Today we’d like to introduce you to Lelene Valentin.
Hi Lelene, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I didn’t even start out silk pressing hair. Wild, right? It all started simply with life happening. I knew I had a real gift for braiding, so I took that vision and ran with it. From my living room chair to working solo in a tiny shop, that little dream eventually grew into the luxury experience now known as Silkpress Express.
Before silk pressing ever became my passion, I spent years—about eight—braiding, styling, and installing. Braids held me down for almost four years before I became an assistant in a salon. I hopped from salon to salon, soaking up everything: protective styles, sew ins, quick weaves, braids… whatever they specialized in, I studied it.
At that point, I was hungry to grow. I wanted to find my place in the beauty world, so I let myself explore everything. I spent countless hours researching, learning, and saying yes to opportunities. And it paid off—big time. I found a class in Atlanta that changed everything. It was the first time I saw natural hair styled beautifully without being tucked away under a protective style. I had always worked with natural hair here and there, but after that class? I fell deeply in love with silk pressing. In 2017, I noticed a huge gap. Textured hair clients weren’t getting spaces where their natural hair was truly celebrated. So that became my mission. I wanted every client to feel like their hair was a masterpiece.
Then BOOM—Covid hit. No work, no money, everything paused. But that’s when natural, chemical free hair started taking the spotlight. And that’s when the seed I planted as Lelene’s Beauty Bar really started blooming into Silkpress Express. I shifted my business into a dedicated press bar focused on uplifting and protecting textured hair.
And the beautiful part is: while natural hair is the heart of what we do, all hair types are always welcomed and loved on here. We’ve built a team of experienced, passionate techs who know how to care for every texture that walks through our doors. Everyone deserves healthy hair, great service, and a stylist who truly understands them.
Fast forward to today… Silkpress Express is officially the first and only silk blowout salon in South Florida. A whole movement, built from a living room, a vision, and a whole lot of heart.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Is anything ever truly a smooth road? For me, definitely not. When I started, I didn’t have the business knowledge, the corporate experience, or the working capital to build the brand I envisioned. Everything was built step by step, right in the middle of the growing pains. I had a clear vision for what I wanted Silkpress Express to become, but no real resources or guidance on how to structure a company, scale it, or secure the financial support needed to grow.
Finances were one of my biggest obstacles and honestly, they’re something I still navigate as the business expands. Having a solid plan and the funding to execute it is one of the hardest parts of starting any business, and I learned all of it the long way.
But even with the challenges, the journey has been worth it. Today, we’re operating two Silkpress Express locations—Miami and Broward—with our West Palm location set to open in 2026. We’re also stepping into franchising opportunities, which is something I never imagined in the early days of figuring everything out alone. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been powerful, rewarding, and full of growth.
As you know, we’re big fans of Silkpress Express. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Silkpress Express is the #1 silk blowout salon specializing in temporarily straightening textured hair without the use of chemicals. We leave no strand unpressed, and every client gets that signature silky, lightweight, movement-filled finish we’re known for. While silk pressing is our core service, we also offer wash and blow dries, traditional sew ins, clip in installs, take downs, braid downs, and more. Our proven press technique allows any texture to get silky, shiny, and flowing—every time.
One thing that truly sets us apart is the “express” in Silkpress Express. Our entire system is designed for efficiency without ever sacrificing quality. Clients move smoothly from station to station, receiving consistent care from trained techs, and are checked out and on their way before they know it.
I’m extremely proud of the product line we’ve built. Silkpress Express isn’t just a service—it’s a full healthy hair system. We offer aftercare essentials created to protect, hydrate, and maintain hair long after clients leave the salon. From washes and conditioners to treatments, heat protectants, wax sticks, oils, and edge control, we’ve made sure every step of the hair care routine is covered. We also offer curated packages in store and online, many with built-in discounts and even a complimentary birthday silkpress.
Education is a major part of who we are, grounded in a deep commitment to hair health. I believe proper knowledge is what keeps hair healthy, keeps the industry advancing, and keeps our brand growing strong. Our team is trained to not only provide top-tier service, but to educate clients on maintenance, product use, and long-term care so their hair thrives.
At Silkpress Express, we don’t just straighten hair. We elevate it, protect it, and teach you how to love it long term.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
“Stay tuned because there is so much more on the way. Thank you to everyone who continues to trust us with their hair and support us through referrals, visits, and love. We see it, we feel it, and we appreciate you more than you know.”
Pricing:
- Silkpress $105
- Wash & Blow $40
- Silkpress Special (Wednesday) $90
- 1/2 off Treatments Tuesdays
- Clip-In Packages Available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.silkpressexpress.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silkpressexpressmiami/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SilkpressExpressMiami
