Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda (Bella) L.
Hi Bella, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
“From learning how to do hair, nails, and makeup alongside my mother to opening my own salon, my journey in the beauty industry has been anything but conventional. My name is Brenda (Bella), and I’m a licensed cosmetologist based in Houston, Texas, with 7 years of experience transforming confidence through beauty. I also travel to New Jersey, where I’m licensed as well.
My passion for beauty sparked in high school, where I took clients after school, but in the community I grew up in, being a cosmetologist wasn’t seen as a ‘real’ profession. So, I put my talents aside and entered the medical field, though it never felt fulfilling. One day, I decided to take a risk. I posted a video of my work, and it went viral. That overwhelming response showed me that I was meant to pursue beauty. With countless inquiries flooding in, I quit my healthcare job, dropped out of college, and never looked back.
I enrolled in cosmetology school at the end of 2020, and by March 2021, I had my own salon. What started as a makeup studio quickly evolved into a one-stop shop for makeup, hair, nails, and a boutique for those last-minute essentials. After 2 ½ years, through so many trials and tribulations, I felt the need for a new chapter, and Houston, Texas, kept calling me. So, I left behind everything I built in New Jersey to chase new opportunities in this vibrant city—and it’s been the best leap of faith yet.”
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most entrepreneurs, I’ve faced my share of challenges along the way. One of the biggest struggles was overcoming the mindset of others—and sometimes even my own—about the legitimacy of being a cosmetologist. Coming from an environment where this profession wasn’t considered a ‘real’ career, it was tough to push forward with confidence. There were moments when I doubted if I had made the right decision, especially after leaving the medical field, which was more ‘acceptable’ to those around me.
Another hurdle was building my business from the ground up after dropping out of college and leaving my healthcare job. While going viral brought visibility, it also brought a lot of pressure. I had to quickly figure out how to handle the sudden influx of clients, manage a growing business, and maintain the high standards I had set for myself. Opening a salon fresh out of cosmetology school wasn’t easy either—I had to learn how to balance the creative side of being a cosmetologist with the business side of running a salon.
Moving from New Jersey to Houston was another leap of faith that came with its own set of challenges. I essentially had to start over in a new city, leaving behind the clientele and reputation I had built. Adjusting to a new market while rebuilding my brand from scratch tested my resilience, but it also reminded me of why I started this journey in the first place—to follow my passion, trust the process and have faith in God.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a licensed cosmetologist, my niche is makeup, and I specialize in creating flawless, natural looks that enhance my clients’ unique features. Whether it’s for weddings, special events, or everyday beauty, I focus on crafting makeup looks that leave clients feeling confident and beautiful.
One of my proudest prior achievements is developing my salon into a one-stop shop, where clients could come for makeup, hair, nails, and even grab last-minute boutique items to complete their look. This holistic approach to beauty sets me apart because I don’t just offer a service—I offer an experience, helping clients feel fully prepared and polished.
What truly differentiates me from others is my approach to makeup and beauty services. Instead of completely transforming how my clients look, I focus on enhancing their natural features, allowing them to feel like the best version of themselves. My goal is to create a safe, comfortable space where clients can relax, knowing that I’ll highlight their unique beauty rather than mask it. This personalized approach helps build trust and ensures that every client leaves feeling confident and authentically themselves.
Additionally, I bring a mix of both creativity and business acumen to the table. I’ve learned how to navigate the beauty industry while also balancing the logistics of running a successful salon, and that combination has given me a unique perspective in this field. My journey has given me the ability to empathize with clients from different walks of life and tailor each service to meet their individual needs, ensuring they leave feeling seen, understood, and empowered.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My mother also played a huge role in my success. Her unwavering support and constant prayers have been a source of strength for me. She’s always believed in me, and her faith helped strengthen my own, allowing me to stay grounded and resilient no matter the challenges I faced. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a strong support system throughout my journey. Woodline Dorcin, who started as a photographer on set when I did makeup for one of the models, quickly became like a sister to me. She’s been there through all my trials and tribulations, constantly pushing me to keep going and to believe in myself, even when things got tough.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.BellvaeBeauty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellvaebeauty?igsh=ZTVtdmdpaTF2dWtw
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/t49ywHNG9SGMb3Uh/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@bellvaebeauty?si=OpnH5k3XBtzCB_kZ
- Other: https://bellvaebeauty.as.me/
Image Credits
@bellvaebridal
@bellvaebeauty
