Meet Raquel Joseph | Cosmetologist

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

Hi Raquel, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
My favorite quote comes from Ecclesiastes 2:24- “ There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and find enjoyment in his hard work.” This is a reminder that, as a hair dresser, taking pride in my work is a privilege. When I am with clients, I give 100%. However, it is also important to have a balance and schedule time to just… “eat and drink!”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a black hair stylist, my passion is working with curly hair types. This is a specialty in hairstyling that has been massively underrepresented and was not sufficiently taught in beauty schools. I struggled a lot with my own hair growing up until I had an epiphany and visited a curl specialist. This drastically changed my self-esteem and ignited a passion in me. When beauty school did not aid in learning about curly hair, I searched out education outside of school and explored various color techniques on friends. Today, most of my clientele has curly hair. I love their reactions when they see their hair in a way that society never told them they could achieve. I am happy to pass down to them the confidence boost that was gifted to me years ago.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The most fun thing to do in Miami is eat! I love Pinolandia, a Nicaraguan cantina in Little Havana. For sweets, Knaus Berry Farms in homestead has the BEST cinnamon rolls. Aside from food, Hollywood Beach has a beautiful broadwalk and Las Olas beach is very fun. In the everglades, I love the airboat tours to see the alligators.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my wonderful grandmother. She has been monumental in my success as a hairstylist. I was able to graduate high school and cosmetology school at the same time mostly due to her motivation and support. Then, as I began to learn, she became my first client. Now, as I take clients in the salon, and have triumphs and failures, she’s always there for me. She pats me on the back, wipes my tears, and cooks for me, too.

Instagram: @hairbyraquelj