Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Rivera
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Funny enough, my first hair stylist was the one who encouraged me to peruse a career in cosmetology. She recognized my love of fashion, style and creativity and pushed me to explore that through hair. Well, it’s 18 years later and I still have so much love and passion for this incredible industry. Especially now that I focus on curly hair. I spent a big portion of my career cultivating an elevated service that my clients could enjoy at the salon and even at home. I learned how to connect with my clients and educate them on how to properly care for and maintain their textured hair. I grew an amazing clientele in Miami because of this and now that I am based in Orlando, Fl, I have the opportunity to share this care and knowledge to my new guests. As a Hispanic woman, I understand the struggles of curly hair and feel grateful that I can guide my clients on their journey.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but it has been an uphill one. Salon culture has changed so much over the decades and that has set different expectations on us as professionals. It can be pretty overwhelming, but it’s also a great learning experience. I can recognize my clients current needs and because I have so many years in the game, I can address them with confidence.
One of my biggest obstacles was co-owning a successful salon in Miami, Florida and leaving it behind to start a new life here in Orlando. I became so close to my clients that it felt like leaving family behind. Luckily, they were extremely supportive and many of them take “Disney trips,” to come and get their hair done. I’m definitely feeling accustomed to my new city and am having the best time meeting new clients and starting our journeys together.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Sombra Salon, know that your needs will be addressed and your fears will be handled with care and understanding. We all know that having curly hair can come with frustrations and even childhood trauma. This is why I built a step by step curl service that includes a consultation to address goals and frustrations, a dry cut to shape curls with intention, a detox service to be out with the old and in with the new, a relaxing and efficient steam treatment, educational styling that will guide the client on all the how-to’s, styling to enhance your natural texture, a personalized regimen that includes a step by step haircare routine and a cart send directly to your phone with the recommended products to get you to your goal swiftly. Whew! It’s a lot of work, but our clients deserve this treatment!
I think this is what truly has set me apart in the industry. Although big makeovers are so exciting and fun, we have to remember that our clients need the education and tools to replicate their styling at home. They need to know what to use, when to use it and how. Every detail matters.
I make it a point to work with the best brands in the industry, not the most popular. A known haircare product can have a million likes, but that doesn’t means it’s the right fit for everyone. It’s so important to differentiate what is trending and what is actually productive. And in my professional opinion, the best way to figure that out is with your stylist.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Wow, that’s a tough one. I love SO many things about Orlando. The people are so nice and friendly, there are a ton of active people and trails to explore, the food scene is growing, which is always exciting and there are so many cultures mixed together. That’s definitely my favorite thing.
What I struggle most with is the politics. But we’ll save that for another interview.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Sombrasalon.com
- Instagram: @sombrasalon and @shesthebrunette
