Meet Andrew Reyes | Entrepreneur & licensed Cosmetologist

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

Hi Andrew, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Hi everyone , I am Andrew Reyes and I am from Queens New York. My background and upbringing is significant in determining who I am today. Living in New York has definitely impacted me to be ambitious, independent, confident and resilient. However, often times where you live isn’t the only thing that can mold you to be who you are today. My upbringing as a grandson of a Dominican immigrant woman has tremendously impacted my career choice, my core values, as well as how I choose to show up in the world. My. grandmother was a licensed cosmetologist who owned various salons in Brooklyn NY. Growing up I was always in the salon watching up grandmother pour her heart to her clients. Making each one of them feel special, beautiful and worthy. Today as a licensed cosmetology and a business owner, I take on her legacy and with joy pour into my client as well.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a colorist and extension specialist with a focus on bayalges, luxury extensions, sew-ins, wigs and much more. My art is meant to elevate and promote confidence, self love and self care. I want everyone to feel beautiful, because when you look and feel good, you do good. I believe the thing that sets me apart from other is my attitude and my attention to details. I enjoy personalizing each clients appointments and services. I like to dedicate undivided attention not only to the service being done but the relationship between the client and I. As a hairstylist I see the importance of my role in my clients life. To many coming to the salon may be the best part of their week. They come to not only get pretty, but to get pampered, catered too and as well as be in a space where it’s safe be themselves.

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?
This is a tuff one because New York is filled withs many cultural places to eat and places to see. The week will definitely consist of visiting restaurants with different cuisines like Italian, Mediterranean, Latin , Caribbean and Asian. A few are Carbone, Sweet chicks, and Ajo y Oregano. When you come to New York , you’ll definitely have to go sight seeing. Some amazing places to visit are the Empire State building, Statue of Liberty, Time square and many more common places. Also who doesn’t love a pretty view, so We’ll have to visit the rooftop events and bars to enjoy the-skyline. After all the exploring we’ll have to rest and do more local things like museums and shopping cause of course who doesn’t like shopping. Overall just explore the city to really try to experience and see New York thorough a New Yorker’s eyes.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to thank my current mentor Yuliza as she is such an amazing mom, business owner and overall person. Owner of two salon, ” StyledByYuliza” located in Queens and in Long island. Yuliza is one of the first people to continually encourage me to follow my dream of become a hairstylist and business owner. Since the first day she’s meet me she expressed to my mom that I was going to be a hairstylist. Although I had chosen to go to nursing school after gradating high school, Yuliza still encouraged me to stay true to myself and go after a career that truly fulfills me. Turns out she was right, I switch careers and she gave me a home to be able to create and live out my dreams. Working in her salon was a confirmation that I chose the correct path.She pushes me to be the best at everything I do. Yuilza creates such a welcoming and safe environment where she implements the idea that nothing is impossible. I am immensely inspired by her humility, passion and her resilience. I am also extremely grateful for the opportunity she’s given me to be able to learn and grow. Thank you Yuli for all you do for me. I owe a lot of my success to you.

Instagram: TheConfidence.effect