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Rebekah Ondejko of St. Petersburg on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Rebekah Ondejko and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Rebekah, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
I think one of the biggest misunderstandings about my business is that people assume it’s ‘just doing hair.’ I work in a one-chair studio, which means the experience is private, intimate, and completely focused on the person in my chair. Yes, I create vivid color and edgy cuts but my work goes far beyond the technical side.
For many of my clients, that time is the only space where they can slow down, feel safe, and be seen. I’m not just changing their hair; I’m helping them feel good about themselves, listening to their stories, and sometimes helping them process things they don’t talk about anywhere else. What I do is equal parts artistry and emotional support. My studio isn’t just a salon, it’s a place where people come to feel better, inside and out.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Bekah, and I’m an independent alternative hairstylist and the owner of Pretty in Punk, a one-chair studio where vivid color, edgy cuts, and real connection all come together. I’ve built a space that’s private, intimate, and intentionally different from a traditional salon somewhere people can fully express themselves without judgment.
I’m also a mom and a business owner, juggling both roles while building a brand that celebrates individuality and authenticity. Pretty in Punk isn’t just about the hair it’s about helping people feel confident, seen, and supported. Whether someone wants a bold transformation or just a safe space to be themselves for a couple hours, my goal is to create an experience that feels personal, creative, and empowering.
Right now I’m continuing to grow my studio, sharpen my craft, and build a community of clients who embrace alternative beauty on their own terms.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed I had to fit in to be accepted. I thought blending in and following the ‘normal’ path was the only way to succeed. As I got older, especially once I became a stylist and a mom I realized that my strength is actually in standing out. Embracing my alternative style, my creativity, and the way I connect with people is what built my business and my confidence. I no longer feel the need to shrink myself to make others comfortable.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell myself: You’re doing better than you think and you deserve the same compassion you give everyone else.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is the real me. I’m an open book, and what you see is what you get. I don’t really have a ‘salon persona’ or a separate version of myself. I show up as I am, whether I’m behind the chair, with my clients, or in my everyday life. That honesty is a big part of how I connect with people.”

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing? 
The thing I’d regret most is not doing things sooner is trusting myself earlier, taking risks earlier, and stepping into who I am without waiting for the ‘right time.’ Every time I finally make a move, I wish I’d done it years before.

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