Meet Yesenia Gutierrez

We were lucky to catch up with Yesenia Gutierrez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Yesenia , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic is deeply rooted in my experience as a first-generation Mexican American. My parents immigrated to this country to provide a better life for my brother and me, and they instilled in us the belief that anything is possible with hard work. My father always emphasized the importance of education, reminding us that ‘nothing we learn can ever be taken from us.’ This has driven me to continually grow, learn, and work tirelessly toward my dreams.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, my journey began as a professional makeup artist, working on weddings and photoshoots, and later transitioning to various roles, including front desk positions in hair salons. I eventually became a California-licensed manicurist, working my way up to the role of salon manager.

I’m currently the manager of Townhouse, a UK-based nail salon brand that has recently made its debut in the US with our flagship location in LA.

What excites me most about my career is the opportunity to lead and mentor the next generation of beauty professionals. I am deeply passionate about helping others unlock their potential, and I’m committed to raising awareness about health and sanitation standards in the nail industry. I’m eager to share my knowledge and contribute to the evolution of beauty practices, ensuring that our industry not only thrives but also prioritizes the well-being of both clients and professionals

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities and skills stand out as most impactful in my journey: eagerness, punctuality, and adaptability.

First, my eagerness was a driving force behind my success. I had a hunger to learn and grow, and it was reflected in my work ethic. I was always striving to do more, learn more, and push myself further.

Second, the makeup industry taught me the importance of punctuality and dedication. The mantra ‘if you’re on time, you’re late’ became a guiding principle. I made it a point to always be prepared in advance and to stay on the job until everything was done. This not only demonstrated my commitment to my craft but also earned me respect from others in the industry.

Lastly, adaptability has been key. I believe that being open to the journey is crucial, especially in the beauty industry. You don’t know what you don’t know, and many lessons can only be learned through experience over time. My advice for those just starting out is to embrace new experiences and opportunities with an open mind. Be willing to learn, grow, and adapt as you navigate your path. Each experience will shape you and contribute to your success.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

I believe it’s essential to know both your strengths and weaknesses. While it’s important to lean into your strengths and maximize what you’re naturally good at, understanding your weaknesses is just as crucial. You can’t improve if you don’t know where your weaknesses lie, and personal growth often comes from working on those areas.

In my own journey, I’ve always sought growth in my personal and professional development. Recognizing my weaknesses has not only driven me to improve but also helped me identify the right people to support me in those areas. No one knows everything, and no one can do everything alone, so it’s vital to surround yourself with a team whose strengths complement your own.

In the beauty industry, building a successful team means bringing together individuals with diverse skills and talents. By focusing on both your strengths and areas for improvement, you create a well-rounded team that can achieve more collectively than any one person could on their own. This approach has been invaluable to me as a salon manager and leader, and I believe it’s key to long-term success.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xoyeseniag/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gutierrezyesenia/