Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelly Rivera.
Hi Shelly, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a Latina curly hair content creator based in Central Florida. I spent many years trying to fit into a norm. Where to be presentable and taken more seriously, your hair had to look the part. When I started college, I began getting blowouts and silk presses on a weekly basis- not realizing how much damage I was truly inflicting to my curls. Limp, dull, lifeless strands were left along with the lowest self-esteem I’ve ever felt. That’s when I decided a healthy change was needed and have not looked back. It’s now been five years since the last time my hair was straightened.
Growing up in Puerto Rico, my mom tried her best to take care of three heads of curls. My mother would simply shampoo, condition, and brush our hair into a ponytail or braid. She didn’t know how to tame our frizz or to add curl cream to keep the curls moisturized. Since she never learned how to care for her own curls, it was difficult to teach us how to properly care for our own. There was little to no information or tools available on how to properly care for them. This led to not loving my hair throughout the years because I couldn’t figure out how to style them and do the cute “straight hair” hairstyles. I set out on a mission to teach mothers online how to care for their little ones’ hair so they both can live a life full of self-acceptance and self-love.
When I began posting on Instagram, I just wanted to share my journey in hopes of helping just one girl feel proud of their curls. This platform has grown into much more than I could have imagined. I’ve been blessed to work with some amazing, beautiful brands and be a part of a community that embraces self-acceptance and celebrates the beauty of natural textures.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There were lots of moments where it wasn’t easy. During the first year and a half of rehabbing my curls back to life, I wanted to throw in the towel many times. I was tired of styling my curls and were still wonky, limp and frizzy when leaving the house. But seeing other girls beautiful curls online gave me the courage to continue on.
A year into my curly hair care journey, we went into lockdown and I completely submerged myself in learning all I could. Social media is such a powerful and helpful tool. I followed curly hair care content creators that had curls similar to mines like @carla.alverio, @heydonae and @manesbymell and applied their styling techniques to myself. I learned how to brush style, use gel for longevity and what type of products my curls like.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I created an Instagram page in 2021 dedicated to curly hair care, where I share personal insights, tips, and tutorials to help my followers embrace and maintain their natural curls. I have a “straight hairstyles on curly hair” series where I try different types of hairstyles to inspire other curlies that they can also rock their beautiful curls in any way they please. I’m most proud when receiving messages of my follower’s growth and how I’ve inspired them to start their own journeys. It’s the fuel to keep me going. Speaking both Spanish and English fluently, has allowed me a wider reach to impact as many people as possible. My goal is to inspire confidence and educate others on how to care for their unique texture and uplifting a community that needs celebrating. Let’s hold our crown of curls high!
Remember this rule of thumb: if your hair has a bend to it, there’s a chance to enhance those beautiful waves and curls!
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Networking is such a powerful tool. I’ve been able to connect and build relationships with others through social media and events that helped open up exciting opportunities. It’s not just business. I’m also building real friendships that will last a lifetime. Truly makes me feel happy.
I’ve worked twice with one of my favorite brands ever, Rizos Curls (they’re Latina-owned!) at ULTA Beauty, collaborated with many of my favorite brands on videos and have been invited to events within the Orlando community. Can’t wait to see how much farther loving my curly hair will take me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curlsshelly/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@curlsshelly
Screenshot
Image Credits
Jarely Jones
