When one thinks of beauty supplies, they may be surprised
 BIANKA TANORI/DOUGLAS DISPATCH Customer Nancy Alexander looking at products while Amparo Barreras shows her the different types available at Blanca’s Beauty. |
years and owned by the same owner, therefore making her an
independent beauty professional!
Blanca’s Beauty Supply has been open since July of 1968.
The store is located in the heart of Douglas, on 527 10th
Street. The business is ran by the same hard working woman
who not only opened it forty three years ago, but is still hard
at work in her store.
Amparo Burgeno-Barreras, 86, loves doing what she does,
and that is helping the Douglas community by looking good!
Barreras was born and raised in Douglas. She married
Miguel Barreras in 1943 and had 7 children together. She
started a partnership with her best friend named Blanca Montanyo
from California, (which is where the store got its
name). Together they opened the store, however, when it first
opened in 1968, it was located next to the Grand Theatre on
G avenue.
After a few years, Barreras became the sole owner of the
shop. She had always been a very independent woman and
when the smelter closed down; her husband was forced to retire.
After 53 years of marriage, Mr. Barreras passed away in
2000.
Although she has been through many hardships she was
able to send 5 of her children to college with the help of her
boutique. Barreras says, “It was very hard for me to run the
business and raise a big family, but I am a very hard and determined
woman. During the history of my shop I saw new
businesses open and shortly thereafter close, I feel proud that
I was able to maintain my shop and keep it open to my loyal
customers.”
Even today Amparo is still very active and very independent.
Not only does she run her own store, but she also helps
manage her son’s beauty salon, Martin’s beauty salon located
next to Blanca’s Beauty Supply. Barreras still does not
know when she is going to retire, she says she feels very good
health-wise and admits that she still comes home after work
to clean her home, which is a two story house!
At Blanca’s Beauty Supply you will find everything from
hair extensions, hair dye, beautiful wigs and anything else
you can think of that will help you look and feel fabulous. The
store is open Monday-Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
For questions you may call 364-4203.
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