We recently connected with Yazmine Taylor and have shared our conversation below.
Yazmine, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
The journey of LusciousbyYazmine started from a deep-rooted passion for hair. Growing up in Brooklyn with my Honduran and Garifuna roots, I was always drawn to the beauty of hair and how it could be a form of self-expression. I loved doing my own hair, always experimenting with braids and natural hairstyles. My mother saw my passion early on and started buying me Black dolls so I could practice. I would spend hours braiding, twisting, and styling their hair, perfecting every detail.
From there, I moved on to my sisters, and then my friends started trusting me with their hair too. It became clear that this wasn’t just a hobby, it was something I genuinely loved, and I had a gift for it. One thing I’ve always cherished is the feeling of getting my own hair done—the confidence, the self-care, and that fresh, renewed energy that comes with a new look. It’s truly a Luscious experience, and I wanted to bring that same joy to others.
I started off braiding and doing natural hairstyles, but it wasn’t until college that I learned how to retwist locs. A friend of mine challenged me to retwist his hair, and I took it as an opportunity to learn something new. From that moment, I realized how much I enjoyed working with locs and how many people struggled to find stylists who truly cared for their hair. That’s when I knew I could take my skills to the next level and create something special.
When I officially started LusciousbyYazmine, I wanted to offer more than just hair services, I wanted to provide an experience. I saw so many people struggling with thinning roots, buildup, and damage from harsh products. I knew I had something different to offer: a holistic approach that prioritized hair health, natural ingredients, and techniques that truly honored the journey of natural hair.
That’s also what led me to create my Rosemary & Fenugreek Oil and Batana Butter—natural, effective products designed to nourish, strengthen, and protect hair. It all ties back to my original love for hair care and my belief that healthy hair starts with the right foundation.
My business works because it’s built on genuine passion, skill, and authenticity. From the little girl braiding doll hair to the woman now caring for and educating others on their hair journey, this is what I was meant to do. When you sit in my chair, it’s not just about getting your hair done, it’s about experiencing LusciousbyYazmine, where care, culture, and confidence come together.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi, I’m Yazmine, the proud Afro Latina behind LusciousbyYazmine, a business dedicated to promoting the beauty and health of natural hair. Growing up in Brooklyn with my Honduran and Garifuna roots, I developed a love for hair at a young age. I spent hours experimenting with my own hair and practicing on dolls that my mom would buy me, which is where my passion for hair care truly began.
As I grew older, I began practicing on my sisters and friends, and eventually, I decided to turn my love for hair into a business. While I started off doing natural hairstyles and braiding, it wasn’t until I got to college that I learned how to retwist locs, thanks to a challenge from a friend. That’s when I realized how much I enjoyed working with locs and how many people were looking for someone who truly understood their hair.
At LusciousbyYazmine, I offer a variety of services that cater to all hair types, including retwisting, braiding, styling, and providing personalized hair care. I also create natural hair care products, like my Rosemary & Fenugreek Oil and Batana Butter, which nourish and strengthen the hair, keeping it healthy and vibrant. My focus is on hair health first, and I always use natural ingredients that are kind to the scalp and hair.
What sets me apart is my holistic approach to hair care. I’m not just about styling hair, I’m about nurturing and educating my clients on how to properly care for their natural hair. Many people come to me with concerns and I’m proud to help them restore the health of their hair. I make it my mission to help people not only look their best but feel confident in the process.
What I’m most proud of is creating a space where clients feel seen, heard, and cared for. The way my clients light up when they see their hair looking healthy and vibrant—that’s the real reward for me. My brand is all about empowerment, culture, and self-care. I want potential clients to know that when they choose LusciousbyYazmine, they’re not just choosing a service—they’re choosing an experience that honors their hair’s unique journey.
Whether you’re looking for a fresh style, tips on healthy hair, or products that nourish from root to tip, I’m here to help guide you on your hair journey. My mission is to help you love and care for your natural hair while feeling confident and beautiful every step of the way.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I believe building my reputation has come down to a few key factors: consistency, authenticity, and a focus on quality. From the beginning, I’ve made it a priority to offer more than just a service, I strive to provide a full experience. Clients come to me for both the results and the care they receive, and I make sure they feel heard and well taken care of from start to finish.
Another important factor has been education. I don’t just style hair, I take the time to educate my clients on how to care for their hair between appointments. This approach has helped me build trust and long-term relationships, as clients appreciate knowing that I genuinely care about the health of their hair.
Word of mouth has played a significant role as well. Clients who appreciate the care and attention I put into each service often recommend me to their family and friends, which has helped me grow my reputation. I also leverage social media to showcase my work, share tips, and connect with my community, which has allowed me to reach new clients and expand my network.
Lastly, the natural products I offer, like my Rosemary & Fenugreek Oil and Batana Butter, have helped build trust and set me apart. Clients know that when they come to me, they’re not just getting a great style—they’re also using products that nourish and support the health of their hair.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
Yes, my side hustle eventually turned into my full-time business. It wasn’t an overnight transition—it took time, dedication, and a lot of balancing. While I was in medical school studying Medical Assistance, I worked a 9-5 and also juggled doing hair on the side. I was a full-time student, working two part-time jobs, and doing hair whenever I had the chance. It was definitely a lot, but I loved it and knew I wanted to eventually turn my passion into a full-time career.
The real turning point came in June 2023, after I graduated from college. I made the bold decision to leave my 9-5 and pursue LusciousbyYazmine full-time. It was a big leap, but I felt confident in the foundation I had built and knew it was time to go for it.
Some key milestones were moving from being a home-based stylist to getting my own space in a salon. That was huge for me, it gave me more credibility and allowed me to work in a professional environment. Another major milestone was gaining my clientele. As word spread about my work, I was able to build a loyal following, which boosted my confidence and made me begin to walk with faith and purpose. This gave me the confidence I needed to take the leap into full-time hair care.
Graduating from medical school was a big achievement in itself, and it also proved that I could balance my studies with entrepreneurship. When I quit my job and started doing hair full-time, I felt a sense of accomplishment and a new sense of freedom. One of the most exciting milestones was participating in my first vendor marketplace, where I launched my Rosemary & Fenugreek Oil and Batana Butter. That event helped introduce my products to a wider audience and expanded my client base.
Now, I’m proud to say that LusciousbyYazmine is my full-time career. Making the leap was one of the best decisions I’ve made, and each milestone has reminded me that when you put in the work and follow your passion, the growth is limitless.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lusciousbyyazmine.as.me/schedule/d8e29d20
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lusciousbyyazmine?igsh=MWNzYnVvdzN2N3JyYg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LusciousbyYazmine?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=Z51v9gOj4dZSwKz8&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F18ZQwEDk8s%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lusciousbyyazmine
- Other: Tik Tok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@ya3xmine?_t=ZT-8ti1Z2x0vyI&_r=1
Image Credits
Oshawn Worthen
John Fernandez