Rising Stars: Meet Evalena Hillis of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Evalena Hillis

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Certainly! Here’s a rewritten version for publication:

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I was raised in a family that faced its share of challenges, but also one that was rich in love and resilience. Growing up with a special needs brother and being inspired by my industrious grandmother, I learned early on the importance of perseverance and hard work.

My journey began with a bit of modeling when I was young, but life had other plans. I survived a car accident that left me in a children’s hospital for a year. Doctors said I would never walk again, but I refused to let that define me. Despite a leg injury, I embraced an active lifestyle, skiing, snowboarding, trying surfing, and swimming.

My mother did her best to raise three children on her own after the accident, where I tragically lost my only sister, MaryFaye. We leaned on each other for strength and support, and our family bond only grew stronger. I was also surrounded by older aunts, one of whom was a hairdresser for icons like Diana Ross and Debbie Allen. She was the only person who did my hair until her passing, after which I taught myself.

I spent four transformative years in New York City before returning home, where I continue to draw inspiration from the pioneering women in my family. They have excelled in real estate, fashion, medicine, and IT, showing me that success is within reach for those who work hard and believe in themselves.

Today, I am the proud owner of my own salon and have established myself as an influencer. I’m a mother to two wonderful little angels who are thriving and experiencing life in ways I never could have imagined growing up.

My story is one of survival, ingenuity, and the unwavering support of a family that taught me to never give up, no matter the odds.

Alright, 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?
The road hasn’t been smooth, but each bump along the way has made me stronger and more resilient. Facing significant challenges at a young age, such as the aftermath of a severe car accident, prepared me to tackle harder obstacles later in life. Every struggle has taught me valuable lessons and shaped me into the person I am today, enabling me to overcome adversity with determination and grace.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Throughout my teens, I was always active on social media, branding myself from a young age. I’ve had many different personas—some know me as the president who rides dirt bikes, Mrs. Ponchilli who creates content, or Lena who slays hair. Before COVID, I took a six-year hiatus from social media, but when I returned, things progressed quickly. Sadly, I lost my grandmother on Christmas Day 2020. To cope, I threw myself back into hair school, and now I dedicate my life to making women look beautiful.

I specialize in natural hair, weaves, tape-ins, and wigs. I have a deep passion for natural hair and extensions, with tape-ins being one of my favorite styles to create.

I am most proud of overcoming the many obstacles and challenges that no one believed I could surmount. Additionally, being able to show my kids firsthand how to be entrepreneurs is incredibly fulfilling.

What sets me apart from others is my ability to envision what I want and make it a reality. I can determine the path I want to take and turn my dreams into achievements.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Do you have any advice for those who are just starting out?

My advice is to find your vision and create a vision board to map out the life you want. Don’t be afraid to fail and never give up on yourself because what you’re working for is just within reach, right behind the door in front of you.

Is there anything you wish you knew when you were starting out?

The main thing I wish I had known is to trust myself more. I often believed in others more than I believed in myself, which sometimes held me back. Believe in your talent, trust your abilities, and watch everything grow.

Pricing:

• Tape Ins – 400 $/ 375 $for 1st time clients
• Weave – 285 $/ 185$ when you purchase hair from me
• Quick Weaves – 200 / Hair available
• Hair Trims – 65$ / Free for all new clients
• Wigs – 285$ / Wigs on hand / Customization

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.illustriousglam.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illustriousglam?igsh=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mrsponchilli?si=d04gCI7AFrvvZzpM
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrsponchilli?_t=8oLuYFq7zpf&_r=1

Image Credits
All Images Credit – Lena