Yamila Perez opened Marbella Salon just before COVID hit and has bounced back. (Photo: Ronni Hannaman)
It’s been an interesting two years for Yamila Perez who in 2019 opened her own beauty salon on North Carson Street after years of study and hard work only to be shut down by the pandemic about six months after opening Marbella Hair Salon.
Just as she was building clientele, it was as though a switch was turned off. She poured a lot of money into the remodeling of her space at 1817 N. Carson St., and credits her landlord with allowing her to come to a financial agreement to allow her to keep the studio during the forced shutdown. Then, instead of creating the beautiful cuts she has become known for, she found herself a stay-at-home wife and mother. The rest of us grew hair.
A Cuban immigrant, she arrived in Las Vegas in 2003, went to school, learned the language and her trade, married a Peruvian immigrant, and the entire family moved to Carson City in 2015. She has never looked back, and loves being a business owner and enjoys the diversity of her clientele.
Anyone who has met Perez knows she has boundless energy, is quite the storyteller, and loves every minute making her clients look great. Since she opened her salon, she has had a steady stream of loyal customers who love watching her wield her scissors while being entertained.
When Carson Plaza Retirement Community was looking for a stylist to operate a salon within their facility, Perez took on the additional role of making the senior residents look their best. She pleasantly greets her clients at Carson Plaza two mornings mid-week and then goes to her Marbella Salon working 8-9 hours most days. She is a sole-proprietor and works alone stating, “I enjoy giving my clients the type of service they expect.” Her dedication to service has paid off, “My clients have given me 5-star ratings on the internet and their word of mouth continues to grow my business.”
She and her family have successfully avoided getting COVID for which she is thankful. She also is new proud grandparent of Eli, a charming, healthy baby boy.
It’s always scary to start over, but Perez took that giant leap in 2003 leaving most of her immediate family behind and then again in 2015 leaving Las Vegas to come north. She “loves Carson City and the people” and has always felt very welcome. Perez can be reached at 775-430-3687.
Faces of Carson is a feature of the Carson City Chamber to introduce those within the service industry who make us Carson Proud.
