Meet Jesse Rivera | Natural Hair Spacialist

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

Hi Jesse, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
By the end of my career, I (Jesse Rivera) envision Zeretas Studios as a cornerstone in the curly hair community, with locations across the country — each one a sanctuary for education, empowerment, and embracing natural beauty. I want to create an enduring legacy that honors the roots of our journey: my mother’s (Cesy Gonzalez) pioneering spirit, our resilience through life’s storms, and our passion for innovation in the beauty industry.

I hope to establish a fully accredited academy where aspiring stylists can master curly hair techniques, luxury extensions, and beauty services, while learning the values of community and artistry that define Zeretas. I want our studios to be a hub for collaboration and growth, hosting events, classes, and support groups that uplift both professionals and clients.

Ultimately, I want Zeretas Studios to be more than just a salon — a living testament to perseverance, family, and the belief that beauty flourishes when nurtured with love and purpose.

What should our readers know about your business?
Zeretas Studios is more than just a salon — it’s a legacy of passion, perseverance, and a deep love for the curly hair community. Founded by my mother, Cesy, in 2006, our story began with a small salon that blossomed into Zeretas Salón and Spa in Puerto Rico, where we became pioneers in curly hair care on the island and within the diaspora. We helped lead a movement that encouraged people to embrace their natural textures, breaking away from beauty standards that often dismissed the beauty of curls.

But our journey hasn’t been without hardship. After enduring the impacts of Hurricane María and the pandemic, we had to make the heartbreaking decision to close our salon in Puerto Rico in 2020. Yet, through that loss, we held onto faith and the belief that our story wasn’t over. In 2023, we rebuilt our dream with Zeretas Studios, opening locations in Texas and Massachusetts, carrying forward our mission to uplift and empower through education, artistry, and community.

What sets us apart is our dedication to creating a space where both clients and stylists can grow. We’re not just providing haircuts and services — we’re teaching people how to care for their curls, hosting workshops, and building a network of beauty professionals through events like Stylist Networking Nights. I’m especially proud of our upcoming Kids Curly Hair Care Class and Hair Extension Certification courses, which reflect our commitment to education and innovation.

It hasn’t been easy. We’ve faced moments of doubt, financial strain, and the emotional weight of starting over. But every challenge has taught us resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community. We’ve learned that success isn’t just about skill — it’s about heart, and the willingness to keep moving forward, even when the path is unclear.

I want the world to know that Zeretas Studios is built on love, legacy, and the belief that beauty is about embracing who you are, unapologetically. We are here to continue shaping the future of curly hair care, honoring our roots while reaching for new heights. Our story is proof that even after the storm, there’s always a chance to bloom again.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Dallas, Texas, I’d make sure they experienced the perfect mix of food, culture, relaxation, and fun! Here’s how I’d plan the week:

Day 1: Welcome to Dallas — Food & Vibes
• Breakfast: Oddfellows in Bishop Arts District for great coffee and delicious brunch.
• Explore: Walk around Bishop Arts District — boutique shopping, street art, and cute coffee shops.
• Lunch: E Bar Tex-Mex for authentic Tex-Mex dishes.
• Afternoon: Chill at Klyde Warren Park — grab a snack from food trucks, or just relax on the lawn.
• Dinner & Drinks: HG Sply Co. for rooftop views and craft cocktails.

Day 2: Art & History
• Morning: The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden — perfect for photos and nature walks.
• Lunch: Pecan Lodge for legendary Texas BBQ.
• Afternoon: Dallas Museum of Art and Nasher Sculpture Center to dive into art and culture.
• Evening: Deep Ellum — live music, cool murals, and dinner at Stirr with rooftop views.

Day 3: Self-Care & Shopping
• Morning: A pampering session at Zeretas Studios for curly cuts, styling, or a fresh brow lamination.
• Lunch: The Henry — classy spot with great atmosphere and food.
• Afternoon: Shop at NorthPark Center or vintage hunt at Dolly Python.
• Dinner: Tei-An for Japanese cuisine or Meso Maya for upscale Mexican flavors.

Day 4: Adventure & Fun
• Breakfast: Bread Winners Café for pastries and a hearty meal.
• Day Trip: Fort Worth Stockyards — cowboy culture, live rodeos, and historical vibes.
• Dinner: Return to Dallas for dinner at The Rustic — live music and laid-back atmosphere.

Day 5: Sports & Skyline Views
• Morning: Relax or grab coffee at Magnolias Sous Le Pont.
• Lunch: Lockhart Smokehouse for more Texas BBQ goodness.
• Afternoon: Catch a Dallas Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium or a Mavs game at American Airlines Center.
• Evening: Wrap up with drinks at Reunion Tower for panoramic city views.

Day 6: Local Gems & Hidden Spots
• Brunch: The Wild Detectives — a bookstore and café with great vibes.
• Explore: White Rock Lake for a peaceful stroll or rent a kayak.
• Lunch: José for amazing coastal Mexican dishes.
• Evening: Legacy Hall in Plano — a food hall with multiple vendors, drinks, and live music.

Day 7: Farewell & Chill
• Breakfast: La La Land Kind Café for coffee and positivity.
• Relax: Spa day or a light walk at Trinity Groves.
• Lunch: Ellen’s for classic Southern comfort food.
• Goodbye Drinks: Catbird — rooftop bar with a chic ambiance, perfect for a toast to an amazing trip!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d dedicate my shoutout to my mother, Cesy — the heart and soul of our journey. She laid the foundation for everything Zeretas Studios stands for, teaching me not only the art of hairstyling but also the power of resilience, faith, and community. Her vision and determination carried us through every challenge, from building our first salon in Puerto Rico to starting over and rebuilding our dream.

I’d also honor the curly hair community and the pioneers who fought to normalize and celebrate natural textures. Their movement inspired us to embrace our roots and become part of a larger story of self-love and empowerment. And, of course, to our loyal clients and every stylist who has ever been part of our team — their trust, passion, and support have been the fuel behind our growth and evolution.

This journey has never been walked alone, and I’m forever grateful for the village that helped shape Zeretas into what it is today.

Instagram: @zeretasstudios

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