Yolymar Santiago , IIC Cosmetology graduate, working at Yoly’s Beauty Bar LLC. 460 New Britain Road, Berlin CT.
TK: @CTBraider
✨How did you get started doing hair?
Taking you back to 2021, I was working full time at a warehouse. Even though I loved the job because of the position I had, I just always knew deep down I could be more. For as long as I remember, hair was always something I loved to do. I always made sure my hair was done for school everyday no matter the outfit. Working all the long hours and nights became draining and I knew I had to change my situation. At that moment I knew it was time to make a change and take my hair career seriously. I signed myself up for school & it was the best thing I could’ve done. I took so much interest in school because I had my mannequin heads! They were what I practiced on day and night and still till this day I use them. I always knew I was good at hair but had I not gone to hair school I would’ve never known I could do hair on others! “I wouldn’t be where I am at today had I not gone to hair school.”
✨What inspires you to do hair?
To be completely honest, nothing in this world inspires me more (to want to keep pushing & going for my dreams) than seeing my clients walk out my door happy. To see them smile and be so proud of my artwork. My clients inspire me! my followers inspire me, especially those who don’t even know me from nothing but social media. It means so much to know that people are rooting for me everyday because lord knows how hard/challenging this industry can be, Those are the ones who inspire me to keep going, to try new ideas, new content… everything.
✨How did you build your clientele?
Building a clientele can be very hard but not impossible. Number one thing is before and after pictures/videos and good content… that’s how you’re going to build social media. There are millions in the beauty industry but you have to find something that sets your work apart from others and just go with it! Make your work unique& always show consistency. “people don’t want to hear that you do hair, people want to SEE it!” There’s been so many times I’ve told people I do hair and they brushed it off, but as soon as I showed them my page on my phone hey instantly followed me. Another thing that definitely helped me was starting off working at a salon, potential clients walk in and out all day so that’s your way of coming in and showing out so you’re able to gain a client for your beautiful work and get the word out about you! Business cards are another major thing when I tell you I put them anywhere and everywhere I can, I do!
I’ve had a lot of clients come to me because of my business cards and how unique looking they were, when they see it (it grabbed their attention). Hashtags when posting on social media is a big one as people all around the state and country are always looking for stylists. #cthairstylists #ct(anything about hair) will push your video so that it gets to the right audience & clientele in your DMs and chair! There’s honestly so many different ways, you just have to be consistent. That’s what it’ll always come down to, consistency.
✨Any advice you would give someone starting cosmetology school?
If hair is something you truly love, go for it. Do it afraid, because that’s how you build tough skin, that’s how you learn from mistakes and that’s how you perfect your craft… that’s how you grow. You’ll never know what you can do until you try. There’s so many styles I’ve done that I never thought I could do. I did it to prove to myself. Prove it to yourself even when no one wants to support you. I was lying to myself every time I said I had no one, the entire time I’ve always had my mannequin heads to fall on for content and practice. When you have no one just know you have them waiting! Also, there’s so much in the field that you can fall in love with, and when you do stick to what you love and pour your heart into it because nothing will make you happier than seeing your client happy with what you did on them. As time goes by everything will fall into place just be patient and always open minded about learning.
To see other hair trends or school related posts visit our blog at https://www.studyhair.com/blog/ or our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/studyhair
“The International Institute of Cosmetology is an accredited, family owned cosmetology school with campuses in Wethersfield and Plainville, Connecticut. IIC was started in 2002 by Carmelo Gugliotti and his sons with the underlying desire to bring International beauty trends into the Northeast. IIC has grown to be the Leader in Beauty Education, specializing in Hair, Skin, Makeup and Advanced Education. #studyhair #iCANatIIC”