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Daily Inspiration: Meet Aleishea Cordero

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aleishea Cordero.

Hi Aleishea, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
This whole journey really started when my husband and I opened our first barbershop and salon. We operated for eight years, and over time, we noticed that a lot of barbers and stylists were looking for more independence. They wanted their own space while still being part of a community. So, about three years ago, we decided to open a barbershop and suites location here in Westchester. The front of the shop has a traditional barbershop setup, fostering a team atmosphere, while the rest of the space consists of individually operated suites. It’s the best of both worlds—everyone has their own business, but there’s still a strong sense of community where people connect, network, and support each other.

During this time, I was taking a lot of classes with my husband, learning more about the industry. That’s when I first picked up a tattoo machine for scalp micropigmentation—and I absolutely loved it. I loved the feel of the machine, the precision, and the results. From there, I expanded into permanent makeup, specializing in powder ombré brows and microblading, which I’ve been doing for about three or four years now.

As much as I love permanent makeup, I started feeling the need to push my creativity further. I’ve always been an artist—I draw, paint, and do portraits—so it felt natural to transition into tattooing. I’ve been tattooing for almost a year now, and I’m completely in love with it. It’s incredible to create art that people get to carry with them for life. I still love doing eyebrows, but tattooing has opened up a whole new level of artistic expression for me.

This journey has been unexpected in the best way possible, and I couldn’t be more excited to see where it takes me next!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Running a business is hard—there’s no way around that. And for us, we were young when we started, so a lot of what we learned came through trial and error. We made mistakes, but we learned from them. Over time, we were fortunate to meet people who were willing to help us, to teach us things we didn’t know. And when we couldn’t find the answers through others, we went out and found them ourselves—through seminars, classes, research—anything we could do to grow.

So no, the road hasn’t been easy. But it has absolutely been worth it. Running a business over the years has a way of showing you who you really are. It reveals your limits, your strengths, your weaknesses—and it gives you the chance to grow from all of it. You learn to push yourself, to overcome challenges, and most importantly, to turn your weak points into strong ones.

It also puts you in a position to give back—to teach others who are coming up behind you. And that’s something we truly value. We’ve learned to embrace the journey, knowing that while the road may never be completely smooth, every obstacle has taught us something. So yes, it’s been rough. But it’s also been incredibly rewarding.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As for my work, I specialize in powder brows and microblading, and I also do tattoos in my studio, which I rent within our space. While I’m still in the early stages of building my name as a tattoo artist, it’s something I’m truly passionate about. However, what I’ve been known for the longest is my portrait work. I’ve always been an artist—ever since I was a child in gifted programs, art classes, and schools that nurtured my creativity.

Beyond tattooing and permanent makeup, I’ve been commissioned for small portraits, unique gifts, and large wooden cutouts for schools and events. One of my favorite projects is for a school that comes to me every year for Black History Month. They select six influential Black Americans, and I paint them on four-foot boards, cut them out, and they use them for their presentations. It’s been an honor to see my own artistic growth reflected in that work, and having their continued trust means the world to me.

What am I most proud of?
I’m most proud of my growth—not just in my work, but in who I am as a person. I’ve been able to see and feel my own healing, and I’ve learned to love myself while also being a light to those around me. My mom raised an amazing child, and I’ve done the work to grow into a woman I can be proud of. That’s so important to me because I have children, and I want them to look at me with pride—not just for what I accomplish, but for who I am. More than that, I want to teach them to look in the mirror and be proud of themselves, inside and out.

What sets me apart from others?
Honestly, just being myself. I believe that’s what sets everyone apart. We all bring something unique to this world—our stories, our experiences, our hearts, and our minds. That’s what makes life beautiful. If we were all the same, there wouldn’t be creativity, innovation, or artistry. So what sets me apart is simply that I am me. I bring my own perspective, my own creativity, and my own heart to everything I do.

What matters most to you?
What matters to me most above all else is my spiritual relationship with God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I believe that having a strong foundation in faith is essential, and for me, it is the core of who I am. It’s not just something I was raised with, growing up in the church, but something I’ve personally experienced through my relationship with Jesus Christ. While my faith is always growing and there’s always room for a deeper connection, it remains the guiding force in my life. It shapes my heart, the way I lead my children, the way I support my husband, and how I carry myself in every aspect of my life.

After that, my family means everything to me—my husband, my children, my in-laws, my nephews, my siblings, my aunts, my entire family. They are my foundation on earth, my greatest blessing, and my biggest source of love and strength.

Pricing:

  • Powder Brows $250
  • Tattoos starting at $80

Contact Info:

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