Today we’d like to introduce you to Isis Moreno.

Hi Isis, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Let me start by saying I believe everyone has a superpower. Growing up, I always knew that meeting and connecting with people was my superpower.

Socializing comes very naturally to me. I can walk into a room, absorb its energy, and connect with everyone. By the night’s end, I know everyone there and create memories with strangers.

The ability to adapt and blend into my surroundings has been both beneficial and challenging. My outgoing nature has led to dangerous situations as well as amazing experiences.

This superpower is a direct result of my upbringing. My parents didn’t have much money in my childhood, so the neighborhood I grew up in wasn’t, per se, a white picket fence.

Frequently, we would hear gunshots, police sirens, and helicopters shining their lights as they searched for someone in our neighborhood. Our elementary school teachers had to pause their lessons when military airplanes flew overhead because we couldn’t hear them speaking. You might lose friends to gangs, drugs, police violence, or the law. People slept in alleys and panhandled at the store.

It was also the neighborhood where all the neighbors knew each other and would gather outside to talk. All the kids went to the same school down the street, so they would take turns playing in each other’s houses. We would build clubhouses from scrap wood and random furniture we would find, and it would turn into the new “kick it spot.” until it was torn down. Teenagers would roam the streets, and the neighborhood corner stores would let them pay the next day if they didn’t bring enough money for the snacks they bought that day. The neighbor’s dog would roam free, become your kids’ guardian, and play together. Everyone looked out for each other.

Creating a community and being aware of your surroundings was a necessity.

The skills I’ve gained have led to valuable connections and opportunities, guiding me to a career in the service industry: barbering.

I now have my own private studio barbershop, travel all over the country teaching my skills, own a modeling agency, and have become a partner in an essential oil company.

I am grateful for my past and thankful for my blessings. I’m unsure if I’ll ever get used to the overwhelming gratitude I experience when I reflect on how far I’ve come.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Living is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I have always been a knock-hard learner. No matter how often I was warned not to do something, I would still try it if I was curious enough. I am naturally inquisitive, and my spontaneous personality didn’t make things any easier.

I’ve moved to Las Vegas twice, and the first time was quite impulsive.

One night, I felt a sudden urge to leave Tucson late and I decided I would visit a friend I had met in Vegas during a previous trip. My friend and I drove six hours, and we were only there for a few hours before I decided to head back to Arizona. On the way home, I mentioned to my friend I was going to pack my things and leave Tucson to move to Las Vegas as soon as we got into town. When I told my family about my plans, they advised me to plan and save money before I left, but I didn’t listen. Two days later, I had packed my clothes and some stuffed animals and drove to Vegas to a room I had found for rent.

The move was obviously poorly thought out, and I didn’t have a job.

I didn’t have a barber license and I had to transfer my cosmetology license to Nevada. Moving the licensing from Arizona to Nevada was a process, and I had to work a few “regular” jobs for a little while.

On the first day after I moved, I made a friend who helped me find a job as a receptionist at a mechanic shop. I didn’t know anything about cars, so I got fired after a week.

After that, I found a job selling internet products door-to-door. I’ve always been good at sales, so I quickly became one of the top three sales reps in less than a month. However, I quit soon after because the Las Vegas heat is brutal.

I tried working as a telemarketer for a day but immediately hated it! I didn’t even pick up my check for the day I worked.

I couldn’t imagine continuing this way. I quickly realized that doing “regular” jobs was not for me. So, I bought an ad on Craigslist and started doing mobile haircuts for $20. For context, I now charge starting at $250 for a mobile haircut service. The places this ad brought me to were sketchy, but I was finally doing what I wanted to do.

After a couple of months, my cosmetology license was transferred. To create a steadier income, I sought out work in barbershops. I then learned that in Nevada, unlike in Arizona, a cosmetologist cannot work in a barbershop; the barbershop has to have a “cosmetology room.” At that time, there was nothing like that in Vegas. I was forced to work at Supercuts and was there for the longest three months of my life. I felt like I had no creative freedom and would often get in trouble for using the tools I wanted, not the ones they provided.

However, in my stubbornness, I insisted on doing things my way because I always felt the need to give my best to the client. As a result, I started attracting repeat clients who specifically requested my services. This made them notice that I was skilled at barber-style haircuts, and to my surprise, the salon manager asked if I could teach them.

I immediately said “yes” without knowing that it would ignite a new passion in my career. Now, I travel across the country to barber and educate at seminars and hair shows.

I feel immensely blessed. Life is not easy, but it’s an exciting and mysterious journey.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m deeply passionate about my craft as a barber, and my journey in this industry has been an exhilarating blend of creativity, entrepreneurship, and education.

At the heart of my profession is my private barber studio, a space where I cultivate an atmosphere of personalized care and attention to detail for each client. Whether it’s a classic cut or a bold new style, I strive to exceed expectations and leave a lasting impression.

What sets me apart is my dedication to continuous learning and innovation. I don’t just stay within the confines of my studio; I travel nationwide to share my knowledge and expertise with fellow barbers through educational workshops and seminars. Inspiring and empowering others in the industry is incredibly fulfilling for me.

One of my unique specialties that has captivated attention is hair tattoos. It’s an exceptional art form within barbering that enables me to blend precision cutting with intricate design work, resulting in striking and personalized looks for my clients.

Moreover, I’m not just a barber but also a visionary entrepreneur. I own a modeling agency specifically tailored for barbers, providing opportunities for talented professionals to showcase their skills and creativity on a larger platform to create bridges between company and professional.

Collaboration is key in my approach to business. I partner with an essential oil company to enhance the grooming experience for my clients, incorporating natural and aromatic products into my services. Additionally, I’m honored to be an ambassador for multiple reputable brands in the grooming industry, advocating for quality and innovation.

Reflecting on my journey, I’m most proud of the community I’ve built around my work. Beyond just providing haircuts, I strive to create meaningful connections with each person I meet. Building trust and rapport with my clients, fellow barbers, and industry partners fuels my passion and drives me to constantly raise the bar in my profession.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Collaboration and support are vital elements in the growth and success of my diverse ventures. I believe in the power of synergy, where the unique strengths of different brands and individuals come together to create something exceptional.

For those interested in working with me or exploring collaboration opportunities, I welcome inquiries from businesses and individuals whose ethos aligns with the values and vibes of my various ventures. Whether it’s a shared passion for innovation in grooming, a commitment to creativity and self-expression, or a dedication to quality and excellence, I’m open to exploring partnerships that complement and enhance the experiences I offer.

Specifically, there are several areas where collaboration and support can make a significant impact:

1. **Marketing:** Effective marketing is essential for reaching and engaging with our target audience. Collaborations in marketing efforts, whether through joint campaigns, influencer partnerships, or cross-promotions, can amplify our message and broaden our reach.

2. **Investment:** As I continue to expand and evolve my businesses, investment support can provide the resources needed to fuel growth and innovation. Whether it’s through strategic investments, partnerships, or funding opportunities, support in this area can help take our ventures to new heights.

3. **Consumer Engagement:** Building and nurturing relationships with our consumers is at the core of what we do. Support in consumer engagement efforts, such as feedback, testimonials, and community-building initiatives, can strengthen our connection with our audience and drive loyalty to our brands.

I’m always open to exploring new collaborations and partnerships that align with the vision and values of my businesses. Whether you’re a fellow entrepreneur, a marketing guru, an investor looking for exciting opportunities, or a passionate consumer who resonates with what we stand for, I invite you to reach out and let’s explore how we can work together to create something truly extraordinary.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.voluptuaryagency.com
• Instagram: @lipstickbarber_isis