Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanel Banks.
Chanel, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a child, I was very crafty and I loved teaching myself and learning new things, whether it was sewing, making shirts, doing nails, hair, or makeup, I was pretty much into it all. However, I went into college with the idea that I wanted to be a lawyer, based off of what my family and people around me were telling me that I should do. There was no particular thing that I really wanted to do because I had different hobbies and talents. When I got to college, I was a broke college kid but I am very girly so no matter what, I had to make sure I looked and felt good. I would do my own hair and eyelashes all of the time. It got to a point where people would start to ask me where I would get my hair or lashes done.
So, when I would tell them that I did them myself, they would ask me to also do theirs. So, doing braids and lashes became a side hobby for me. After almost two years of studying political science, I came to the conclusion that it just wasn’t for me and I didn’t enjoy it at all. Now, I also started my very first job as a cashier at WingStop during my freshman year of college. During my time there, I immediately came to the realization that I absolutely could not work for other people for the rest of my life. So, around my sophomore year, I decided that I wanted to be an entrepreneur and I changed my major to marketing. After a lot of pressure, time and patience, I finally took a leap of faith and launched my business.
Has it been a smooth road?
This journey has been anything but easy. I was initially so scared to start my business because it didn’t feel safe and I was afraid of being rejected. It definitely forced me to step outside of my comfort zone, but I just went for it. During my sophomore year of college, I lost my biggest support system, my grandfather. He was my best friend and supported me in everything that I did. That was my first time experiencing a death that close to me and at the time, I was already going through my own personal hell. Losing him changed me in ways I’d never imagined. I felt so alone and helpless. However, that entire time period built me stronger and placed a fire in me that pushed me even harder.
Please tell us about your business.
I like to think of my business as more of a brand. Currently, I am specializing in eyelash extensions. Now that I am officially a college graduate, I have big plans to continue to grow my brand in order for it to be all that I intend it to be. I am most proud of the fact that I have been able to receive my bachelor’s degree and have been accepted into beauty school, where I will be working towards receiving my esthetician license. My goal is to open my own beauty bar where I will be able to offer services like eyelash extensions, facials, derma-planning, micro blading, and waxing. I am also going to open a glam boutique.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
My parents, grandparents, and sister are all from New York, so we’ve taken a lot of trips out there. We’ve even taken a few road trips from Dallas to New York. Although they were long and tiring, those times are definitely always going to have a special place in my heart. I really cherish those times because I love when my family is able to get together and I can’t wait to one day share those experiences with my own little family. New York is one of my favorite places to visit. It’s so diverse and lively. It’s a different vibe compared to Texas.
Pricing:
- Classic Full Set $60
- Hybrid Full Set $70
- Volume Full Set $80
Contact Info:
- Email: chanelbanks17@gmail.com
- Instagram: @chaneld.banks
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
