Meet Bre Gonzalez | Hairstylist & Salon Owner

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

Hi Bre, how do you think about risk?
I think that I am a risk taker. A lot of owning your own business is a huge risk. This business can be feast or famine at times, depending on the time of year. This is not a career for the faint of heart. I’ve never been afraid to try something new, even if I don’t really know what I’m doing. I almost get a thrill out of it. But you have to be somewhat of a risk taker to be a Colorist. It’s how I’ve become the Hairstylist that I am today.

What should our readers know about your business?
First and foremost, being a hairstylist is a gift. I never realized how much I would get out of it. This has been an exciting journey full of ups and downs, relocations, starting over a few times, grinding hard, learning as much as I can, not making enough money or having any clients to being fully booked and having my own studio in the heart of downtown Santa Monica. This career has taught me so much about people on a human level. I enjoy being with and talking to people. My clients feel comfortable taking to me about all the things going on in their life. I do their hair and I talk thru things with them. After years of this, I started joking around about being a “Hairapist”, and then when it came time to go out on my own, Hairapy just seemed to fit what I do. I make people feel good, physically and emotionally. Being a hairstylist is such a rewarding job. I’m so lucky.

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.
Im a Venice Beach girl! If you’re visiting me for the week, we’re DEFINITELY starting our day at Groundwork coffee on 7th and Rose. Best local coffee, Best People. They even give a treat to your dog!
Lunchtime is either Cerveteca on Lincoln for some bomb quesabirria tacos. Or Tacos por Favor. All damn day!
Dinner, there has to be Pizza! Pitfire pizza rules. I also love Ospi in Venice!
For hangs were obviously hitting the Venice Skate Park to watch incredible skateboarding and take in the Venice culture.
Then mostly beach life!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Truthfully the most inspiring and encouraging people are the ones I work next to. We have a special salon family at Salon Republic in Santa Monica. All of us stylists have been doing hair for a long time. We still learn so much from each other everyday. Everyone is willing to get down and help formulate, decide tones, reassure each other that it’s gonna turn out great, and provide assistance throughout the day. We are all very lucky. I especially feel lucky for my salon suite mate, Sophia. I feel like the universe has finally given me the partner that I’ve always deserved. She has unmatched hustle and I respect her so much for that. We are a great team.

Website: https://www.hairapybre.com

Instagram: @hairapybre