewelry. I love to create meaningful pieces with resin, stones, and wire wrapping.

I have had the honor of creating very meaningful pieces for customers, such as passed loved ones’ ashes or flowers from their services. These are my favorite pieces to create. To be able to create something they can remember their loved ones by fills my heart with so much joy.

I am most proud of not giving up, I would not have anything to show for if I would have given up. When things got tough, or I hit rock bottom which I did many times on my journey, I never gave up. I would not be where I am today or have all that I do if I had given up on myself. So I would say I am most grateful for my ability to adapt and overcome.

I think what sets me apart from others is that I am honest and genuine and that I truly care for my clients and those around me. I like to build relationships with my clients, I like to know about their goals and dreams. I want to witness their growth and journey. I speak from the soul and I give without expectations. I truly want to see everyone win.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lessons I have learned are to have gratitude, humbleness, and to remain patient. Without these three very important invisible qualities I wouldn’t have grown to be the woman I am today. Now of course these lessons came with time and error.

I had to do a lot of ego work and self-reflection but at the end of every lesson, these three words always came to mind. Now, these are three very important key aspects of my life.

Pricing:

• Men’s Hair cuts $30+
• Braids $25+
• Ombre brows (PMU) $200+
• Women’s color $100+
• Tooth Gems $25+

Contact Info:

• Email: Prospectthebarber@yahoo.com