Today we’d like to introduce you to Yvette Sandoval.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I got my cosmetology license in 2004, at the time, I had a toddler and a baby at home. I dabbled in hair off and on, and I ultimately decided to completely stop to stay home with my small children. I also decided I would never do hair again. I had a confidence problem and I thought I was a horrible hairstylist.
Eight to ten years later, I had a friend tell me I should get back into doing hair. She knew of a salon that had a great assisting program and I should apply. Thankfully, I kept my license current, and I thought why not try and see what happens. My kids were teenagers, so I was ready to have a career of my own.
I applied and got the assisting position and trained hard for sixteen months. My mentor was by far the most talented hairstylist I have ever seen! I feel honored to have been trained by her. I completely relearned everything. She taught me new ways to cut, color, and I learned all the newest and hottest trends in the business.
As my training was nearing a close and I was more than ready to be a stylist, for some reason the door just wouldn’t open for me. I desperately wanted to be on the floor and leave assisting behind. I was actually really burned out. Unfortunately, there were no available chairs at that time, and I had to make the hard decision to part ways with the salon that had literally built me into the knowledgeable confident stylist I am today.
I went to a couple of different salons and worked, but it just didn’t feel right to me. I have a vision, and I always knew at some point I wanted my own business but was too afraid to make it happen. My brand, vision, and the client experience that I wanted to provide my clients didn’t match at any of the salons I worked at. So, I decided I am going to take a leap of faith and get a salon studio and go into business for myself.
It was the best decision I have ever made, and I am so grateful to all the experiences, training and all those doors shutting in my face because now I am here! A girl boss, entrepreneur, and completely in charge of my own destiny.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it always hasn’t been a smooth road, but all the bumps in the road have made my journey so worth it. I had a lot of Mom guilt in the beginning. I wasn’t used to sometimes only seeing my kids in the evening.
Another obstacle I had to overcome was myself. I didn’t believe in myself, and I remember having days where I thought to myself I will never be good enough. As I continued to learn and grow, my confidence started to soar. My mentor taught me so much about myself. She was able to see the best way I learned she said I was a visual learner, and that’s the exact way she taught me. She knew exactly how my mind worked. She gave me all the tools and skills I needed to soar in my profession, and once I started to believe in myself I started to see the unlimited possibilities I have.
My advice to young hairstylists starting out from beauty school is to assist for at least one year. Find a really good mentor that will teach you the right way to do things. Always believe in yourself and trust the process.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in ombre’/balayage, foilayage, color melting, and root shading.
I think I am known for hair transformations, my beach waves, styling and getting lots of volume in the hair.
I am so proud to be apart of making women feel good about themselves. It means so much to me when a client is so happy with their end result.
What makes me unique is not only do I want you to leave with amazing hair, I want you to be wowed by your whole experience in my chair. You are my main focus thats why I don’t double book. I want you to feel relaxed, pampered, special, and refreshed when you leave my chair.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
I love the Plann app, it keeps me organized and I can plan my Instagram content ahead of time. My favorite podcasts are The Thriving Stylist, The anxious creative, and Entreleadership. I am currently reading Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. I also follow my favorite hair educator Jamie Dana on Instagram. I have taken all of her education which has taken my business to the next level. Shes so inspiring.
Contact Info:
- Address: Glam Studios
979 N. Gilbert Rd. Suite 106
Gilbert, Az 85234 - Website: www.sonoransunbeauty.com
- Phone: 623-377-9739
- Email: yvettesandoval0217@gmail.com
- Instagram: sonoranyettyhair
- Facebook: sonoranyettyhair

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