Meet Andrea Batteast: Master Cosmetologist & Braider

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

Hi Andrea, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
Before starting my business, I had to create a mindset for myself that would be beneficial to myself and the goals that I wanted to achieve. I started to write down what I wanted my business to look like and the tools and information that I would need to succeed. Praying to God also gave me the insight that I needed to not go astray with what I wanted and I feel helped me to be where I’m at in the industry today.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road for me in the beginning. Before becoming a Master Cosmetologist, I had a decent job in the teaching field for five years. I enjoyed my time as a teacher but my love for hair was always there. I would take clients for braids and faux locs services on my off days from teaching. So it was just that time to expand my horizons in the hair industry. Having some money saved, I decided to quit my teaching job and enrolled in the Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy. During that time I found a job in bartending, I worked in a salon as an assistant, and I worked on Sunday’s as a pharmacy technician just to make ends meet while in school. I was definitely in a lot of debt but my passion and love for providing exceptional hair services to my clients withstood all of the obstacles that I had to face. Once I received my license and started to perfect my craft, it was even harder. I prayed, hustled, and continued to build my clientele. During that time I figured out that my specialty was in healthy hair care and protective styles for all textures of hair. By my 3rd year, I was finally where I wanted to be in my profession. Even to this day I’m still finding cool and inventive ways in building upon my goals. I’m currently working on my braids and faux locs wigs line, while also building upon new techniques to expand the services that I offer for my clients. Becoming an cosmetologist/ entrepreneur isn’t easy and success just doesn’t happen over night. I believe strongly that patience and dedication are the keys to building a successful brand.

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?
Atlanta has so many fun places to visit. Especially now since the city is back open again. When my friends and I go out on a night in the town we always love to have a good time! Dinner and drinks are always our element. We recently went to this place called Rock Steady, that has really great Jamaican food and drinks. The atmosphere was nice and dim with a cool feel to it. Also on my days off I love kicking it at The Battery, where there are tons of things to do. I noticed that they just opened up a Fat Tuesday, which has the best daiquiri mixes ever. It’s just a cool environment to walk around and even catch a baseball game at. I live in the downtown area. So I love to go Ra Sushi and grab some of there shrimp tempura rolls, which are really delicious! 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?
Bree Robison- Bee Hyve Beauti Club. She’s been a wonderful mentor and welcomed me with open arms when we first met. I started working with Bree at her salon a year and half ago and then Covid-19 hit Atlanta. We had to close down the salon for a few months. She was very encouraging and supportive in helping me build my clientele during the downtime. Once we opened back up, my appointment books were filled and I had the confidence to move forward in my business. I will like to dedicate my Shoutout to Bree. Thank you for always being a wonderful salon owner and mentor/ friend.

Website: www.dreabstyles.com

Instagram: Drea B. Styles

Facebook: Drea B. Styles

Image Credits
Astral Fotography