Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Becker
Hi Andrea, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey into beauty and wellness has been both personal and transformative. Beginning with careers in massage therapy, energy work, nursing, and organic farming, each deepening my understanding of health and well-being. However, it wasn’t until I graduated from the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis that I discovered my true passion for beauty as an art form. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of learning from industry leaders and honing my skills in cutting, coloring, and styling, including experience with editorial shoots and advanced techniques.
A pivotal moment came when I faced health challenges from exposure to chemicals and toxic ingredients, which led me to reassess my approach to beauty. This experience profoundly shifted my perspective and led me to immerse myself in the world of plant-based beauty. I began exploring product creation, education, and the powerful benefits of essential oils—areas that have now become my true passion.
With over two decades of experience, I draw from my diverse education to offer a holistic approach to hair care. I’m also certified in oncology care, providing specialized support for cancer patients, and a certified trichologist, offering safe, targeted solutions for hair loss. My hair and scalp treatments are designed to restore balance and relaxation, using intuitive methods that cater to each client’s unique needs. I take pride in offering a peaceful space where clients feel deeply cared for and supported.
Driven by my commitment to non-toxic beauty, I created Voorpret, a private retreat focused on hair care and holistic wellness. The term Voorpret is a Dutch word meaning “the joy of anticipating something special.” This concept shapes the experience I offer—beauty and wellness should be something you look forward to, and that anticipation can enhance your overall well-being. I believe self-care should nourish both body and soul, so I offer an environment where beauty and wellness coexist without compromising health.
At Voorpret, my goal is for every client to leave feeling revived, empowered, and beautiful—both inside and out.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a long journey, filled with twists, turns, and unexpected dead ends. Along the way, I faced heartache, uncertainty, and moments of feeling lost. Yet, every step led me closer to where I’m meant to be. Guided by incredible mentors and inspirations, I shaped my dream: to create a salon of my own.
For years, I struggled to find my place in conventional salon environments. My body, too sensitive and overwhelmed by chemicals, artificial fragrances, and high-stress conditions, constantly reminded me I couldn’t keep going down that path. At the time, it felt devastating, but it pushed me to seek something I didn’t even realize I needed. I worked in several salons, trying to persevere, but my body always had the final say—it would shout “no”—and that’s when my real journey began.
I asked myself, “Where could I create a space where my body could thrive?” and “How could I offer services that were truly healthy and nurturing for my clients?” That’s when the vision for Voorpret began to take shape—a space designed with wellness in mind, free of toxic chemicals, with a focus on organic, safe products. A private space where clients could speak openly about hair issues—whether due to illness, cancer, or other health challenges—without feeling vulnerable or exposed to others in the salon, because here, it’s just us. I may have been the canary in the coal mine, but that also meant I had the ability to sense what was truly safe. This perspective left me with a renewed sense of gratitude for the health struggles I faced.
After months of searching, I found the perfect space in a historic St. Paul building and transformed it into a sanctuary. With a luxurious shampoo bed, soothing essential oils, and a calming atmosphere, I carefully curated every detail to create a space where clients could feel comfortable, supported, and truly pampered. This isn’t just a salon—it’s a haven where beauty and wellness go hand in hand. My goal is for every client to feel safe, nurtured, and cared for, because self-care isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good, inside and out.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m passionate about every aspect of hair. My focus is on creating custom-tailored haircuts that showcase each client’s unique beauty and lifestyle. Every cut is as individual as the person wearing it, with precision and attention to detail at the heart of my work. I also specialize in painting natural-looking highlights, blending grey for effortless elegance, or using color to enhance your hair’s vibrancy. My goal is always to enhance your natural beauty. Hair is my canvas, and each client inspires the art. I love finishing my work with a style that transforms each creation into a wearable masterpiece.
What sets me apart is my holistic approach to hair care. I don’t just focus on the cut or color—I prioritize the health of the hair and scalp. By crafting personalized regimens that support scalp health and promote growth, I help my clients achieve strong, healthy hair from the inside out. Healthy hair is the most beautiful hair, no matter the style.
Voopret is also known for creating a private, relaxing environment where clients feel seen, heard, and understood. I take the time to truly listen to their needs, offering tailored solutions that align with their hair goals and lifestyle.
Outside of work, I love to travel and explore how beauty is crafted and expressed in different cultures. This global perspective has expanded my approach and deepened my creativity, allowing me to offer my clients fresh inspiration and diverse techniques that elevate their hair care experience.
What I’m most proud of is the lasting relationships I’ve built with my clients and the transformations I’ve guided them through. Whether it’s a bold new look or the journey to healthier, more vibrant hair, I find joy in helping each person achieve their best version of themselves.
Additionally, I offer “Solace in Silence” appointments—a special opportunity for clients to meditate, relax, or simply enjoy quiet time in a peaceful, distraction-free space. With no other clients or chatter, it’s a sanctuary where they can unwind, recharge, and leave not only looking their best but feeling their best as well.
How do you think about luck?
Luck, both good and bad, has played an interesting role in my life and business, but I’ve come to realize that it’s not so much about the luck itself—it’s about how you respond to it.
On the “good luck” side, I’d say I’ve been fortunate to meet the right mentors and guides along the way, people who’ve inspired me and helped me create the dream I now live. It felt like serendipity when I found the perfect space for my salon, after months of searching. That felt like a stroke of luck. And even the clients who’ve come into my life—those who trust me with their hair and their stories—felt like good fortune.
But there’s also been “bad luck”—moments of struggle and setbacks that I couldn’t have anticipated. Health challenges, working in environments that didn’t support my well-being, or encountering roadblocks in business. Those were hard, but in hindsight, they led me to make choices I might not have otherwise. I learned to pivot, adapt, and get creative. In fact, some of the “bad luck” turned into powerful lessons that shaped the way I run my business today.
Ultimately, I believe luck plays a part, but it’s your resilience and ability to turn challenges into opportunities that define your path. So while I wouldn’t say luck alone has gotten me here, I’d say I’ve learned how to make the most of whatever comes my way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.voorpretbeauty.com
- Instagram: voorpret_beauty https://www.instagram.com/voorpret_beauty/
- Facebook: Voorpret Hair Salon https://www.facebook.com/share/14pACAspKS/
Image Credits
Andrea Becker
Jimmy Sugg
