We had the good fortune of connecting with April Amarillas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi April, how does your business help the community?
I always had a soft spot in my heart for giving back to the community. One project I spearheaded was haircuts for the homeless in Downtown Phoenix, AZ I saw it as a way to help improve confidence and boost low self-esteem felt by homeless people. A simple haircut can have a great effect on how someone looks and feels about themselves but it is not something that is affordable or a main priority for people in housing crisis and inflation surge.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a young Female Hairstylist and professional Barber it was very hard to create a brand for myself many struggle to survive their first year as a licensed professional. As a female I found it was difficult to convince Men to trust me with their haircuts. It was like I had to prove myself over and over if I could share My words of wisdom they would be “Be patient the universe will guide you in the right path.” For me it was frustrating to go to work and not have any clients booked but still be there learning and hopeful for a walk in. I knew building a business is based off of your attitude and if your attitude is not right about failure your business won’t be right either. It’s ok to have learning lessons, Without them we would not have success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First we would stop at a hidden gem near the airport called Kaizen Sushi. Then head to Darkstar music venue in Tempe for a local Dj set. For a longer weekend we would head to cottonwood and stay the weekend enjoy local restaurants like nicks and the tavern.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Partner, Family, Friends and Wahl Clipper Corp. Arizona Barber Association. The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz
The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss

Website: www.fadeandbladestudios.com

Instagram: @fadeandbladehair

Twitter: Fadeandbladestudio

Facebook: Facebook/Fadeandbladestudio.com

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