Letisia Ravelo, the Latina hairstylist extraordinaire, emerged as a standout figure in the entertainment sphere when she assumed the prestigious role of being Blue Ivy’s hairstylist during Beyoncé’s highly anticipated Renaissance World Tour. Amidst a team of industry luminaries like Neal Farinah, Dominique Holloway, and Ziff Sistrunk, Letisia, known affectionately as Letty, distinguished herself as the sole Latina, infusing her work with a unique flair and cultural perspective.
In an exclusive interview with HOLA! USA, Letisia delved into the profound significance of representing her culture on a global stage. As a proud Dominican American, she recognized the importance of showcasing diversity in an industry where inclusivity often takes center stage. Beyond her responsibilities for Blue Ivy’s hair, Letisia played a crucial role in styling the tour’s dancers, ensuring everyone radiated their absolute best on stage.
Letty’s journey exemplifies the power of inclusion and breaking down barriers, inspiring and uplifting fellow Latinas pursuing careers in the beauty industry. Balancing creativity with the overarching vision of Beyoncé presented a thrilling challenge, and Letisia shared insights into how she approached her work with dedication and creativity.
Behind the Scenes of the Renaissance World Tour
1. Securing the Role and Working with Beyoncé:
Letisia shared her initial disbelief at landing the hairstylist role for Beyoncé’s tour. It wasn’t until she sat down with the team in Los Angeles and discussed the direction of the project that the reality set in. The pressure mounted as she embarked on the grand tour, but Letty embraced the challenge, tackling it head-on with dedication and creativity.
2. Styling Challenges and Overcoming Pressure:
The sheer scale of the tour presented a challenge, and Letisia admitted to initial nerves. Overcoming the pressure involved interacting with the team and performers, breaking through her shyness to unleash her creative prowess. Her mantra: “Once I break that little shell, I’m a monster.”
3. Creating Hairstyles for the “Renaissance” Theme:
Letty created a deck for the dancers, sitting down with each one to understand their vibe. Getting to know the individuals was crucial in providing hairstyles that not only reflected the spirit of the Renaissance theme but also maintained the comfort and individuality of each dancer.
Embracing Cultural Roots
1. Representation and Cultural Pride:
As the only Latina on the team, Letisia expressed her immense pride in representing her culture globally. Her Afro-Latina roots played a significant role in bringing a unique perspective to the tour, infusing it with an extra touch of spice.
2. Incorporating Latino Heritage into Hairstyles:
Being Afro-Latina with textured hair, Letty understands the nuances of different hair types. Her heritage influenced her creative approach, allowing her to cater to diverse textures and enrich the overall experience for the audience.
3. The Importance of Inclusivity:
Working with a diverse team reinforced the importance of inclusivity for Letisia. She emphasized the need to care for everyone, listen to diverse opinions, and treat everyone equally, regardless of appearance, shape, hairstyle, or fashion choices.
Maintaining Beyoncé’s Standards
Beyoncé’s meticulous standards required a carefully planned schedule. Each dancer had their “appointment” with the hairstyling team, ensuring that every hairstyle aligned with the high standards set by the iconic star. Despite the challenges of being on the move, the team, thanks to Jen, maintained immaculate spaces, creating a mobile salon throughout the world.
Letisia Ravelo’s journey serves as a testament to the impact of cultural representation and the importance of inclusivity in the entertainment industry. Her ability to blend creativity, cultural pride, and professionalism has left an indelible mark on the world of hairstyling, inspiring a new generation of artists and cultural representatives.
