Yolande Sanvi
She was a software engineer. Now she teaches African hairstyling to help others live the American dream.
Founded LYS
1996
"The American dream is about being able to succeed in life and making your own dreams become reality. For me, I wanted the freedom to be my own boss. Sharing is the key to success."
— Yolande Sanvi
Her Journey
From Togo to France
Growing up in Aného, a small city near Lomé, Togo, Yolande's parents emphasized education. She studied software engineering in France in the 1980s, graduating in 1989. It was during this time she got her first taste of living abroad.
Arriving in America
After marrying in 1993, Yolande left her parents and siblings behind in Togo and Benin and moved to the United States in 1994. She first lived in New York, where she had her son in 1995, before moving to Chicago in 1996.
A Bold Career Pivot
Despite her engineering degree, Yolande faced challenges securing a job in her field—compounded by language barriers and the challenges of being an immigrant woman. She saw African women succeeding in the hair industry and knew: if they could do it, she could do it.
Why Hair?
"Hair is a big part of our lives. African women braid each other's hair all the time in different types of styles—box braids, twists, cornrows—it's in our history. How Black people do their hair traces back to Africa. People are connected to their hair. Our hair brings us together."
Yolande recognized that hair braiding wasn't just a career opportunity—it was a way to stay connected to her culture while building financial independence. She really needed to humble herself and be grateful for the other opportunities out there.
"When you come to the U.S. as an immigrant, sometimes you don't have many career opportunities available because of your immigration status. I went through a lot of rejection. It is more rewarding when you can be your own boss and have more control over your path."
Fighting for Change
Around 1999, Yolande and several other braiding shop owners received "cease and desist" letters from the government. A change in state law required any hair service business to have a cosmetology license—a requirement that made it difficult for immigrant braiders to work.
The African hair braiding community came together. They formed a group, enlisted a lawyer through the United African Organization, and traveled to Springfield to protest.
The Result?
After meeting with political leaders, the law was changed to create a separate curriculum and license for hair braiders—without the requirement of full cosmetology training. This made it possible for thousands of braiders to work legally in Illinois.
Why She Started LYS School
After more than a decade running her successful studio, Yolande felt a calling to give back to the community. She had achieved the American dream and wanted to share it with others.
Witnessing the limitations of traditional academic programs, Yolande founded LYS School in 2017 with a mission: to give individuals the practical skills and flexibility to transform their professional lives.
Supportive Environment
A place where students can pursue career changes while managing family and work responsibilities
Community First
"As Africans, we are very communal. We share everything and work together."
Real Skills
Practical training that prepares students for diverse opportunities in the field
Her Impact
27+
Years in Business
10+
Years Running LYS School
100s
Students Trained
4
Professional Licenses
Yolande holds licenses as a Hair Braider, Cosmetologist, Hair Braider Teacher, and Cosmetologist Teacher. Her practical approach to life and resilience in the face of challenges have shaped the ethos of LYS School.
What Does LYS Mean?
Launch Your Success
That's what LYS stands for—and it's exactly what Yolande wants for every student who walks through her doors.
"There will be a lot of sweat, tears and blood to live the American dream. It's easier to navigate around obstacles if you know what you're doing. But, you don't know what you don't know. How can you succeed? Sharing is the key to success."
Ready to Launch Your Success?
Join the LYS family and let Yolande and her team help you transform your professional life.
Photos by Martine Séverin for Borderless Magazine