KEY TAKEAWAYS: To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Elite Beauty Society is proud to present a month of spotlights on talented Hispanic salon owners, beauty pros, and cosmetologists. Each week, we'll share our exclusive interview with a must-know Hispanic beauty pro. This week, we're diving into an exclusive Q&A with Erika Salinas.
It's Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15!) Every year, EBS does something special to celebrate and highlight the talented members of our cosmetology community (who also happen to be EBS members!) within the Hispanic community!
Our plan this year? To share exclusive interviews with talented Hispanic beauty pros from the industry!
The best part of all? They've got unique specializations and experiences to share with us – every interview should be eye-opening, exciting, and educational. We’ll chat with gifted stylists, cosmetology pros, and business owners who have grown incredible brands.
As an EBS reader, you get a front-row seat for it all! Join us this week as we chat with Erika Salinas of JL Hair Studio.Hispanic Beauty Pros Profile of the Week: Erika Salinas of JL Hair Studio
Meet Erika Salinas: Owner of JL Hair Studio
Erika has been in the industry for nearly a decade! She began as an assistant for a high-end salon owner, but after COVID, she branched out on her own to start her own business in a salon suite herself.
JL Hair Studio has a presence on Instagram for those who want to follow along with Erika's transformative styles and looks!
Our Exclusive Q&A with Erika
What Inspired You to Join the Beauty Industry?
Ever since I was little, I loved the idea of doing hair and makeup. I never got that idea out of my head. I decided to go to school for it. I loved it then, I love it now – I'm still loving it!
What's Been Your Proudest Achievement or the Most Memorable Moment of Your Career So Far?
It was definitely when I was able to branch out and leave that fear behind of going out on my own and starting my own business.
What Do You Enjoy Most About Working in the Beauty Industry?
For me, the most rewarding part is the end result–when a client looks at themselves in the mirror. When I get to see their reactions and how happy they are, that is the most important part for me.
And now, working by myself, I have a little girl. I have the opportunity to work on my own schedule around her hours, which are probably the two most important and enjoyable parts for me.
How Would You Say the Beauty Industry Has Continued to Represent Hispanic Professionals, and How Has That Influenced You in Your Work?
I was born and raised in Ecuador by my grandma. Coming here, and when I joined the beauty industry, it felt like there was this big piece of misinformation that "Hispanics only do Spanish hair."
Now, seeing more Hispanic professionals working in and running their own high-end salons, I think we've come a long, long way.
I hope to see more of that.
"For me, the most rewarding part is the end result–when a client looks at themselves in the mirror."
Where Have You Noticed the Most Growth in the Beauty Industry Recently for Hispanic Beauty Pros? Has This Growth Motivated You to Explore New Techniques?
I think a lot of the clientele now are more open to letting Spanish hairstylists do their hair–they now understand that some of us in different cultures and countries we have different methods for getting results, especially in terms of hair care and how we do hair or extensions or keratin.
We've grown a lot in the industry and shown that we can also measure up to the same expectations that most clients have or have had.
I see more diversity–I see Hispanic stylists losing the fear of trying new things or going back to the ways of what we were taught. And I'm seeing clients embrace that, too.
What are Some Ways the Industry Can Better Support and Inspire More Hispanic Beauty Pros?
I have to say, when I joined the beauty industry, I loved the fact that I was working in a big salon, not worrying about running the business. But running your own business and being able to manage your schedule and that liberty comes with more responsibility, but it's worth it.
Renting my own suite was a stepping stone and a push showing me that I could. I think showing other Hispanic professionals that owning their own business is an opportunity.
How are You Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month This Year?
We love keeping some of our traditions from back home! We love talking to our kids or our clients about our culture and our history. We celebrate the things we do back in our country–everyone is different.
For Ecuadorians, there are a lot of festivals and family get-togethers–especially here in New York, too. We try to bring the feeling of being back home.
Do You Have Advice for New Beauty Pros to Get Their Career Going?
Absolutely. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to shadow other stylists. You'll learn little things here and there–you'll make those things your own way of doing things. Don't be scared–we all start somewhere.
Every hair stylist has messed up in the beginning. Take as many classes as you can; don't ever stop learning. You'll never know everything–there's always room for different techniques and more education.
Just go for it.
To any stylist who wants to start their own business–don't be afraid to start over. Don't be afraid of losing clients and building it all back. It only gets better!
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Erika Salinas is an Ecuadorian hairstylist with nearly a decade of experience and a proud single mom to her 5-year-old daughter, Lexy.
Immensely grateful to her parents for moving her to New York when she was a child, Erika recognizes and sincerely appreciates the opportunities she’s had here that wouldn’t have been possible in Ecuador.
She named her salon, JL Hair Studio, in honor of her little sister, Jaylah, and her daughter, Lexy, reflecting the importance of family in her journey