Rising Stars: Meet Yaretd Alcantara of Ventura county

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yaretd Alcantara.

Hi Yaretd, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story began when I arrived in the United States at the age of 14. From a very young age, I learned the value of hard work and sacrifice; I had to put my education on hold to help my mother support our family, though I was determined to complete my studies some time later.
I began my career in the fast-food industry as a teenager, starting from the bottom and working with the dedication that defines me today. Through hard work and perseverance, I rose through the ranks to become a General Manager building a strong foundation in leadership and team management. My dedication led me to receive prestigious awards like the Ray Kroc Award and Outstanding Manager of the Year, brand Ambassador etc. Those years were my ‘business school,’ giving me the foundation I needed to finally follow my heart into the beauty industry.
In 2018, I took the leap and opened my first hair salon, and shortly after, I launched my own professional brand, Glamour Studio Cosmetics. One of my proudest moments was in 2020, when in the middle of a global pandemic, I was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce.
However, life has its own timing. After five successful years, personal circumstances led me to sell my salon and start over from scratch. Instead of seeing it as a failure, I saw it as a fresh start. I opened a private studio and embraced a new role as a Beauty Educator, where I now spend my week mentoring the next generation of stylists.
Today, I am exactly where I am meant to be. I still work behind the chair, but my greatest joy is seeing my students flourish and knowing that my business was recognized as one of the Top 10 Salons in Camarillo for 2026. I’ve learned that no matter how many times you have to start over, you never start from nothing you start from experience.
I don’t just build careers; I design transformations behind the chair, in the classroom, and within the soul.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, but I believe that the bumps in the road are what build your character.
One of my first major struggles was arriving in this country at 14 and having to prioritize survival and family support over my own education. Having to wait and finish my studies later in life was a challenge, but it taught me patience and discipline from a very young age.
Later, the biggest test came after five successful years of owning my first salon. Due to personal circumstances, I had to make the incredibly difficult decision to sell my business and start over from scratch. It is never easy to let go of something you built with so much love, and starting over can be terrifying. However, I chose to look at it through a positive lens. I realized that while I was starting over, I wasn’t starting from zero l was starting with years of expertise, a loyal clientele, and a proven track record.
Another challenge was launching and maintaining Glamour Studio Cosmetics. But even then, I found that being an entrepreneur means being a problem-solver.
I’ve learned that the ‘road’ doesn’t have to be smooth to be successful. Every struggle I’ve faced has only made my recent recognition as a Top 10 Salon in Camarillo feel even more rewarding. I’ve realized that I don’t just want to succeed I want to help others navigate their own struggles, which is why I find so much purpose in being a mentor and educator today.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In my professional world, I wear two hats: I am a Master Stylist and a Beauty Educator. Behind the chair, my approach is deeply personal. I don’t believe in ‘one-size-fits-all’ beauty. I customize every cut and color for each one of my clients, creating a bespoke design that is specifically tailored to their features, lifestyle, and hair goals. I am known for my technical precision and my ability to translate a client’s vision into a sophisticated, editorial look.
On the product side, I am the founder of Glamour Studio Cosmetics. What I am most proud of is that my brand isn’t just another private label, it’s a reflection of my years of experience. For example, my eyelash collection features names and designs created entirely by me. I designed them based specifically on the ‘look’ my own clients were constantly asking for but couldn’t find elsewhere. They are
high-performance products born from
real-world chair experience.
What truly sets me apart is my philosophy of growth and generosity. I am not a gatekeeper. Whether I am with a client in my private studio or teaching the new generation of cosmetologists from Monday to Friday, I am 100% committed to seeing others flourish. I pour my heart into my students just as much as I do into my formulations.
I am incredibly proud of the fact that this year, my studio was recognized as one of the Top 10 Salons in Camarillo. It proves that when you lead with heart, expertise, and a spirit of service, the community notices. I don’t just want to be a stylist; I want to be a mentor who leaves the industry better than I found it.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are several ways to connect with me, whether you are looking for a transformation behind the chair, professional education, or high-quality beauty products.
For Clients:
I welcome clients to my private studio in Camarillo for a personalized experience. Since I focus on customized cuts and colors, I recommend booking in advance to ensure we have the time to create a look specifically tailored to you. You can find me on social media or through my booking site to see my work and schedule a consultation.
For Aspiring Professionals:
As a dedicated Beauty Educator, I am always looking to collaborate with the new generation of stylists. If you are a student or a professional looking for mentorship or to learn more about my techniques, I am very active in the educational community. I believe in growing together, and I’m always open to sharing my knowledge with those who are passionate about this craft.
For Beauty Enthusiasts:
You can support my vision by exploring Glamour Studio Cosmetics. My eyelash collection and beauty products are available online. Every purchase supports a brand that was built on real experience and a deep love for the industry.
For Collaborations:
I am always open to collaborating with like-minded entrepreneurs and brands that share my values of excellence, empowerment, and community growth. The best way to reach me is through my Instagram or my professional email. I truly believe that we all ‘bloom’ better when we support each other!”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://glamourstudiocosmetics.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aestheticsby_yaretd

Image Credits
Pictures @cinebotfilms
Nails @secreto.nailstudio