We had the good fortune of connecting with Evalyn Lopez- Benoit and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Evalyn, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Honestly, the biggest factor has been surrounding myself with the right people – family and friends who support me, and an amazing team of talented stylists who are passionate about what they do. I may be the one leading the vision, but the success of the brand is absolutely a team effort.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is really about subtle transformations – nothing overly done, just hair that makes you feel like yourself again, but better. I focus a lot on lived-in color and details that grow out beautifully.

Getting here definitely was very much built over time. A lot of trial, growth, and learning how to go from doing hair to actually building a brand and leading a team.

I’m most proud of creating something that feels like a full experience, not just a service. I want Bonita to feel like a place people genuinely enjoy being in.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d do a mix of slow mornings and fun nights. We’d start in the South Bay – coffee at Cafe Luxxe and a walk along the Strand in Manhattan Beach. Something easy and pretty.

Then I would book her an appointment at Bonita for a little pampering scalp treatment and blowdry service. After, we’d grab lunch somewhere like Gjelina – good food and good energy and then follow with a walk around Abbott Kinney for some shopping.

I’d plan a night or two out in WeHo for drinks and cute girl dinners. The little moments are just as important too though, like getting ready together, doing a workout class, and just hanging out catching up. I like trips that feel curated but still relaxed.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to Shoutout my colleague Colette Hewitt who is my manager. She started with our company as a receptionist and has grown exponentially in the last couple years. She has branched out into the customer service sector and most recently has been developing her creativity in Social media/ content creation for our brand.

Website: https://www.bonitamanhattanbeach.com

Instagram: bonita.manhattanbeach

Image Credits
Elizabeth Kaminski

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