Meet Lleraldina Lopez of Queenatheartbraids

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lleraldina Lopez.

Lleraldina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was 13 yrs old when I began to witness the beauty of braiding. Ever since then, I instantly fell in love with braids. I began to learn more about the culture and where braids were originated. I became more curious to learn, and that’s exactly what I did.

Rather then it being my aunt braiding my cousins, I began to braid their hair. I was thrilled to know that I had learned my own way of braiding their hair and it was a “Go” from there on. I had a friend named “Jessica” who would braid my hair often. I remember always getting “box-braids” in high school. I loved the fact that they were so beautiful and I didn’t have to do much to my hair for a couple of weeks. Shortly after that, I began to braid my friends in school, at home, anywhere possible. Graduating high school, I became a mother at a young age. I planned to be a mother, not knowing anything about it.

So shortly after school, I went to vocational college and graduated I’m dental assisting. Always being hands on is something I enjoyed, but my dental career still wasn’t enough for me. I began to work in retail where I gained so much experience from. I met so many people. I found myself working long hours to make ends meet. Being a single mommy of three really pushed me to work retail and not focus on my real passion behind the chair. Through this course of my life, “Braiding” was placed aside. When I had “free time,” I would then ask my co-workers if I could braid their hair. I was never turned down by any of them. That sparked up the fire to push myself more and kept on braiding. To me the passion I wanted to bring out was so important that I wouldn’t even charge, I just wanted to do it. Seeing how happy they would be after the fact would give me satisfaction. I kept on working my regular jobs to continue to provide for my family. It wasn’t till I braided my bf one day that he asked me, “why don’t you focus on braiding?” I didn’t know what to say, I was afraid of leaving work and not having any clientele to work on.

So I made the decision to quit all my jobs and focus on spending more time with my family and practicing more on my braidskills. That long break from work really helped me spend more time with my family and enhance my developing skills I’m braiding. Today, after long hours doing “free” work, or just getting tipped. After quoting people and I wouldn’t see my clientele growing, or coming I decided to give it my all. Everything I had. I began to use all the tools I had, every platform to get my name out there. I can say that I am extremely happy. I’ve built my clientele, I have developed my skills, I am still learning on the daily. I have worked with several celebrities which I am very humbled for. I’ve travel to fulfill my client’s needs and expectations and to gain the experience of a “private” setting. Worked several fashion shows and have showcased two hair shows for RAWARTISTS.org incorporating “braids.” Done several collaborations with extremely talented individuals.

So many opportunities to take on and I am extremely blessed to be a part of the beauty industry. This industry/community has so much to offer and up for grabs. I am passionately working my way up to continue my success. Every experience/experiment in life we will learn something from, it’s up to us to determine what our next stop will be. I am continuously and openly working with others struggling, to enhance their skills in braiding to become successful and respected as much as I am. Braiding is my passion and I will continue to distribute my energy, love thru each and every person that I braid. – find your part and braid beyond it.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Timing. With the world changing, family expanding and with my clientele growth timing has definitely been a challenge.

Queenatheartbraids – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I began a name for myself “queenatheartbraids”. I specialize in braiding hair and creating one of a kind “hairdos” incorporating braids. I am known for braiding and for collaborating with local talented individuals. I am extremely proud and grateful for the clientele I’ve built. They are part of my family. I am proud of how happy I make them by putting my magic touch on their hair. My braids have traveled the world thru my clients and I’ve gained a fan base thought the world. I often get messages from individuals recognizing me for my work. Brazil, Puerto Rico’s, Mexico, etc. My techniques, my commitment and my mission for braiding is what sets me apart from others.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment of my career would be, being able to help others struggling enhance their skill set. Being able to give back to my community also makes me proud. In general, making people happy with the talent God has blessed me with.

Image Credit:
@leilarosebeauty @josephdiazjr (boxer)@badbunnydancers @odgl_1(nipsey braids)

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