Meet Yesenia Alvarez of Yes.I Loc in Sandy Springs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yesenia Alvarez.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Yesenia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Growing up in a family full of women, but in a household with a mother who didn’t know a thing about hair it was almost detrimental that I learn how to style my own natural hair. From the classic side pony to the too-tight braids, all the way to the ever so damaging “quick weave.” I tried it all. and initially failed at most of it. Now, as I got older, my inspiration and taste for hairstyles seemed to become more and more pricy. After a while, my mother stopped supporting my addiction and let me know that my virgin hair bundles + install, every 6-8 weeks, was not working in her budget. As the quality queen that I am – I know I couldn’t go back to pack hair. Come on! So, I took to YouTube University and got to it.

Fast forward to 2015 moving to Atlanta to start school at the illustrious Spelman College. I was now in the hair city at an institution of fellow laid and stayed Black women and I fit right in. Joining the executive board of a natural hair organization is when I first got an inquiry to style one of my classmate’s hair. I still remember a side part traditional sew-in with kinky curly hair = $40. Yes, $40. Not too long after, during my sophomore year, I was given the opportunity to work in a black-owned natural hair salon as a salon assistant. There I learned washing, drying, and detangling natural hair, but most importantly, I learned salon customer service and conduct. While both of these experiences were short-lived, they each played an influential role in the development of my passion for hair design and styling.

In 2018, I picked up my newest obsession and the trending style at the time; “Goddess Locs.” I was home in New York during a winter break and I had to go back to school. What?- Slayed! I had previously had locs installed, but this time around, I wanted to challenge myself. And challenge me I did, for three whole days. Even still, it was all worth it in the end because the girls LOVED it. Based on the overflow of positive feedback, my mother planted the seed in my mind to monetize my passion. That night, we stayed up making my business plan for what you all now know as YES. I LOC

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Considering that I am a self-taught hair braider and 1st generation entrepreneur – my journey has been full of learning lessons. Regardless, I must say that I am extremely blessed in the progress of my business. Upon graduating with my bachelor’s in psychology, I was able to devote all of my energy to running my business and developing my brand full-time. I was able to do tis without having to pick up a part-time job to sustain me financially. On the topic of time- one of the most prominent learning lessons that I have encountered is the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life. I am sure that many other entrepreneurs have experienced what we call “relaxation guilt”. I find that when I am not actively working on a task – I feel a sense of guilt due the concept that if I am not working for my brand – no progress is being made and thus, I risk the possibility of failing. Extreme, I know. While I am still learning this lesson, I now have an understanding of how essential it is to the success of my business that rest, rejuvenate, and reboot. I want to give my BEST self to my business, not ALL of myself.

Self care = Self preservation = Self love

Please tell us about Yes.I Loc.
I am Yesenia, known by most as Yesi – the owner and stylist of Yes.I Loc where I specialize in Goddess Locs. I have since created a small variety of my own custom loc styles such as my; Mermaid locs, Bob, locs, and my newest “Virgin Wave” locs. I am a self-taught natural hair braider, and thus I have had the pleasure of developing my own set of expectations and criteria for my services that are central to the final product of my work. All of my locs styles are individually hand wrapped, full o texture and luster while being lightweight, which aids with the natural and boho-chic aesthetic. As a stylist and a Virgo rising, my eye for detail helps a lot with those finishing touches that set me apart from my fellow talented stylists. If you know me, you know that I LIVEEEE for some baby hairs! They just complete and feminize any look.

As soon as my clients walk into my studio and sit in my chair – I envision a specific look that I want to see on them. Aside from that, I view my clients as people not payments! During my appointments, I’m not only paying special attention to the details of their hair but their being however much I am given the honor of experiencing. Lastly, aside from the character & customization of the loc styles each and everyone of my clients are provided with a sacred space. In this space, we engage in an exchange of genuine vibes and boundless discussion as they are adorned. The experiences we share are oftentimes much more than a routine hair appointment. I love it!

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start all over, the only thing I would do differently would be to have more confidence in myself and my craft from the start. My yearning to be perfect kept me from starting for so long- in fear of judgment and criticism from others. I began to hone in on my craft by continuing to practice and research but, even then, I was under selling myself because I still wasn’t confident in my work. Only when I removed the spirit of comparison from my mindset was I able to focus on “doing me,” and in this energy of creating my own lane – I am THRIVING.

I am appreciative of all of the steps I have made on my journey thus far. Each one is divinely ordered and without mistake. I am exactly where I am supposed to be in my process and I am filled with gratitude. Truly, I wouldn’t have it any other way and I am hopeful for all of the experiences that have yet to come.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @yes.i_loc

 

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