Meet Ivonne Salinas | Make up Artist and Hair Stylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ivonne Salinas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ivonne, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started very young to be interested in beauty, at 17 years old, a friend of my aunt asked me to do her makeup for her wedding, I didn’t know anything about bridal makeup but I knew I had the ability, and she loved it. For almost 20 years that was my hobby, I charged for my services but I never thought that I was good to dedicate myself completely as a profession. In my thirties I got a job in a beauty salon in Mexico City, a high end salon and that’s where I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, and that’s also where I fell in love with styling, I was only focused on nails and make up, but watching my best friend work, who is a Professional Stylist, I realized that I would love to do hair. When I arrived in the US in 2017 I looked for cosmetology schools, and I started taking my course in 2018 and in 2019 I graduated, I won some competitions representing my school and I got a job in a salon immediately after getting my license, in less than 6 months I They gave the management and it is there where I knew that I was ready to start my own business, for the moment I continue working as a manager but now I know perfectly what are the steps to follow and how to run a salon.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I was selected to compete for the position that would represent my school, I never thought I would win. During the competition I was left without the necessary colors to make my design, and I had to do it with the leftovers of my classmates. I believe those are the challenges that a stylist has on a daily basis. In this profession nothing is perfect, there is always something that you can improve, even if your client says that she was fascinated, I always know that I could have done better. I think the most important thing is to believe that you are good at what you do, to love every minute of the process and in the end the result is always to change someone’s life, it is a huge responsibility, and I feel honored to be able to do it. For me my clients are more than a job, I connect with them in a deeper level. I sincerely want to understand how they feel, take an interest in their lives and I believe that’s what makes me unique. I know that when a client comes to my chair, it is not only to catch up on our lives, it is that precious moment in which we forget the environment and have a great time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A couple a weeks ago a friend of mine came from Mexico City for doctors appointments, and we had such a good time. The only day that we had to explore the city besides the shopping, it was having breakfast at La Madeleine, specially because I love the americano, and the pastries. They are fans of Trulucks and Oceanaire, usually is where we going to have dinner. I dont go out often and honestly, but I do love museums and art events.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The first person I saw apply makeup to get ready for the day was my mother. Ever since I was a child, I remember standing at the bathroom door of my house and seeing her put on makeup. I was fascinated to see all the eye shadows, how she combined the colors, and memorized her movements. Seeing her glamorous style inspired me the most when it comes to makeup. Regarding hair, my best friend Rafael was the one who inspired me to be a colorist. We used to go to Redken trainings in Mexico City but since the courses were only for professional stylists, he invited me as a model so that I could learn too. Reaching his level of professionalism was my motivation and personal goal; and the reason I decided to go to school. I owe the passion I have for my profession to Rafael.

Instagram: @ivonne_cosmetologist

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivonne-salinas-177a47111/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ivonnecosmetologist

Image Credits
Carlos Estrada Photography,