Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Lucio.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Claudia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I had always been into beauty, I would do friends hair and makeup without even thinking of making it a career. No matter what I did beauty was always in the back of my mind. I guess that is what they call your calling, it will always come to you no matter how much you avoid it. I went to Sanford brown for medical assistant, I was done with that, decided it was not for me. I was working in an Office job full time, I have reached the highest rank I could in the office and took some business classes to strive for more. I was there for 6 years and there was no option for me to move up anymore. I decided to go to Cosmetology school part time and continue working full time. I attended Paul Mitchell the School of Houston. Graduated and went to a salon full time. It was great at first, then many things changed. As the years went by, I was not happy anymore in that environment. It didn’t provide anything for me and I had a vision for more. I decided to take a leap of faith and leased out a suite in Blue lion Studios. I was afraid that my clients would not follow me but surprisingly they were so supportive and they did. They didn’t care where there hair was done, they cared how great their hair looked. I shared it with a close friend, and as we got bigger and added services, we leased out our own suite. I as a hairdresser and makeup artist continue to strive for more.
I am part of the Ted Gibson Artistic Team which is an amazing team that continues education not only for hair/makeup but to learn about myself as well. Ted Gibson is an amazing celebrity hairstylist.
We attend many hair shows including Fashion week in the US. It will be my third year in the team and every year it gets bigger.
I have attended many workshops including one of the Kardashian’s makeup artist JoyceBonelli. Continuing education is a big part of being successful.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It is never a smooth road.
You have to work really hard to get where you want to be. Even giving up all the fun stuff sometimes. Beginning a new career was so scary for me, you have to build a clientele from 0 clients. Patience is key and everyone has to start somewhere. The salon environment can be very difficult.
I had to start shampooing and folding towels. Being an assistant was not easy, especially when I came from an office job that I was a supervisor at making double of what I was making as an assistant. I build relationships with my clients and my co-workers. The salon was family owned, the family had many issues that they would bring to the salon. One day they wanted to shut down the salon over an argument. Things got out of hand, I resigned. The salon owners had a talk with me and I decided to give it another chance.
The salon decided to move location, I had just build a clientele where I felt that I was actually moving up just a little. I didn’t know what was going to happen, the location was at least 20 minutes from that location. Once the move happened many clients started to complain.
I was also going through a divorce that I kept quiet for a long time. I didn’t want to bring my personal business to my career.
The salon stopped offering many things even had to buy my own products. That’s when I decided I need to make a move here before I lose everyone.
Hurricane Harvey was a big part of my worries. Many of my clients lost so much and I thought no one would get their hair done in a long time. Hair was the least of their worries. I myself got 2 feet of water inside my home and had to move to an apartment. I lived in a camper/trailer for 2 months before I could find another place to live and start my life over.
August and September were so slow. It started picking up again in October. I worked even harder than ever. If I don’t work I don’t get paid, I am my own business. It was a very very very hard time. I did not give up! I kept getting up and Doing the best I could.
Claudia Lucio – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I specialize in hair color, updos and makeup. I am known for making beautiful color and makeup.
My business has grown a lot through the years. I am proud of how far I have come along with my clients, build so many great relationships. I never gave up.
My positive personality sets me apart. Clients always tell me how great it is to visit me, how much better they feel when they leave. They could have a bad day and I always make them feel better.
It’s about the experience at my studio.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is about being happy. Having a balance between your family and career so you will never have to choose between the two things you love most.
I want my clients to have a positive experience and feel beautiful.
I want clients to always feel better than what they came in.
Continuing education is a big part of being successful. Keeping up with the latest trends and knowing what will look great on your clients
Pricing:
- Balayage starts at $140
- L’Oréal color starts at $70
- Women haircut with blowdrystyle $65
- Brazilian Blowout starts $250
- Highlights starts at $80
Contact Info:
- Address: 9515 W. Broadway #201 suite 206
Pearland, Tx 77581 - Website: Www.glambyclaudia.com
- Phone: 832-350-6915
- Email: claudia@glambyclaudia.com
- Instagram: Claudialxoxo
- Facebook: Glam By Claudia
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/qTKq/whvcm34tcK
- Other: https://www.styleseat.com/claudialucio?utm_campaign=vanity
Image Credit:
John Sherman photography
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
