BACAVI VILLAGE, Ariz. — Leslie Randolph Robledo, owner of Leslie’s Hair Salon in Bacavi Village, recently celebrated 23 years of serving the community with a grand event. The celebration included live music, free food, raffles, and discount coupons for hair services. Robledo expressed her gratitude to her clients, saying “Askwali” for their support over the years.
Leslie’s Hair Salon, the only full-time hair service business on the Hopi Reservation, is located on Highway 264 across from the Hotevilla-Bacavi Community School. Its bright Barbie-pink exterior is a recognizable landmark.
Robledo’s clientele primarily consists of locals from the three mesa villages, though many travel from Kayenta, Flagstaff, and Window Rock for services such as haircuts, perms, highlights, and color.
Initially a house painter, Robledo transitioned into the salon business after working various jobs through the Job Training Partnership Act program in Flagstaff. Encouraged by family and friends who were impressed with her informal hairdressing skills, she enrolled in Flagstaff Cosmetology School and became certified by the Arizona State Board.
Robledo’s first salon job was in Page. Although she enjoyed it, financial challenges forced her to return to house painting temporarily. Encouraged by her mother, Eilene Randolph, Robledo began gathering supplies to open her own salon. Her late husband Don Robledo, along with his brothers Alphonso and Loren Lomatska, helped build the salon, which took three years to establish.
Word of mouth and local endorsements helped Leslie’s Hair Salon gain popularity. Today, Robledo offers six types of perms, three types of highlights, deep conditioning, full color, and haircuts five days a week.
Some clients who received their first haircut as infants are now adults who continue to visit Robledo for their haircuts. Robledo’s celebration was a way to give back to the community that supported her career and to inspire other young Hopis to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
The event received strong support from friends, family, and Hopi organizations. Performances included local acts such as Darian Koots from the band Descendant and Derrick Humetewa, who received the loudest applause. Sweet Leaf and Storm George also performed.
Support for the event came from various sources: Laverne Dallas, Director of Hopi Behavioral Health, provided porta potties; Hopi Tutuqaiki School contributed table canopies and a cash donation; and the Hopi Foundation covered food and beverages. Several clients, including Ron Allison and Coleen Lucero, made cash donations, and Armstrong Beauty Supply and Monongye Gallery donated raffle items.
Local construction worker Lance Quotskuyva built redwood benches and tables for the event, while Robledo’s brother, Tim Randolph, helped set up the stage, grills, food, and prize tables.
Although the event was planned for four hours, many attendees stayed longer to enjoy the music and food. Bucky Preston, a Hopi tribal member from Walpi Village-First Mesa, suggested that more family-friendly events like this should be held on the reservation. He advocated for a public park with amenities to support local talent in music and theater.