We had the good fortune of connecting with Andria Livingston and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Andria, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I was 17 years old I had aspirations to go into the Fashion Industry. I was in an accelerated Cosmetology program through my High School when I made this decision. I had my application filled out to FDIM in San Diego and I was ready to set out to build my career.
As I learned of an unexpected pregnancy at 17 years old, dreams of FDIM quickly faded away. I decided I would stay in Colorado, finish beauty school and set goals to eventually open a salon. I received my Cosmetology license at 18 and opened my first business, EDEN Salon & Barbershop, at 23 years old.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Being an Entrepreneur has been a wild and exciting ride. Going into my first business, I asked myself “What on earth am I doing? I have no idea how to run a business!” However very quickly the drive to succeed at the goals I set at 17 years old took precedence over the fear.
I taught myself how to run a business with the simple mindset of “it’s exactly like running another household” and a deep dedication to learning whatever it took to run a business successfully.
EDEN Salon & Barbershop is a collective of Independent Artists, housing both barbers and hairdressers in a historic, lofty building in Downtown Colorado Springs. Our commitment to outstanding customer service won us multiple recognition in both Gazette and Independent Best of The Springs contests which filled our hearts that the community loves us just as much as we love them.
In 2022 I created an extension of the EDEN Brand, opening EDENOLOGY Holistic Wellness in Old Colorado City. Embarking on my own healing journey in 2020 led me to be inspired to share my experiences and the modalities that helped me overcome trauma & addiction. I did not stop there. Recognizing a need within our wellness center to practice alternative medicine, Ahavah Gardens Church of Entheogenics was filed as a Nonprofit Organization just this year in Feb 2024. Our goals are to spread awareness, support and healing in the Holistic arena within our local community and outreaching even further to a World Wide Community.
I am most excited about my most recent ventures, EDENOLOGY & Ahavah Gardens. It was definitely not an easy road. I was faced with a partnership dissolution in April of 2022 just 5 months after opening the wellness center. I decided to keep the center and rebrand which brought its own set of unique challenges both financially and emotionally. But with patience, perseverance and passion all of the goals and dreams I had envisioned have come to fruition.
What I have learned most from the past few years with 2 different partnership attempts is always have your contracts and operating agreements in place before opening the business. You can get too caught up in the excitement and dreams of the operation and lose focus on pertinent details important in protecting both parties.
I am happy to say that today, EDENOLOGY & Ahavah Gardens are growing and we are thriving with inspiration and creative flow. I brought on a new partner June 2023, Keauna Chamberlain, who I have mentored in hairdressing since a young girl. I am presently mentoring her as a Curandera while we both embark on this path together. Keauna has been a tremendous support and believer in my visionary mind for both businesses.
I passionately created this Wellness Center with a vision that cultivates Love first and foremost. Infused with compassion, community, and the acceptance of everyone for who they are, EDENOLOGY is a place where every person’s inner light will shine. With an emphasis on raising collective consciousness and healing, I want each person who walks through our doors to feel seen, heard, and above all else, loved.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite place in the city is the west side, Old Colorado City. I always say West Side is the Best Side. I would start at EDENOLOGY with a relaxing sit in our Salt Sanctuary, then catch a yoga class.. I would then venture down to my favorite local, zero proof bar. Gratitude Zero Proof Bar recently opened in OCC. We would relax with some Kava, then hit the shops for some retail therapy. We would get a nice afternoon boost at Carnelian Coffee. After that I would finish it all off with my absolute favorite Thai Restaurant, Wild Ginger. That is pretty much a perfect day in Old Colorado City!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate my Shout Out to my life partner Andreana Aio. Andreana’s love and support has catapulted our success across the board.
Website: edenologyco.com / ahavahgardens.org
Instagram: @edenologyco / @ahavahgardens
Linkedin: EDENOLOGY Holistic Wellness
Facebook: EDENOLOGY Holistic Wellness / Ahavah Gardens Church of Entheogenics
Youtube: EDENOLOGY Holistic Wellness / https://youtube.com/@edenologyco?si=tosee-wlELV7f-1s
Image Credits
Headshot Photo by Trystan Photography, Char Bungaard.
Team photo by Let Your Soul Shine Photography, Coady Parks.