Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nayreli Nevarez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nayreli, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?

One of the kindest things anyone has ever done for me actually goes all the way back to elementary school. Growing up, my family moved around a lot. We were never really settled in one place for long, and financially things were often tight, so I spent a lot of my childhood being “the new kid.” I remember starting at a new school halfway through fourth grade, right around Christmas break, feeling extremely shy and out of place.

That’s where my teacher, Mrs. Tuesburg, came into my life. She was one of those teachers who was kind to everybody, but somehow she had this way of making me feel especially seen. She encouraged me constantly, poured into my confidence, and made me feel smart and capable at a time when I really needed that. She created opportunities for me, encouraged me to read, and always treated me with warmth and patience. Looking back now, I realize how much that mattered to a kid who was constantly adjusting to new environments and trying not to stand out.

Later that year, our class was planning an overnight camping trip to Camp Tecumseh. Everyone got permission slips to take home, and there was a fee to attend — I think around $40. To most people it probably didn’t seem like a huge amount, but at that point in our lives, it simply wasn’t something my family could afford. I remember quietly not turning in my permission slip while all the other kids did. Mrs. Tuesburg noticed.

She asked me why I hadn’t turned it in, and I told her the truth — that we couldn’t afford for me to go. Later that evening, while my family was eating dinner, she actually called my parents from home and offered to pay for the trip herself because she didn’t want me to miss out. The only thing my parents needed to provide was snacks and a snow suit since it was wintertime.

At the time, I don’t even know if I fully understood how generous and thoughtful that was. I just remember feeling cared for. She made me feel worthy of being included, and as a child, that feeling stays with you forever. I got to go on the trip, make memories with my classmates, and feel like I belonged instead of feeling embarrassed about what my family couldn’t afford.

What makes it even more meaningful is that I was lucky enough to have her again as my fifth grade teacher the following year. Even now, nearly twenty years later, we’re still connected on Facebook, and every once in a while I’ll see little updates about her life and smile thinking about the impact she had on mine.

It wasn’t just about the money for the trip. It was the kindness, the empathy, and the way she made a shy little kid feel seen and important. I think teachers like that leave permanent marks on people, and she definitely did for me.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Getting into this industry was honestly kind of a happy accident that completely changed my life. Before barbering, I had gone through a rough period involving substance addiction after dropping out of college and losing direction. After getting clean and working alongside my dad for a while, he suggested barber school because he knew I’d always been artistic, creative, and hands-on. He offered to pay for school and encouraged me to just give it a shot. We toured Top of the Line Barber College, and within two weeks of that conversation, I was enrolled.

I had never even picked up clippers before barber school, so everything was brand new to me. While in school, I saw another barber cornrowing a mannequin head, and I became fascinated watching the movement and detail behind it. I started practicing constantly on mannequin heads, teaching myself through observation, trial and error, and whatever videos I could find at the time. It used to take me over an hour just to complete one braid, but little by little I improved until eventually I started getting referrals, clients, and paying customers through school.

After getting licensed, I took a hands-on class with Queen of the South, which really helped elevate my braiding skills. Over the years, I’ve combined barbering and braid artistry into a dual service that allows me to create personalized looks for my clients while continuing to sharpen my craft. I’ve been fortunate enough to collaborate with brands, educate on stage, compete in barbering and braiding competitions, and place in the Top 100 at the One Shot Hair Awards for three consecutive years, including Top 25 twice.

I think what sets me apart most is my attention to detail and the care I put into the client experience. I genuinely want people to feel heard, comfortable, and confident when they sit in my chair. I’m always trying to improve, learn more, and deliver the best quality I can while staying humble and grateful for how far this career has brought me. At the end of the day, barbering gave me purpose and helped me rebuild my life, so being able to positively impact people through my work means everything to me.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Honestly, it’s really not so much of a strategy as it is genuineness. I’ve always tried to treat every appointment with integrity, intention, and good energy. For me, it’s about making every client feel important and understood — taking time to really consult with them, feel out what they want, and create an experience where they leave feeling confident and cared for.

One thing I really pride myself on is remembering the little details clients share with me, even if I don’t see them again for months or years. I’ve had clients come back and be shocked that I remembered something important they told me, and to me that matters because nobody is ever “just another head” in my chair. I genuinely listen and care about people.

Over time, that builds trust, loyalty, and real relationships. Of course posting my work and building a strong portfolio has helped, but honestly, most of my growth has come from word of mouth. When people know they’re in good hands and feel valued, it naturally becomes a domino effect. Some clients have even turned into lifelong friendships, and it’s been emotional and rewarding getting to watch people grow through different stages of life while still supporting me all these years later.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

For me, keeping in touch with clients and building loyalty really comes down to consistency, genuine care, and the relationships I build with people over time. I may not be the type to constantly post content every single day, but I am very consistent with my work, my energy, and the experience I give every client who sits in my chair.

I try to make every appointment feel personal and intentional instead of rushed or transactional. I pay attention to the little things people tell me, remember details about their lives, and make an effort to genuinely connect with them. Even if I haven’t seen a client in a while, sometimes I’ll reach out just to check on them and see how they’re doing — not necessarily to book them, but because I truly care about the people who support me.

I think clients can feel when somebody is genuine versus when they’re just trying to make a sale, and over time that creates trust. Of course having quality work and a strong portfolio matters, but I believe loyalty is really built through consistency, honesty, and making people feel valued every time they come to you. That’s what’s helped me build such a loyal clientele and strong word-of-mouth support over the years.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: __thelasthairbender
• Other: TikTok: __thelasthairbender

Image Credits

@ziconics for the Barbercon Photo