Today we’d like to introduce you to Serena Hampton Yates.
Hi Serena, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
The desire to become a hairstylist started back as far as I could remember, as a child. I remember vivid memories of playing in my great-grandmother’s hair. Beauty has always been intriguing to me. I even dabbled in nail artistry for years. At one point I doubled as a hairstylist and nail technician. Growing up my parents supported entrepreneurship.
I started a my beauty business in high school. I serviced my classmates, family, and friends. It was a then when I realized that I wanted to make this a long-term career. After the completion of high school, I went to get my associate’s in Business management, then to attend Cosmetology school at Michigan College of Beauty. I graduated and became a licensed cosmetologist in the State of Michigan. I’ve always had the desire to work with all hair textures. Early on, I realized that education would allow me opportunities to break barriers and come into contact with people I wouldn’t otherwise be in rooms with.
I have learned from some of the best artists in the world. The knowledge I’ve gained has shaped me to be in the position I’m in today.
I started in Michigan, and I currently reside in Washington, D.C.
I have been in the area for 12 years. Although it was difficult to start building a clientele from scratch after leaving a place where I had an established clientele. I found a home at Bryan Joseph salon in NW, DC in 2011. I worked there for 10 years. It was at this salon that I truly grew in my career. Not only did I establish a clientele, but I gained more clients than I could service. I started styling bridal clients in 2012.
This gave me the opportunity to showcase my creative side. Bridal hair has been such a great addition to my career. I am one of the most sought-after bridal hairstylist in the dmv area. Bridal has taken me all over the world. It’s still shocking how far I’ve come in this business. I am so grateful, and I don’t take it lightly.
In February of 2022, I left and moved into my own suite in Silver spring where I currently reside.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been smooth. When you are working in the service industry, it’s never easy. I encounter many different personalities daily, although I love my clients. Sometimes it’s hard being a therapist every session. The hardest part of my journey thus far is moving from the Michigan to DC and having to rebuild a clientele from scratch. It took 2 years to create stability. I would drive back to Michigan once a month to service my clients in Michigan to sustain my life in Dc.
Hard work and dedication have always been in my DNA.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in natural haircare, color, and extensions. Working with a diverse range of natural hair and extensions, I can style all textures of hair. Naturally curly hair is often compromised; clients love that I can straighten their hair and that it reverts back with no damage to their curls.
If you view my website and social media accounts you would think I only specialize in bridal styling, but the truth is I provide a wide range of hair services.
I am most proud of being respected in my career. It is the most humbling experience to have your work recognized in different publications all over the world. I’m also proud that I’m truly living in my purpose and doing what God intended for me to be doing.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m looking forward to launching a few branded items this year. People want quality at-home products, so I’m looking forward to providing a few.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tressarthair.com
- Instagram: @TressArthair
- Facebook: TressArt by Serena
Image Credits
Nikki Daskalakis
Lynn Dunston
Hana Gonzalez
Sarah Roberts
Kate Thompson
Amy Anaiz
Leah Hewit
