Meet Andréa Mororo

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

Hi Andréa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
More than ever, people are rediscovering who they are by diving into their roots to connect to the unique parts of themselves and stylists are seeking a space that supports their niche to empower their clients’s journey to create an authentic experience. Sometimes this road can feel lonely for a talented entrepreneur with a vision and I acknowledge the power in making connections. I wanted to bridge all of this together in a harmonious way for all of us to co-create. I find this to be a sustainable way to contribute to an industry that is ever changing with the times. I am happy to create a business that reflects the diverse beauty we see in our world and serve the curl community of Los Angeles with excellence.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a first generation Brazilian-American and Red Lake Band of Chippewa tribal member. Growing up, my hair took up space and attention more than I cared for it to. My mom was obsessed in making my hair look as ‘American’ as possible to assimilate here (in the U.S.). She would get frustrated that my hair wasn’t tamed enough, but my curls just needed a bit more love. I would remember the compassion of some hair stylists in Brazil like my Tia Luzia advocating for me- yet I couldn’t understand why my mom wouldn’t just let my hair grow so I never had hair past my shoulders during childhood. I used to have a fear of shears that extended well into my adulthood. My hair represents liberation from all sides and I know I’m not the only one that feels that way.

I have always been fascinated by women, nature and art. I’ve ping-ponged between two worlds in Brazil and being raised on the Westside of Santa Barbara, CA. I observed shifting perspectives in society regarding the value of beauty. I learned people often connect their hair to the space around them. My goal in my work was to connect beauty to nature as much as possible.

I began my career back in 2014 at Paul Mitchell the School Honolulu. Resources on learning how to work with curly hair were limited back then, so I began teaching myself through diagramming and sketching designs on headsheets to practice on a spectrum of textured hair. I’m guided by my client’s natural contours of their head shape (the root at which the hair lives) and through time and experience in understanding curls’ behavior – I gained the ability to forecast how the shape will blossom on a moving canvas. I’d describe my work as being raw, yet polished. I’ve taught myself several techniques over the years that I use to achieve my signature looks. My art is intentional and I have the ability to produce different results for unique curls. Many of my clients are redefining themselves, not trying to squeeze themselves into one box anymore. They need a curl stylist that understands their multi-faceted nature.

It still amazes me how a tool like pair of shears, that you can take anywhere in the world, can enhance natural textures and empower others. Working across the country has given me first hand experience what geography like water quality and climate does to natural hair. Being fluid and knowledgable on what products to use has helped clients feel more free with their curls.

I’d love for others to find the liberation within themselves that stems from their most authentic self.

Much of this journey as a business owner can feel lonely. You have to remind yourself of your “why’s” and who you’re doing this for -which is generally something much greater than you. You’ve got to constantly step out of your comfort zone and find the areas where you’re constantly growing. It’s a fine art with having a big heart and maintaining resilience.

Memengwaa Studio is an eco luxe, naturally lit, loft salon located in the Historic West Adams Neighborhood. People from all backgrounds can come and feel celebrated in honor of their hair. I want people to know that we don’t go to a museum to look at the same painting or travel to a distant places because because we are going to see the same views- everything that evokes an emotion, tells a story and that is what makes such so beautiful. In a way, stylists are co-writers to someone’s story. Our hair introduces us before we speak our name.

I’m excited to see how art + community can come together to create something unimaginably authentic that speaks to the change in the beauty industry as a whole.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Exploring so cal’s biodiversity is where it begins! I can’t help but share my favorite hike up in Franklin’s Canyon. It is beautiful and great for beginners in my opinion. It has a canopy of trees where rays of sun light drizzle through and you can take your time to see all the difference plants and florals. Then we’d take a visit to the Chaumont Bakery & Café to have a croissant!

I have a little love for an early beach morning to roller-skate on the strand in Manhattan beach then as the sea mist begins to melt, we’d grab a ‘coxinha’ (a Brazilian croquette) and ‘suco de caju’ (cashew fruit juice) from Super Bowl Acai & Brazilian Juice Bar.

In Topanga Canyon, there is this amazing brunch spot that over looks the canyon called Cafe on 27. The views are breathtaking and the food is yummy then take an art museum trip to the Getty (which I have the to go).

I absolutely can’t get enough of The Huntington Art Museum and Botanical Gardens that was established 1850-1927, I think its wonderful to share these designs from the past and feel like how it might’ve been then. Maybe we can wear big hats and drink tea and revisit since they opened the Rose Garden Tea Room.

The Hideaway Beverly Hills has also been a cute and quaint spot to share a social moment with friends.

For a light evening, there is Shiloh’s Teahouse- hosting community events for artists in a very serene setting that are healing with poetry, sounds, art, writing, etc. This small business is doing amazing things for the diverse community of Los Angeles that centers around healing arts!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d have to say the observation of the lives of my grandmothers have been a significant inspiration to my success. The way I see our Latin and Indigenous communities across the Americas- we are not a monolith, just like our curls! The essence and spirit in our identity bring so much beauty and light into our world. We share so many stories of our resilience, whether we’re a child to immigrant parents, have ancestors on this continent whom have passed down to us cultural traditions, and/or long to reconnect with what had been lost throughout the generations. Like there are fusions of food, we can have fusions of being. We can start to own our own beauty and love every part of ourselves, just as nature intended.

I am blessed to have my close circle; Rhea, Tia Luzia, Ryan, Krista, Sicily, Selena and Haiya (you all know who you are.) Their journeys and sacrifices are shared through what they pour into their communities.

A vision cannot come to fruition without a team. The stylists at Memengwaa are driven, talented and also want to make a difference in the world. I appreciate their dedication and heart.

Website: www.memengwaa.com, www.andreamororo.com

Instagram: @brazilianstylist

Image Credits
Stash Slionski, www.stashslionski.com