UPBRINGING & EARLY LIFE

Audra was born to Laura Walsh and David Kearney in Long Island on April 10th, 1987 as a last-ditch effort to save a failing marriage. Laura liked to describe herself as a "free spirit," but in reality she had been anchored to her alcohol addiction since the age of 20. Initially in love with her energy and party-girl persona, straight-laced David married her two years before Audra arrived. Unfortunately, the fun was short lived. Their home life became chaos; Laura would disappear for days at a time only to show up again, as erratic and unpredictable as ever. Her love of substances and constant quest for a "good time" meant she was rarely home, preferring to spend her time with crowds engaged in simiilar risky behaviors. On occasion she would pull herself together, swear she found God and that she yearned for a life of sobriety -- typically when David threatened to leave. Audra appeared during one of these stints, but the stress of caring for an infant soon sent Laura seeking solace in the bottle once more.

David left for good when Audra was 3 years old. From then on, Laura was inconsistent at best. Audra was often watched by her grandmother, aunts and her mother's boyfriends. When no babysitter was available, Audra found herself amid rowdy house parties and the occasional drug bust. Her mother was incarcerated several times during Audra's young life, one time resulting in Audra spending almost three months in a horrificly abusive foster home until her grandmother stepped in. Laura would often attempt to make up for these incidents by making grand promises to her daughter about a better life. She would spend a few days spoiling Audra with affection and attention -- only to disappear again when her addiction beckoned. This pattern went on for the entirety of Audra's childhood.

Audra's father, on the other hand, made a pleasant alternate life for himself. As if Audra and Laura never existed, he moved on with a quiet, complicit real estate agent in the suburbs. They got married, live in a beautiful home by the water and now have two children. Audra only hears of him -- never from him.


CAREER

Audra made it through school despite her chaotic home life. With the support of her grandmother, she was able to graduate high school in a semi-permanent environment. Creative and always looking for stimulation, Audra knew traditional college wouldn't suit her. She began studies at the Aveda Institute at age 19 and quickly found her passion in hair. Upon completing the program, she became an assistant and junior stylist for a mid-level New York City salon. Seeing Audra's willingness to learn, the salon owner took her under wing. This mentorship prepared Audra to move on to bigger, more exciting things in the hair industry.

Audra now has 10+ years of hair styling experience. She is a fixture at Alibi Salon in SoHo with a loyal client base. Her customers love her sense of humor and her commitment to doing quality work. In addition, she has done countless weddings, events and photoshoots. Audra works hard to stay in tune with the latest trends; she travels to hair shows around the world and attends any class she can squeeze into her busy schedule.


PERSONAL LIFE & PERSONALITY

Two years ago, Audra got married. It was love, but it was a terribly impulsive and poorly timed union. Both of them passionate and fun, they were high off their shared desire for a good time and bonded over their fractured pasts. It satisfied Audra's life-long quest for permanency, but ultimately the relationship imploded. Too many arguments stemming from both of their individual unresolved issues led to the mutual but messy decision to split. In the past year, their divorce has been finalized.

Truth be told, Audra is embarrassed about her childhood. She doesn't advertise it to anybody; only close friends know where she came from and what she endured. Audra comes across as confident and cool with a cynical sense of humor, but her resentments from her upbringing to haunt her. As much as she despises substances given the impact on her life, she tends to party when keeping it together gets too overwhelming. These binges are often short and contained; she is terrified of turning into her mother. So a string of wild nights is often followed by a few weeks of green juice and yoga, as if that will redeem her.

Audra has a fiery, emotional side that some times gets her in trouble. She can come off as irrational and petty, especially when feeling slighted. In these moments she feels out of control, like she is watching herself from the outside, and typically feels regretful when all is said and done. Most are surprised that somebody typically so strong can be destabilized so intensely. On her best behavior, she is a loyal and honest friend. She's a good listener, thoughtful and has a joke for even the most dour of situations. When it comes to men, she is confident and sexual, but hot and cold when it comes to commitment.

• Has a four year old orange tabby cat named Waffle.

• Smokes cigarettes occasionally, usually when stressed or anxious...

• ...which definitely doesn't do her love of running any favors.

• Loves crime documentaries, shows and books.

• Enjoys cooking and baking when she has the time but has a great appreciation for Postmates.

• Likes small, cozy spaces, so her studio apartment suits her nicely.

• Absolutely dreads the day her 82 year old grandmother dies. She has been Audra's one, consistent support since childhood.