Meet Yaneli Sainz | Hairstylist assistant, Lash Technician & hustler

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

Hi Yaneli, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
I want to be remembered as someone who never let her pain define her but instead turned it into purpose. Someone who chose authenticity over approval. Someone who takes risks even when others don’t believe. I didn’t get here by playing it safe. I took risks, followed my intuition, and walked away from comfort even when it scared me. My story isn’t perfect, but it’s mine. And that’s the message I want to leave behind that your story matters, no matter how big or small it might feel. We never really know who we’re inspiring. There’s someone out there who is going to hear your story and be so thankful to know they’re not alone. Too many people stay quiet out of shame or fear of judgment. People are always going to see you through their own lens and that lens might be filtered through their own trauma, insecurity, or guilt. But that has nothing to do with you!! if it’s something that I’ve had to learn is that you can’t always worry about what people think about you because most people don’t even like themselves so how could you worry about what one thinks of you? Authenticity is powerful, even if it makes others uncomfortable. A lot of people are hiding behind masks. But the real beauty? It’s in being raw, unfiltered, and honest. I’ve learned that perfection is actually when you can show up as yourself fully and unapologetically.

That’s the legacy I want to leave: truth, transformation, and a reminder that authenticity is the most beautiful thing you can be.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is that I had big dreams as a kid. I always knew I wanted to be something special, to work in Beverly Hills, to live a life that felt meaningful and glamorous in my own way. But somewhere along the way, I lost faith in myself. I started listening to the people who tried to dim my light, then thought being around the “right” circles would get me to where I want to go.

I was running my lash business, but my attention was split. I was distracted by environments and people that drained me. I was chasing a version of success that wasn’t even mine. I thought validation from others especially those with money, power, or influence was going to elevate me. But all it did was pull me further away from myself. It wasn’t until I hit a real low that I realized none of it matters if you don’t love and believe in yourself. I had to start rebuilding from the inside out. I had to stop giving my power away. I had to stop making myself small just to be liked. And once I did, everything began to shift. Now, I’m working in Beverly Hills under someone I truly respect, building something that finally feels like mine. I’m proud that I didn’t quit when it got dark. I’m excited about my future because I’m no longer waiting for someone else to hand it to me I’m creating it myself.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be real. And when you’re real, confident, and committed to growth, you’ll naturally start to stand out because most people are still afraid to do that. I hope my story shows others that it’s okay to fall apart before you figure it out. Just don’t stay down. Get up, again and again, and build the life you dream of on your terms.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I just moved here to West Hollywood so I’m still figuring out the area but I love that there’s so many places around here. There’s great restaurants, great hikes, Santa Monica and Malibu Beach not too far. So much activity whether you want it to be physical activity or you just wanna go grab a drink and food. I personally like physical movement, so I love to go on hikes. Runyon Canyon has been one of my favorite hikes recently. Hollywood hike is also a great hike. Elephanté is a restaurant in Santa Monica that I enjoy.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a shoutout to a few unexpected people in my life. First, to Marta the hairstylist I currently work under and someone whose presence has deeply impacted me. Our relationship hasn’t always been simple, but it’s real. Working with her has challenged me to step into my potential, even when I doubt myself. She’s been a mirror, a Bestfriend and a guide.

I also have to give credit to the voice inside that whispered, “keep going” when everything felt unclear. That inner knowing, that higher guidance, has carried me through every chapter. It’s what brought me to Beverly Hills. It’s what helped me walk away from situations that didn’t honor me, even when it meant walking alone and that truly scared me but also having a knowing that doing things that scare you also give you opportunity to grow

And lastly, I want to shout out the people who didn’t believe in me the ones who underestimated me, or smiled in my face while secretly hoping I’d fail. You became fuel. Every cold shoulder, every fake friend, every doubt on my name pushed me harder. You reminded me exactly why I’m not here to fit in I’m here to stand out.

Instagram: @sainzsociety

Facebook: Yaneli Sainz

Other: TikTok: @yanelisainz

Email: Yanelisnz6@gmail.com

Image Credits
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