Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Briones.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jennifer. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It’s crazy to look back at the beginning of my journey, it took so much to get where I am. I think it started when I was in high school, I used to do my friend’s makeup and used to practice runway looks on myself. I had my heart set on going to a fancy makeup school in LA but had no money so that was short lived. I started working in accounting for a prestigious oil and gas company when I was 21 but started to take professional makeup classes around that time because I refused to let my dream of becoming a professional makeup artist go. Shortly after, I started doing makeup on the side mostly for friends and family but I was thrilled. Jump ahead six years and I finally was able to put myself through Esthetics school while continuing to work full time. I didn’t know to go in that, I would fall in love with skincare and actually open up my own little business renting a spa room working for myself. It’s been three years since I’ve owned my business and it’s amazing to see it continue to grow!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Money was always a struggle especially when I first started out. It took me a long time to learn the ins and outs of running your own business and I’m still learning every day. My best advice to someone starting out is to have supplemental income and don’t overbuy supplies, buy according to how much business you bring in. I’d be lying if I said that it never crossed my mind to quit, but I haven’t because I know that as long as I keep going I can’t lose. Running your own business is hard especially going solo so make it a point to research and be real with yourself.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I offer luxury skincare treatments such as my customized facials, Hydrodermabrasion, Lash extensions, eyebrow shaping, and makeup. I specialize in customized facials and makeup. I’m known for giving a luxuriously relaxing experience. That’s what I strive for. I’m so proud of where I am even though I’m not where I want to be yet, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. My little business continues to grow every day it makes me so happy to be able to maintain a good reputation to be known for the quality of my work. Details set me apart, from adding essential oils to my hot towels to massaging serums and moisturizers into the skin, I want every minute to be luxurious.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
I’m in a lot of groups on Facebook that provide amazing info and insights to this industry. I love reading the stories and questions that are real life. I have a lot of friends in this industry and I constantly reach out to them for their opinions and they do the same with me that has been so helpful too. Even talking to friends and family, they don’t need to be in the industry to give good feedback.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6420 Richmond Ave Suite 560
Houston, Texas 77057
(Inside Azaleca Medspa) - Website: https://squareup.com/appointments/book/RZPS0K/makeup-and-skincare-by-jennifer
- Phone: 8325880382
- Email: skinbyjen2016@gmail.com
- Instagram: @jen_glamhtx
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