Meet Yadira Torralba | Hair Stylist & Small Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yadira Torralba and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yadira, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?

Hi There,

Thank you for the feature and for the shoutout to local businesses!

I’m all about having tons of fun at work, as well as having outside work!

I currently work 3 to 4 days at the studio, that includes answering requests, scheduling clients, ordering supplies, taking classes, keeping track of expenses and working behind the chair.
As well as trying to keep up with social media, lol as this is also a full time job that has given me soo many new clients!

On my days off, I really try to disconnect, as much as I can. That’s my ME time and family time as well, don’t get me wrong, I will still answer to clients and will stop by at the studio here and there, however my main priority on those specific days is to enjoy life and spend it my loved ones!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started working as a Coordinator while attending school, and wanted to learn the back end process of working at a salon. Soon after I got my Cosmetology License I started working part time as Stylist Assistant while continuing as a salon coordinator.
I assisted a total of 3 years as well as taking clients on the side. Working as an Assistant can be tough, a lot of long hours and super draining!

What sets me apart from others is that there is only one of me, I’m so proud of the person I’m becoming, loving my work behind the chair and also loving my business that slowly, but surely continues to grow.

I was essentially pushed to be where I am now. I always knew I wanted to have a private suite to have my clients come relax and feel comfortable enough to share whatever they wanted to share with me, without feeling like everyone is listening to their business. Plus it feels VIP!

I’m a firm believer that things happen for a reason and at a perfect timing. Things were not really working out for me at the salon where I was working as a Commission Stylist, things just didn’t make sense and like always I was thinking of other people, instead of myself.
Literally, one day things clicked and I said to myself: “I gotta put myself first and be a little selfish” lol

“What does Yady want?”

A very important lesson I learnt is that I will always put myself first!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Love, love love La Jolla Village, walking around the town and checking the shops as well as walking a few blocks from there to see the ocean.

Driving up to Torrey Pines area and probably going for a walk, getting coffee around the area. I love the Del Mar area, especially during summer time because there’s a county fair, with tons of food and attractions.

I’m all about people watching and going to small local businesses, I also really like trying different coffee shops.

I like to drive through PB then get to Mission Bay and stop by the roller coaster.

Old Town is also a great place to hangout, soo many restaurants and shops as well as Farmers Market on Saturdays.

Little Italy is such a great place to explore with many restaurants and a great place to hangout.
South Park/Golden Hills area, will forever have my heart, where I grew up, great shops and restaurants as well! Luigi Pizzeria, is soooo good!

La Mesa Village is where I’m currently working and the best part about it, I live like 5 minutes away from the salon. Currently discovering the restaurants and shops, let me just say, so far soo good !
Tons of coffee shops, all super good, and tons of variety in terms of food, there’s also a Farmers Market on Friday evenings and October Fest, the first weekend of the month.

Balboa Park is a great place to visit, tons of walking and restaurants. Museums, the Zoo and Zafari Park, Seaworld, Sea Port Village and Gaslamp in downtown are great places to visit as well.
Coronado Island is also very pretty, however I’m a little scared to go up that bridge lol so I would totally suggest taking the fairy and making a day out of it!

One of my ultimate favorite spots in San Diego is Cuatro Milpas! It’s delicious and not expensive at all. Antojitos Colombianos, El Salvadoreno, birria tacos at Taqueria 664, Spicy shrimp tacos at Tacos El Paisa and La Leona Coffee.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to say my Mom deserves the biggest shoutout for teaching me to be such a great worker! I have to say, since i was young all I can remember is her having 2 to 3 jobs at a time and to never say no to an opportunity.

My Sister, for being my biggest supporter, for keeping on my toes and for letting me see that it’s never too late to start something that makes me happy!

My family and friends for cheering me on, supporting me and letting me practice on them!
Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for letting me practice! lol

My dear friend Sarita, she was also someone who pushed me to call Bellus Academy (cosmetology school) and set the interview !

Lastly thank you to all my coworkers and all the mentors I had!