We absolutely adore Brenda Amaral because she is not only an incredible human but we literally never stop laughing when we are with her. We could attend her classes all day everyday.

Give us your life story in 3 sentences or less.

I am a wife, mom, salon owner, stylist and educator. I am obsessed with education, connecting people and sharing information. I am either 150 mph with my hair on fire or lying on the couch meditating, watching Netflix or looking for new recipes that I'll never make. 😂

As a salon owner, what do you find to be the biggest misconception?

The biggest misconception is that we make a sh#tload of money and don't have to work as hard.

What holes did you see in the industry that led you to create TRUE Education?

We saw that all education is tied to sales, and that's cool if someone shows up looking to learn more about THAT brand but if not - stylist need to get good, honest and real information about the chemistry of hair without being shamed about what they carry.

Why should stylists choose TRUE Education?

They should choose us because we have chewed ALL the dirt - have experience from ALL the jobs from front desk, assisting, stylist, booth renters, platform artists and salon owners who STILL currently work behind the chair and understand the day to day struggles that come with the job. We are straightforward, honest people that just want to share our experience and make it work for our peers.

You are a member of ABCH. What did the journey through membership look like? Why should others join?

Being a part of the ABCH really helped me understand the chemistry behind what I was doing and to stop leaning so heavily on a brand to define me. At the time I began the study process I was a platform artist for the largest haircolor company in the world and had to deprogram myself from THEIR way of thinking and teaching and understand hair and color more universally. The ABCH is such a great resource and community of people that have dedicated their time to the craft and believe that YOU are most important part of any color formula. Their yearly Energizing Summit is an opportunity to see elite educators from all over the country in one place - all coming together in the name of sharing education.

If you could go back in time and give cosmetology student you one piece of advice, what would it be?

I would have told myself to be more intentional about where I saw myself working long term. Learn more about ALL textures of hair and then go find somewhere more diverse to work. I believe that would have made me more well rounded as a stylist and a human earlier in my career.

You have been really involved with Texture vs. Race, (in fact, you are the one who introduced us!) why do you think this movement is so important and why it is so dear to your heart.

Well I could go on about this for DAYS! I actually met Keya at the ABCH Summit and the whole place was buzzing about her class. I had never had so many people stop me to praise a class so highly before. I vowed to meet her before the weekend was over and when I did - we became fast friends. Keya is a powerhouse and our careers have had so many similar twists and turns. Keya is an unbelievable color educator with her own education company as well. She has been championing the cause for more inclusive education and created Texture vs Race because industry is so segregated and it is unacceptable. Sadly, most of us just accept it and that results in furthering the divide and racism and prejudice that exists around people AND their hair. Once schools, brands and stylists commit to learning all types of texture then we will all be equipped to service any guest that may sit in our chairs.

3 hairdressers (dead or alive) you would love you work with and why...

Naeemah LaFond because she is a powerhouse and seems to know everything about hair and how to create amazing looks for stage, editorial, or everyday. She is so multifaceted and has done so much in our industry. She is a humble bad 🍑.

Sam Villa because he is talented,successful and humble beyond compare. He has stepped up his game as far as committing to making sure his brand is truly diverse and inclusive and that says a lot about his character.

Olive Benson - at the ABCH Summit our classes were often paired next to each other's in the same hallway and always seemed to be at the same time. She was a mighty giant and has done a ton for the industry. Hindsight is 20/20 and I wish I could go back and chat with her, especially after having really begun my own anti-racism work. I'm sure I would have then been smart enough to ask her how I could have served her instead of always asking her a million questions. She was a gracious and generous lady.

I knew I was a Hair Nerd when...

I was probably 10 or 12 when we were camping with family friends and their daughter refused to let me braid her hair - I was heated! She had long blonde gorgeous hair and I had so many ideas of what to do with it and she was NOT into it and wouldn't relent! I probably pouted for hours! I've just always been facianated with hair for as long as I can remember. I was such a tomboy though so lots of people were shocked when I chose this industry. I still always prefer to work on someone else and create gorgeous natural looking color - while I sport my messy bun and naked face 😂