1.Where are from and where do you live now?I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. I currently reside in New York City. 2.Where did you learn how to do hair and how old where u when you started styling?I learned how to do hair by watching my mother who was a part-time hairstylist on the weekends. It was at the age of 15 that I started to practice the techniques that I learned watching her. 3.Who was the first celebrity you worked with and name a few of your other famous clients?My very first celebrity client was Tyra Banks. It was a great experience working with one of the top models at the time. Other celebrity clients that I have had the pleasure to work with are Naomi Campbell, Kerry Washington, Jasmine Sullivan, Rihanna, Jordon Sparks and Michelle Obama. 4.How did you get your first real break? My first real break into the business came about when I was working with celebrity hairstylist Lisa Mitchell. Through Lisa I was also able to foster a relationship with Odile Gilbert who is a famous French Hairstylist. Odile took me to Paris which presented me with the opportunity to work for some of the most prestigious Fashion Houses and High End Fashion Shows. 5.How long have you been working with Rihanna and how did you meet? I met Rihanna through Jasmine Sullivan who was a client that I had been working with for some time. If I recall correctly we met at a Gala at Cipriani’s in NYC. In 2009 I received a call from her to accompany her to Paris for fashion week and the rest is history. We have been working together off and on for about 4 years. 6.Whats your favorite Rih hair products? Some of my favorite hair products for Rih are Paul Labrecque Straight Finish Styling Spray, Oribe Dry Shampoo Spray and the Olive Oil Organic Products. 7.Does she let you create freely and where does your inspiration for her come from? Yes she does allow me to create freely but its mostly a collaborative effort when it comes to her hairstyles. I tend to get inspired by all things from traveling to different places, different life experiences, magazines (preferably Men’s magazines as oddly as it may sound). 8.What are the 3 things you tel Rih to do as far as a hair care regimine? My top 3 care regimines that I always advise her are (1) always deep condition; (2) less is more when it comes to hair products, in other words use less products in the hair; (3) minimize the use of heat on her hair. 9.Why is hair your passion and whats your advice to aspiring hairstylist? The funny thing about hair being my passion is that I never saw myself as being a hairstylist. Just watching my mom do her friends hair and trying it pretty much opened the creativity of styling which is where I can say the passion began. With that being my true self I had to be the best at it which applies to all areas of my life.My advise to aspiring hairstylist would be to follow you heart and learn all you need to learn. Don’t half ass anything do it to the fullest of your ability and things will fall into place. 10. How can the average person get Yusef Williams to style their hair? They can call Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa on the East Side and schedule a hair consultation if I am not on tour.
