In honor of our Hispanic Heritage Month, we highlight the work of those who are making a difference in New York. Among them is Yuliza González, a Dominican stylist, businesswoman and educator who has turned her passion for hair into an opportunity to undertake and train new talents, without forgetting her roots in San José de las Matas.
Before founding Styled By Yuliza, González was a country girl who enjoyed doing her mother’s hair. She grew up in a rural community in the Dominican Republic, with few neighbors and few opportunities to get involved in the beauty industry. However, since she was little she had an interest in transforming her hair.
At the age of 12, an opportunity would mark the beginning of his career. In their community they began to teach a beauty course during the weekends. Yuliza wanted to participate, but was initially not accepted because of her age. Her mother, recognizing her daughter’s enthusiasm, insisted until she was allowed to enter.
There she met her first teacher and learned techniques that she would never forget: making a bun and drying and styling the hair with a brush, a technique known as blowout. Discovering what he could create with his own hands strengthened his desire to dedicate himself to the profession.
The course concluded with a small graduation in the town cockpit. Although it was a simple ceremony, for Yuliza it represented the beginning of a path that years later would continue in the United States.
First steps in New York
At age 16, while still in high school, the owner of the Dominican salon her mother went to offered her a job as a hair-washing assistant.
From that position he began to learn about the operation of a salon in New York. I washed clients’ hair, observed other professionals, and took advantage of every opportunity to learn.
However, some experiences from those early years ended up demotivating her and she decided to move away from the industry. She worked at Macy’s and explored other career options, trying to imagine a different professional future. Still, her interest in hair remained.
When he decided to return, he did so with a more defined vision: he wanted to expand his knowledge and discover how far he could go within his profession.
A styling competition opened a new door for her. Her work caught the attention of an Italian master stylist, who recognized her potential and offered her the opportunity to work at her side.
That experience introduced her to new techniques, other service standards and different ways of understanding customer service. As she honed her skills, she also began to define the type of professional and businesswoman she wanted to be.
Grow without forgetting your roots
González knew first-hand the talent present in Dominican salons. Its purpose was to combine that tradition with continuing education, modern techniques, professionalism and personalized attention.
I also wanted to question the stereotypes associated with these establishments and demonstrate that a Dominican businesswoman could develop a high-quality proposal within her own community.
“I never wanted to forget where I came from. I wanted to elevate it. I wanted to show that our roots, our talent and our culture could also represent excellence and a high-level experience,” says González.
With that conviction he began to build his business. While raising two young children, she rented a chair to serve her clients. I had his experience, determination and an idea of what he wanted to achieve.
Little by little, his clientele increased. From that chair he went on to rent a small space that, over time, also became limited due to the demand for his services.
That growth gave way to Styled By Yuliza, known as SBY, a salon in Queens created under a personal philosophy: a client should be able to find a professional, high-level experience without having to leave her community.
For González, offering this service meant raising the quality of care, continuing to learn, and preserving the cultural essence that had accompanied his career.
A profession that you share with others
After more than 20 years in the industry, González is a businesswoman, master stylist, colorist and educator. In addition to founding Styled By Yuliza, she created SBY Hair Products and shares her knowledge with cosmetology students through demonstrations and training activities.
His educational work allows him to accompany new talents in their first professional steps and convey to them the importance of developing their skills and maintaining constant learning.
Motherhood also occupies a central place in her story. She is the mother of four daughters and has seen the entrepreneurial spirit continue in a new generation of her family: Carolina with Braided by Carolina and Tatiana as a professional makeup artist through Tatiana Artistry.
His commitment to teaching is tied to the opportunities he received. At the age of 12, his mother had to insist that he be able to enter a course. Later, a professional recognized her potential during a competition and opened another door for her.
Today, González seeks to offer opportunities to those who come behind.
“The opportunities that other people gave me changed my life, and today I want to use what I have built to open doors for those who come after me,” he says.
His career reflects the contribution of those who build businesses, generate opportunities and share their knowledge with the community. It also tells a story of motherhood, migration, doubts and perseverance.
From San José de las Matas to Queens, Yuliza González has traveled a path that began by doing her mother’s hair. That childhood passion turned into a profession, a business, and a way to help others find their own place in the beauty industry.
