First-generation, Dominican-American, Florangel De La Cruz explains the origins of Lis FLor Creations.
“It was always my dream to open a business. I made that a challenge I needed to achieve and it was very satisfying to accomplish it. What really gives me joy is to help others feel confident about themselves. I like what I do because I interact with people who may not feel good about themselves and when they get out of my chair, they feel like a million dollars.”
Florangel began her career in New York City, where she obtained her cosmetology license in 1998. She worked three years in a Manhattan-based salon, and in 2001, relocated to the Delaware Valley, where she continued to hone her skills at a salon in Camden, New Jersey. As she built up her clientele, she decided to open her own hair salon with the guidance of her employer, the salon owner.
In 2005, Florangel opened her first salon and spa in another location in Philadelphia, and then in 2012, expanded to her current West Girard Avenue location. The salon primarily serves women of both Latin American and African American descent.
“At Lis Flores Creations you can experience different kinds of services, from hair color and cuts to highlights, keratin, eyebrows, waxing… a multitude of services,” said Florangel. Lis Flor now has five stylists and one salon assistant.
In 2021, Florangel came to True Access Capital seeking funding to purchase the three-floor, mixed-use, property that she had operated in for the last nine years. The funds would be used for the acquisition, as well as, for minor improvements, such as, flooring, painting, and some plumbing.
“I heard about True Access Capital through a colleague, Jimmy Duran”, said Florangel. She knew Jimmy through the Dominican-American Chamber of Commerce of Philadelphia. “She said working with True Access Capital was the perfect fit because they had staff that spoke Spanish, which was her first language.”
“They really work with you in terms of understanding what you need in order to qualify for a loan,” said Florangel, about True Access Capital. “They’re there when you need them. You can reach out through texts, calls and email. It’s more personalized. I would definitely recommend True Access Capital to other people, especially to the Spanish community.”
Now that Lis Flor Creations is flourishing, Florangel has a new vision for the business. She would like to see her business grow and be able to create more opportunities for graduates coming from cosmetology school.
