Today we’d like to introduce you to Nashaly Ortiz.
Hi Nashaly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hello! My name is Nashaly T. Ortiz and I am a curly hair specialist located in Winter Haven, Florida.
In 2017, I made the decision to embrace my natural hair and drop the heat tools and relaxers. This wasn’t easy for me as I had no one to look up to or guide me throughout my curly hair journey. I started experimenting with my curls and tried to figure out what products worked and which ones didn’t. Each ‘wash day’ I fell more in love with my hair and was amazed at what it could do. This is when I realized I wanted to help others who struggled with learning to embrace their natural hair or ones who didn’t even know where to begin.
Fast forward to 2020, I took a leap of faith and decided to pursue my dreams. I enrolled in cosmetology school having zero knowledge of the hair world and instantly fell in love the moment I picked up my shears! I automatically knew I had made the right decision. While being in school, my parents gifted me a ticket to the Rëzo Academy and that’s when gained the “Certified Rëzo Stylist” title! For a whole year and a half, I managed to balance being a mom (shoutout to my grandma for being there for me and supporting me) and pushed through the 16-hour days to get to where I am today.
Today, I own a salon suite and help others embrace their natural hair. It truly is the best feeling in the world to have the ability to boost people’s confidence!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It definitely wasn’t easy. My parents decided to help me financially throughout the program and I will eternally be grateful for them. Leaving my child for 16 hours took a toll on my mental health and there were days where I felt like giving up. I ended up having to take a leave for a month from school to get my mind right. Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t drop out when considered doing so. I’m proud of how far I have come so soon.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in curly hair! I became the first certified Rëzo stylist in my area and since then, I have helped many others start their natural hair journey through “Rëzo Cuts”. It is so rewarding to me to turn my chair around and see my guests’ reaction to their hair transformation. It’s important to listen to their needs and pay attention to detail. I take my time to make sure they leave my chair feeling confident, beautiful, and full of knowledge for their next ‘wash day’.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan on hopefully expanding and owning a salon in the future. I would also love to offer education in the future to help other stylists’ wanting to expand their knowledge on curly hair. For now, I’m looking forward to meeting new people and continuing to help others embrace their natural hair!
Pricing:
- Rëzocut $150
- Curly Cut $120
- Curly Styling & Diffusing $65
Contact Info:
- Website: thaizhair.com
- Instagram: @thaizhair
