Taking Up Space and Challenging Industry Norms: Julissa Prado Shares How She Lives Her Life to the Brightest

Taking Up Space and Challenging Industry Norms: Julissa Prado Shares How She Lives Her Life to the Brightest

Recently, BELatina News spoke with Julissa Prado, the visionary Afro-Latina founder of Rizos Curls, and she took us on a journey through her life and the creation of her revolutionary hair care brand.  

During our conversation, she shared how proper representation in the hair industry has always been her passion, a calling she inherited, much like creating recipes in a family of chefs.  

Here’s what else we learned from this badass Latina: 

Her skills were influenced by her family

Growing up in a household filled with culinary delights, Julissa found herself in the kitchen, feeling a sense of inadequacy for not possessing the same recipe-creating skills as her father and uncles. However, she soon discovered that her knack for concocting mixtures and blending ingredients extended beyond the culinary realm. This time, it was all about hair. 

“My dad’s a chef, like all his brothers are chefs. I grew up in a chef’s home. I grew up in the kitchen because my dad had a small restaurant growing up. So, imagine being like, ‘I don’t know how to do this.’ I felt like almost like, what’s wrong with me?” Prado told BELatina. 

“But then when I started making my own concoctions, and I felt like I was a chef too.” 

Julissa’s quest to understand and embrace her own curly hair led her to embark on a mission to help others do the same. She recognized the lack of representation and appreciation for Latina beauty within the hair care industry, particularly when it came to textured hair. Latinas, with their diverse range of wavy, curly, and coily hair, were often overlooked, leading Julissa to challenge the status quo. 

How Julissa Prado overcomes challenges while taking care of herself

In the early stages of her business, Julissa encountered numerous obstacles. Manufacturers and chemists would dismiss her ideas, deeming them impossible or unnecessary. However, her breakthrough came when she connected with a female chemist of Jamaican descent, who shared a similar immigrant background. Together, they understood the significance of embracing their own hair textures and the importance of the right ingredients. This partnership paved the way for the creation of a formula that Julissa was truly proud of. To her, having the right team has allowed her to find success for herself and those around her.  

Throughout her journey, Julissa has come to realize the power of self-care rituals. She understands that prioritizing self-care not only sustains her own self-love and confidence but also allows her to bring her best self to the world. From taking the time to care for her hair to embracing skincare, makeup, and dental hygiene routines, Julissa finds joy in these moments of self-care. Now, her partnership with Colgate has further enhanced her self-care rituals, particularly with the Colgate Optic White ComfortFit LED Teeth Whitening Kit. For her, dental hygiene is also of the utmost importance, so she raved about the convenience of being able to whiten her teeth on-the-go. No wonder Julissa is always smiling; she’s found the tricks to making herself look amazing in a low-effort manner.  

She encourages Latinas to take up space 

As a trailblazer in the industry, Julissa recognizes the importance of taking up space and not being afraid to voice her opinions or challenge existing rules. She believes in the power of representation and diversity, both within the beauty industry and in everyday life. By embracing her own uniqueness and value, Julissa strives to inspire others and offer solutions through her hair care products and advice. 

Looking back, Julissa would advise her younger self not to be afraid of doing things differently and to challenge the expectations and rules that don’t align with her vision. She encourages taking risks, saying no when necessary, and embracing the power of individuality. 

“Part of living life to my brightest is supporting myself in choosing myself in so many situations – speaking up when I like something, when I don’t like something, and just not being afraid to really take up space,” the Rizos Curls founder said. 

What’s new with Rizos Curls?

Recently, Rizos Curls introduced two exciting new products: the Beach Waves Texturizing Salt Spray and the Apple Cider Vinegar Scalp & Hair Rinse. The Sea Salt Spray adds texture and volume while maintaining moisture, making it ideal for wavy or straight hair. Julissa herself loves using it to achieve a fuller look. The ACV Rinse, suitable for all hair types, balances the scalp and detoxifies the hair, allowing other hair products to work more effectively. Packed with nourishing ingredients like green tea extract, rice extract, ACV, and niacinamide, the ACV Rinse offers a luxurious treat for the scalp and hair. 

Julissa Prado’s story is one of determination, passion, and breaking barriers. Through Rizos Curls, she has not only transformed the hair care industry but also empowered Latinas to embrace their natural beauty and unique hair textures. Her journey serves as a reminder to embrace our individuality, challenge norms, and prioritize self-care. 

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