Meet Yvonne Marcel | Master Hair Braider

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

Hi Yvonne, why did you pursue a creative career?
As a young child growing up in London, Hair was always intriguing to me. I would see how my friends would go and get their hair braided or braid each other’s hair and have these beautiful pattens and shapes in their hair. That’s where my love for braided styles began. While in college studying for my mass communications degree I worked at a barber shop in Miami and really learned how to perfect my braiding into hair art. Being able to be creative with my braids and create masterpieces with hair is really why I do it. The outcome of that almost impossible style being executed and the excitement of my guest when it’s done is why I love what I do.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being a hair braider and getting to where I am in my career professionally was not an easy journey. I think that because I worked out of barber shops in my younger years, I really got to understand my male clients and their hair needs. Learning from other stylist on how to add synthetic hair to womens braids, opened up a whole other world for me. One of the many bumps in my professional career that I have had to leap over, is the fact that I am Hispanic and do not fit into the typical mold for a hair braider. This has only made me work harder on my craft, and Over the years I have perfected the tecnique of being able to braid any hair type and texture, and it is something I am very well known for in Miami. Hair care is also something I am very passionate about. Braids shouldn’t damage your hair if done but the right person with the right products and educating my clients in aftercare and maintenance is very important. My consistently clean parts, creative and neat braids set me apart from the rest. You hair really is my canvas!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Miami is full of so many places to visit and things to do but A visit to the beach would be top of the list and we have so many beaches to choose from. I would definitely have to take her to Wynwood so we could eat at House of Mac and get some drinks from Wynwood market. Mr Jones on south beach would be where we would go to see some Miami nightlife. A day out on the jet skies is also something we would have to do. In Miami anything on the water is a must do. You can’t come here and not enjoy the beautiful water, sun and sand year round.

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 the owner of the salon I currently work at Daynia McCoy. Without her and the support she has given me over the years, my level of success in this industry would have been much harder to reach. She is one of my biggest supporters and always encourages me to push my creativity.

Website: NaturalandRelaxed.com

Instagram: @lovelylondonsbraids