Today we’d like to introduce to you Christi Banda.
Christi, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up my family had deep entrepreneur roots back home. My love for beauty only got stronger as I got older, in high school I styled many clients, curled many heads and enhanced many brows to pay for senior dues but most importantly my dress. When I was dolled up, I always felt my best. This exact feeling is what I was able to provide at a young age for many of my peers. Soon after graduating high school I needed emergency surgery and my mom was crushed. My surgery opened my eyes to the true importance of my life, health and sacrifice my parents had made for us. I couldn’t take any of it for granted I’m a proud second generation Mexican-American. I grew up seeing my mom work tirelessly and my dad working late hours. I took charge of the things I could control; my health, my future and my attitude. Many weren’t aware of the struggles my family and I had. At times defeat and depression tried to take over but I’m thankful for the knowledge I acquired through many self-help books, improved lifestyle and surrounding myself with the right people. It was always a reminder that I was where I needed to be. I had faith we could overcome adversity and only focusing on the possibilities instead of what we lacked even though while in school I lost my DACA. I was determined so I picked up assisting and styling jobs, my hustle never stopped, but I knew I had to finish school. Meeting, traveling and working for the idle rich at a young age was a whole new world for me. I absolutely loved it. Fast forward to graduating in cosmetology which later lead to aesthetics. My faith has carried me through so much. It was always a dream to have my own salon be a girl boss and help women not only look better but feel their best.
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?
When I realized that people treat you according to how they see themselves rather than how you really are, you’re less likely to be affected by their behavior. Early in my career I experienced the misfortune of an awful educator who would laugh and mock my dream of driving my dream car and owning my own salon (which I own both now) & racially profiled at a BTS fashion show. Awkward and unpleasant moments gave me the opportunity to grow and changed some minds by simply being myself. I’m so grateful for my praying mother. I officially have my own brick and mortar in Humble, Texas. Located inside the most beautiful facility in Humble we are female owned and operated. Betting on myself even on the dark days, was the best thing I could’ve done. Having clients grow with me since my days of doing hair from home to now means the world to me. Sparkle Positivity was built from the bricks thrown. SP is the home of self-care and self-love, no matter your gender, age or nationality. It’s all love at Sparkle Positivity. I prayed for this and I feel beyond blessed this is my FIRST salon before my 30th. Whether it’s cosmetic, beauty or self-care it’s all done with love. I’ve had women try to sabotage amazing work contracts and lies said about myself, my brand. I don’t worry about any of it, I work from a place of integrity, honesty and love. Success is never an easy road, many of my friends say that I’ve made it but I’m only getting started. I love people I love to help bring back that confidence to see a woman go from feeling frumpy to feeling coquette is uh-mazing! Those moments allow me to connect with my clients through my gift and love for beauty. Faith and perseverance have taught me to never stop moving forward. Even if you slow down, don’t quit and never give up. My client’s time with me is also a therapy hour they use to confide in me. Communication is the key and in the end we always talk about the better days ahead because when you give someone hope you give them light. Providing my clients their best hair and brows is truly my calling. I’m slowly turning all my negatives into positives, it has proven to me that it’s all in my mind. Now that I am in a position to give back to my community, during prom season we donate dresses, hair styling and glam for selected girls. I know what high school was like for me and helping them get glam is just in my fabulous nature. We laugh, share stories, have a few tears and off to prom they go! It’s a beautiful experience to take away a worry and bring a smile to their face. I have great clients, an amazing family and my husband is always there to give me the extra nudge like “Hey, you can do it!”. Sometimes that’s all I need.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I remember being in Acapulco, MX on the shore with my grandmother. My uncle fished, she cooked – as the sun went down the breeze was cool and fish caldo would hit the spot. We were poor, but rich where it mattered. Growing up in Houston I attended Wharton Elementary where I vividly remember giving free haircuts on the playground. THE day before picture day my girlfriends had the best pixie bangs, even if their moms didn’t approve. We laughed and were so happy. I’m born a twin, my sister didn’t make it but she’s always with me. Hearts show up for me in the most random places even when I travel. My heart is full knowing that we were always rich where it mattered most.
Contact Info:
- Website: selfcarehtx.com
- Phone: 832-560-6547
- Email: christi@selfcarehtx.com
- Instagram: sparklepositivity
- Facebook: @sparklepositivity
Image Credit:
Erik Alexander B.
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.
