Mimi Armenteros is the Owner/Curly Hair Specialist of “Dream Curls Salon” and “Curl Bliss” haircare products. Mimi is an Ethiopian native who came to America with hopes and dreams of owning her own business one day. Mimi has overcome adversity to become a successful business owner. Learn more about Mimi Armenteros…
Hometown: Washington, DC
First job: I was maybe 15 when my dad’s friend offered me a summer job as a sales person at his handcrafted furniture store. He would never have imagined this young girl would actually bring him the biggest account he’s ever had. To look a little grown up, I borrowed my mom’s clothes, fixed my hair, had the furniture catalog in my hands and went door to door to the city’s well known hotels to see if they would be interested in adding some handcrafted furniture to their lobbies or their rooms. Much to my surprise one of the biggest hotels in town decided to convert their first floor rooms with our furniture. It was at that time that I learned that positive thinking and determination would allow me to reach to any goal I set.
Favorite AZ restaurant: My favorite restaurant is “Bottega Italian Pizzeria Restaurant” in Glendale, Arizona – Family owned restaurant which serves homemade pasta with choices of delicious sauces, and my favorite on their menu is this creamy delicious lasagna and limoncello cream.
Person who has impacted your life the most: My upbringing has impacted my life the most; My mom has always encouraged me in everything I’ve done in my life, she taught me how to be a strong, caring and loving woman. My dad who was an intellectual, a poet, writer, musician, painter, and a linguist has shared his wisdom which has left me with a very curious mind that is always exploring and searching for the truth and always learning new things on the way.
Your biggest accomplishment in your eyes: Starting Dream Curls Salon was my biggest accomplishment; I built this business from the heart and impacts people who struggle with their curly hair positively every day. The fact that I have been successful allows me to continue to make a difference in people’s lives. I just introduced a curly hair product line called “Curl Bliss” and we are also working on other projects to expand those that we touch.
The biggest obstacle you have overcome: A divorce was the biggest obstacle in my life; I got married at a very young age believing it was going to last forever. It is fair to say that some people are not destined to be together; Even though it was a very tough time I managed to bounce back up and create a new life for me and my children.
Favorite quote: “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” – Steve Jobs
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Keep a positive mind, perseverance, hard work and determination always pays back. Never say I know everything you’ll always learn something from someone . Dream big, make a plan to get to where you want to be, learn from your mistakes and always remember life is never an easy ride.
What you think makes someone fabulous: Someone who is kind hearted, considerate and always ready to impact other people’s lives in a positive way.
