Meet Adrianna Carbajal | Hairstylist

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

Hi Adrianna, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?

Work life balance has become more important to me as I’ve gotten older and experienced what life can be like. I left home as soon as I graduated and began working towards the future I pictured. I was determined to do it in the most efficient way. As time went on I realized there isn’t a “most efficient way” and the universe really throws things at you when you start to become complacent or aren’t living your truth. When I started beauty school I already had 2 jobs, and miraculously I was able to balance all three of them. Working 7 days a week I felt productive, driven, and hardworking. I could see my future, I could imagine my life when I made it, but I was obsessed with the end goal and completely shut off from the present moment. My body and mind couldn’t keep up with the momentum I was going and I started to become frustrated, depressed, anxious, and detached. My relationships suffered, my mental health was deteriorating, and my physical health was extremely up and down. I began to rely on caffeine and quick meals I could eat on the go to get me through the days, mostly sugar. After years of this same routine and practicing such a fast-paced lifestyle, I was forced to slow down when I became aware of the actual damage I had done to my mind and my body. I was in rough shape. In March 2021 I was diagnosed with Anorexia and took a leave of absence from work for 6 weeks. I was given the opportunity to focus on becoming healthy again for 2 whole months. I had many goals but before I went into recovery, none of them had to do with my wellness and overnight my whole focus changed. For the first time, my mind was focused on me. Recovery made me slow down and re-evaluate what kind of life I wanted to live day-to-day instead of exclusively thinking of my future. I wanted to travel, be in nature, be creative, learn to make nourishing meals, become more present in the relationships that are essential to me, and become more familiar with myself again. When I think of balance I think of what balance does for my body, my mind, and my spirit. It’s been almost a year since I’ve been in recovery now and the progress I have made is unreal. I believe it’s solely because I made myself just as much of a priority as my dreams. I wish I could express in words how alive and grounded I feel. I wasn’t living before, I was surviving. Balance is the reason I am doing so well today, and I can say that with absolute confidence.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Whenever someone asks me what I do for a living my automatic answer is, “I’m a hairstylist.” But in reality I believe I offer even more than my trade. I offer my clients an experience, a chance to express themselves through their appearance, and I think the most important thing I can offer them is connection. I heard one of my coworkers compare a new client service to a first date and honestly it could not be more true. The first service you spend with a client is all about getting to know them, getting to know their hair, and their style. Being a stylist in a heavily trafficked area like Pearl street in Boulder means literally anyone can end up in your chair and it’s my responsibility to make them feel seen, heard, and feel beautiful and at the same time I get to pick their brain and ask all about their experiences in life. Let me tell you, I get a lot of good advice. Getting to where I am now was definitely not easy, it took a lot of discipline and long days. At one point I was working 2 jobs and going to school, working 7 days a week. When I became a stylist, it was the first time in years that I was able to make a livable wage while working only 1 job and that achievement is one that I’m most proud of. I’ve learned many lessons through my early 20’s but I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that if you are unaligned with who you are or your path, the universe will continue to throw things at you to make you think or re-evaluate and it’s up to you if you want to listen and decide to live your truth, but until then, life tends to get harder and harder. Most times you’ve got to reach your lowest before you’re eyes are opened and you’re ready to make changes. Once you do decide to start healing, it happens quickly, your life is truly waiting for you. What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that my chair is a safe place. I want my clients to feel comfortable when they sit in my chair and feel free to express their vision. There is nothing more rewarding in my job then when I turn my client to the mirror and they see the final outcome. Sometimes they tell me they feel even more like themselves then when they walked in, sometimes they just appreciate the conversation. Self care is more than just taking care of your body physically or cosmetically, and in my chair we get real about all of it. I’ve had my fair share of trials and so have many many others, I feel like it’s important for me to be open about what I’ve experienced so that others are open to sharing as well. Talking and connecting is what makes us human. My brand is primarily present on Instagram, where I share transformation hair photos, beautiful artwork that encourages self love and self reliance, and where I share my own personal stories and journey. It’s a community full of my clientele, fellow stylists, and others who are craving something genuine.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I am currently living in Boulder, Co. and just moved into my very own place here about 2 months ago now! I am still getting familiar with everything that’s around me (there’s a LOT to see) but I definitely have some favorites places so far. My favorite meal of the day is easily breakfast/brunch and a couple of my go to places here in Boulder are the Buff, Village coffee shop, and Modern market eatery. I grew up going to the Village coffee shop with my family and it will always be one of our most favorite spots. Walking Pearl street is always a treat if you enjoy people watching as much as I do. Pearl is full of little shops and there is a good possibility you’ll find whatever you’re looking for plus a lot more than you even knew you needed. Specifically, I love the shop “Little Tibet.” As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted with the smell of incense and a very friendly staff. It’s full of unique and beautiful objects big and small, you’ll have to check it out to see what I mean. Dushanbe tea house is another wonderful spot here in Boulder. The building itself is a work of art, the outdoor seating is gorgeous, and there happens to be a flavor of tea for whatever kind of mood you’re in. On a sunny day here in Boulder, NCAR trail is my go to for a hike that is easily accessible and full of beautiful views. It is dog friendly, it’s about 3 miles, and to be able to enjoy it the most, the best times to go are about April-October. Last but not least, the Rio grande has the BEST margarita.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I would love to give a shout-out to my family, my lovely clients, my incredible team at Twig Salon, and to the countless friends who have encouraged me to believe in myself. I was going through the most transitional and uncomfortable moments of my life the last couple of years and because of their constant love and support, I felt strong enough to be able to get back to myself again. Through their encouragement and understanding, I could finally see my capability.

Instagram: @adriannajoyce

Other: Twighairsalon.com is my salons website