Village Insight 4: Michelle Obama’s Hairstylist on Working with Celebrities and Setting Boundaries With Friends

In this episode, Delina welcomes hairstylist and entrepreneur Yene Damtew for a meaningful conversation about intuition, boundaries, and navigating relationships in the world of beauty and celebrity. Yene opens up about her instinct for spotting opportunists, the importance of keeping a tight circle, and how her upbringing shaped her approach to trust and connection, especially as someone who’s worked with high-profile celebrities like Sasha, Malia, and Michelle Obama.

We explore the challenges of maintaining professionalism and humility in an industry where proximity to fame can blur boundaries. Yene shares honest stories about learning to trust her gut, and why she values authentic connections over quick friendships. She also reflects on the difference between being a service provider and seeking the spotlight, offering invaluable wisdom for anyone working behind the scenes..

This episode is filled with honest conversation and practical insights on protecting peace while building a successful creative career. Whether you’re a beauty professional, entrepreneur, or someone navigating complex relationships, Yene’s journey will resonate with you.

Welcome to It Takes A Village with Delina Medhin, where inspiring founders & creatives share ‘who I built this with’.

00:00 Spotting Opportunists & Trusting Your Gut

01:20 Defining Real Friends vs. Associates

03:45 Working with High-Profile Clients

04:20 Building Authentic Connections in the Industry

06:10 Service Provider vs. Celebrity Mindset

Learn more about Yene Damtew:

Yene Damtew is a renowned hairstylist, salon owner, and entrepreneur known for her work with high-profile clients and her commitment to authenticity in the beauty industry. As the founder of Aesthetics Salon, in DC. Yene champions professionalism, mentorship, and creating spaces where both clients and creatives can thrive.

Link to the full episode on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-ep-55-michelle-obamas-hairstylist-yene-damtew/id1580081881?i=1000688726500

Link to the full episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1r5pJmG3Z61v64ETvHTeG4?si=_LNckuVOSTe1HVHxjqkksA

Connect with Yene Damtew:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/yenedamtew/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/YeneDamtewHair/

Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@yenedamtew

Website: https://yenedamtew.com/

Book an Appointment at Aesthetics Salon https://aesthetics.salon/

Connect with the Host, Delina Medhin:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delinamedhin

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@delinamedhin

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@delinamedhin

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@delinamedhin

Website: https://www.delinamedhin.com/

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