Tune into a journey where resilience meets reward, and where the pursuit of greatness knows no bounds. In the debut episode of “Tease Talks with Ben,” host Ben Barkworth, creator of FASTFOILS, embarks on a journey of shared experiences and insights with industry experts. Joined by guest star Leysa Carillo, a renowned curly hair expert and educator, Ben delves into their mutual challenges and triumphs, both behind the chair and beyond.
Leysa’s remarkable journey from Cuba to the United States at the age of 22, armed with nothing but a backpack and determination, sets a compelling backdrop. Originally aspiring to pursue ballet, she found her calling in the hair industry and has since become a nationally recognized colorist and curly hair specialist. As the founder of “The Forever Curls Academy,” Leysa is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of education in hair care, current trends, and the curl movement.
Similarly, Ben’s narrative mirrors a tale of cultural adaptation and resilience. Having relocated from the UK to a small Canadian town at the age of 10, he grappled with a sense of not quite belonging. Despite this, he pursued a degree in hospitality before uncovering his calling in hairstyling. Motivated by a desire to prove himself to his family and to himself, Ben emerged as both an educator and industry trailblazer, dedicated to empowering stylists to optimize their craft.
“Everything that Leysa and I have done is not because we got instant success. It has been a lot of hard work… There have been a lot of opportunities that we have been given because of the dedication to the industry” reflects Ben.
“I want to live a legacy that not only represents the generations in a different way but I want to leave a legacy that is going to make humanity better.” adds Leysa.
This is more than a podcast. It’s a testament to two individuals’ relentless determination to themselves and their mission to help others maximize their professional license.
Listen to the full episode here or wherever you stream and head over to our Instagrams @Readthetease and @volumeupbythetease.
