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An Inspired Chat with Nicole Shelton & Ashlyn Shelton & Allysa Shelton of Willowbrook Mall

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Nicole Shelton & Ashlyn Shelton & Allysa Shelton. Check out our conversation below.

Nicole & Ashlyn & Allysa, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
We think one of the biggest misconceptions about our business is that we are just another place to get makeup done. At Glam Life Beauty Bar, we specialize in full face makeovers that are completely customized to each client. We do not create cookie-cutter looks. Every makeover is focused on enhancing natural beauty, building confidence, and giving our clients a luxury experience whether it is for a big event or simply a day they want to feel their best.

We also offer high-quality products, both individually and in bundles, so our clients can take a piece of the Glam Life experience home with them. For us, it is not just about makeup application. It is about teaching, providing the right tools, and making beauty approachable for every woman who walks through our doors.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
We’re a mother–daughter team and the proud owners of Glam Life Beauty Bar, a Black-owned beauty bar inside of the Willowbrook Mall in Houston, Texas. We specialize in full face makeovers, one-on-one makeup classes, and offer our own line of products so clients and customers can take the glam home. What makes us special is that we’re not just providing makeup services, we’re creating an empowering experience where women feel beautiful, confident, and celebrated.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
Our parents have definitely taught us the most about work. They have both been business owners since their early twenties, so we grew up watching them build and run their own companies. Seeing their drive, consistency, and sacrifices gave us a front row seat to what it really takes to be successful entrepreneurs. They showed us that hard work, resilience, and believing in yourself are non-negotiables, and those lessons are a huge part of why we’re able to do what we do today with Glam Life Beauty Bar.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
No, we have never truly felt like giving up. Of course, as business owners, there are times when things get rough and overwhelming, but for us, quitting has never been an option. We remind ourselves why we started and the bigger vision we have for Glam Life Beauty Bar. In those moments, we lean on each other, encourage one another, and keep moving forward. Having the support of family in this journey makes all the difference. Every challenge we face ends up teaching us something valuable, and instead of stopping us, it fuels us to grow stronger and keep building the brand we believe in.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value we protect at all costs is authenticity. As a mother–daughter, Black-owned beauty bar, we are proud of who we are and the community we represent. We stay true to our vision of making every woman feel confident and celebrated, no matter her background. We protect the culture of family, empowerment, and excellence in everything we do, from the way we treat our clients to the way we run our business. That authenticity is what keeps our brand real and relatable, and it’s something we will never compromise.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Definitely what we were born to do. Beauty has always been a passion for us, and creating Glam Life Beauty Bar gave us the chance to turn that passion into something bigger than ourselves. We love that we get to use our creativity to inspire confidence in others. This business feels like our true calling, not something we were told to do.

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