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by MELANIE LEVI.
Ay Bonita, which loosely translates to “how beautiful,” is a salon that’s more than a business. It’s community, family and friendship that represents the beauty of Hispanic heritage.
The budding esthetics enterprise on Hawthorne Avenue is co-owned by a trio of licensed estheticians and best friends: Yasiri Michelle Parra and sisters Kat Sanchez Patel and Milushka Sanchez. They are of Puerto Rican and Peruvian descent, respectively.
From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Hispanic Americans across the nation are recognized for their contributions to society. National Hispanic Heritage Month was implemented to celebrate the influence of Hispanic history, culture and achievements throughout the country, and it serves as a time to commemorate the stories of these local business owners.
Sanchez Patel, who specializes in eyelash extensions and eyebrow art, says that being Hispanic is akin to being a fighter.
“Both of my parents, I feel like they left so much in Peru to come and move here,” Sanchez Patel said. “They decided to leave everything behind and make that sacrifice to move here for us… That’s why we work so hard. Everything I do is because of them and for them.”
When Sanchez Patel immigrated to the United States over a decade ago, she was separated from her daughter for 18 months. She drew inspiration to persevere from her mother, who made numerous difficult decisions to provide for her daughters.
“When my mom moved, she was like, ‘If I have to clean bathrooms you best believe I’m going to clean bathrooms. I have to make it work and make my family proud,’” Sanchez Patel said. “So I was like, ‘I have to start from there too,’ and that’s what I did.”
The Sanchez siblings maintain some of their traditional family values both in the workplace and their homes.
“My dad makes a tradition to spend Sundays together,” Sanchez, who performs eyelash lifts, facials and waxing, said. “I like to spend [Sundays] with family and friends.”
Naomi Ibanez, a Mexican American nail artist, says that working at Ay Bonita is one of the best things she has done in her career thus far, particularly because of her co-workers.
“Being surrounded by them is so much fun, and just being around people who you can connect with on a cultural level,” Ibanez said. “Sometimes, if you come in here, you’ll hear Bad Bunny blasting and you can just tell it’s a bunch of Hispanic women working.”
The women of Ay Bonita offer facials, eyelash extensions, nail treatments, waxing and more. Surrounded by tire shops and automotive repair garages, Ay Bonita brings a touch of beauty to Hawthorne Avenue.
“What I like most about my job is how good we make women feel. You come in feeling sad, depressed, and you leave feeling like a bad b*tch,” Sanchez Patel said.
See Original Article at The Red & Black
