Ep. 55 | Michelle Obama’s Hairstylist, Yene Damtew
yene"YOU CAN’T HAVE YOUR FAME ATTACHED TO SOMEONE ELSE’S FAME"
Yene Damtew is an acclaimed hairstylist best known for her work with Michelle Obama and a celebrated figure in the beauty industry. You’ll hear us discuss the importance of trusting your gut and building genuine relationships, balancing ambition with presence as a mother and partner, and how embracing cultural identity and creating a supportive village have shaped her path.
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In this next episode of It Takes A Village, Delina speaks to long-time friend and colleague, Yene Damtew, a renowned beauty expert, industry leader, and salon owner in the haircare industry. With nearly two decades of experience, Yene has blended artistry, education, and business strategy to redefine beauty standards and empower clients through knowledge. Known for her work as the personal hairstylist to the Obama family, Yene’s influence extends far beyond celebrity clients to mentoring the next generation of beauty professionals.
Yene shares the story of opening her renowned Aesthetics Salon in Arlington, VA, and the challenges of finding the right location and building a team that aligns with her values. We also discuss her experience working with high-profile clients, including celebrities and Jeannette Reyes, and the trust required in those partnerships. Yene opens up about the unique aspects of being Habesha in the beauty industry, how she balances being a mom and wife while working alongside her husband, and the lessons she’s learned negotiating and running a successful business.
Whether you’re an aspiring salon owner, a beauty enthusiast, or someone looking to balance entrepreneurship and family life, Yene’s journey will inspire and motivate you to think big and lead with purpose.
Show Topics:
Importance of trusting your gut and building genuine relationships
Working with high-profile clients
Becoming the Obama’s hairstylist
Opening and growing Aesthetics Salon with a focus on education and culture
Embracing natural hair and cultural identity
Balancing family, entrepreneurship, and career growth
Lessons on business strategy, mentorship, and ongoing learningh
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
01:10 Admiration and Professionalism
01:28 Yene's Career Highlights
01:51 Running a Salon and Viral Hairstyles
05:08 Trust and Opportunism in the Industry
07:23 Navigating Friendships and Professional Relationships
19:31 Cultural Identity and Upbringing
22:41 Opening and Expanding Salons
29:57 Tenant Troubles and Competitive Advantage
30:51 Scouting Locations and Strategic Decisions
31:38 Client Demographics and Salon Experience
32:29 The Birth of Aesthetics and Client Loyalty
34:04 Hair Care Trends: East Coast vs. West Coast
36:07 Healthy Hair Practices and Heat Damage
46:01 Balancing Business and Personal Life
47:01 Building a Strong Team and Hiring Process
48:14 Family, Work, and Finding Balance
54:31 The Importance of a Supportive Village
ABOUT yene damtew
Yene Damtew is a celebrated hairstylist and salon owner recognized for her work with former First Lady Michelle Obama and numerous other celebrities. Raised in Southern California, she pursued cosmetology from a young age and later expanded her skills and business acumen by earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Yene is the founder of Aesthetics Salon in Arlington, VA, where education and a supportive team culture are core values. She continues to mentor beauty professionals and elevate standards in the industry with a focus on natural beauty and cultural pride.
Follow Yene Damtew on Instagram @yenedamtew
Visit Aesthetics Salon @aesthetics.salon
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE
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