Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna-Marie Bondele.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am Anna Bondele, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo; I made my journey to the United States at the age of 7 or 8 for a better opportunity just like everyone the American dream, only the American dream wasn’t as easy as it sounded. I faced bullying all throughout Elementary and Middle School; it took me a while to realize my purpose in this world. Have you ever heard the term “God has a plan for you” the moment God spoke over my life, things began to fall into place. In middle school I began to try braiding hair I had only braided once prior to middle school; it took one social media post for me to get clients, in as little as one week I was taking 3 clients a day I began in love with seeing how I can do someone’s hair and them falling in love with it. Later on, I started to take cooking seriously and realized how much I actually loved it. In the space of 3 years, I grew a hair business, found a natural skincare routine that worked for me bossed up, and became a chef as my brother likes to call me. I graduated high school early, and now I am the first person to soon graduate from university in my family. Of course, I am still learning about me and discovering more of my potential I know I have a lot, I call myself the Multitalented-Trillionaire Madame miss lawyer, as I am studying in the law field, but the multitalented is just to say I am so much more to offer and I haven’t found it yet but when I do it’ll be as if a bomb exploded because I will shake up this world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road, I faced so many obstacles such as heartbreaks, betrayal, and even the worst being bullying. There was a point in my life that I wanted to end it all because I saw no purpose to my life; as previously mentioned it took God showing me my purpose and me putting me first to realize I am Anna-Marie which translates to Gracious; one who gives. God has favored me and a star, but you can’t shine until you understand that you are a star. When people see a star shining what they want to do is put them down or dim their light; despite it all my light will continue to shine. I was offered an opportunity to attend the World Bank with an amazing organization which I recently joined called Hallmark within two months they’ve helped me attend the world bank and overcome a fear of mine.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
First I am a very talented individual I am constantly amazed of how many new talents I discover of myself which is my some of my friends call me Multitalented Lady. There’s so much more to discover I am student at the University of North Texas; aside from that I am a hairstylist and a chef (at least working on being a private chef. I am also an interpreter mainly from French to English. I am most known for how neat I braid hair, the delicious meals I prepare, and being very smart. Most importantly, I am known as the kind-hearted person. I am most proud of how far I’ve come, and I’ve still got to go, I’ve faced thunderstorms, hurricanes but I am still standing. I am proud of my academic achievements and my sister Kerene, Pierre, and Divines accomplishments they are bright shining stars you’ll see them even from Pluto. I would say what sets me apart is my passion for not giving up, I won’t stop until I get the results I am seeking, I will work, sweat, and cry until I accomplish all of my goals.
What do you think about happiness?
I believe happiness the most easiest thing to have but we ourselves block it away. First happiness for me when is I am on vacation, or when I get a task done, and I see the face of those I was either working with or for. For example, a client’s hair is done, and they are smiling, that makes me happy. Another thing is beautiful skies in the morning and night it reminds me of all the beauty that there is in the world. This may sound weird but Ben and Jerry chocolate cookie dough ice cream, and tacos like seriously. Lastly my family (both biological, church family, and the family I got along the way) we get on each other nerves, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Pricing:
-
Braids: $100+
-
Food $50+
-
Interpreting at Church (Free of Charge)
-
Interpreting at events starting $200 (dependent on time)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: AnnaBondele
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/anna.bondele.9
- Linkedin: Anna-Marie Bondele
- Youtube: AnnaBondele
Image Credits
Biso Production
Idovick Photography
