Ace’s Story

Reunion: A Journey of Inspiration and Resilience

The name “Reunion” was inspired by a simple sign I spotted while driving along the scenic roads of Colorado. However, the true motivation behind it all came from my best friend: my selfless and devoted mother. She was a force of nature, radiating magnetic energy, and she instilled in me the belief that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. She was my guiding light, always steering me in the right direction, and became my ultimate inspiration.

Not many children know what they want to do at the tender age of five, but I did: I wanted to cut hair. After being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at seven, my parents sacrificed everything for me, instilling a fierce fighting spirit within me. Losing my mother at nineteen was devastating, but it ignited a fire in me to pursue my dreams with unwavering determination.

Throughout my journey, my mom encouraged me every step of the way, allowing me to explore my passions and gain experience by helping her at the two dog grooming shops she ran.

In 2007, I enrolled at Paul Mitchell the School, juggling long hours to pay my way through. I graduated with honors in February 2008 and soon after earned my cosmetology license. Fast forward to 2016: after finding love, I moved to Colorado, where I worked at a local barbershop. This experience allowed me to refine my skills, learning new cutting techniques and mastering the art of shaving. A few months later, I completed my hours for barbering school, drove across Colorado, and passed my Practical State Board Exam to receive my barber license.

While I attribute much of my growth to the opportunities in Colorado, I felt the pull to return to Austin in 2017. After managing a local shop for a time, I realized I wanted to focus on what I loved most: my clients, who felt more like friends. I began offering classes to salons, schools, and barbershops, sharing my experience while developing a long-term vision for my career.

Everything was falling into place, and all I needed was the perfect location for Reunion. After exploring several spaces, I found myself in a little strip center where a barbershop had once thrived. To my surprise, the perfect spot—right next to a local dog groomer—was vacant. It felt like a sign from my mom. Thus, Reunion Barbershop officially opened its doors on February 24, 2020, only to close two weeks later due to the pandemic.

Reunion reopened on June 1, 2020, but just two weeks later, Ace lost her father. As the sole employee at that time, I had to close the doors for another week. However, with the unwavering support of my clients, friends, and community, Reunion not only survived but thrived. We established a mentorship program to support the person behind the chair, helping barbers reach their full technical potential while fostering their growth as individuals.

Reunion is more than just a barbershop; it’s a testament to resilience, community, and the enduring legacy of my mother’s belief in me.