Conversations with the Inspiring Laura Laureles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Laureles.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Like most stylist, I grew up playing with hair and loved all things beauty. I had tons of Barbie dolls I would wash, style and cut. My mom likes to tell everyone how we were always running out of shampoo and she couldn’t figure out why, until she saw me washing all my Barbie’s hair. As I got older, I would style hair for friends and family if they had events or parties. Makeup wasn’t a big part of my life until I got older and was allowed to wear it; more so when I got hired at Dillard’s working for Estee Lauder. I always knew I wanted to be in the beauty industry, I started my formal training at the Aveda Institute, after going for ‘a tour’ I signed up before I left. I finished my training at the Paul Mitchell School. I had, and still have a full-time job, so for me, it was not a fit to work in a salon immediately. I started out as a kitchen beautician’ and doing hair/makeup for special events and weddings with fellow stylists whenever I got the opportunity. Working for family gave me the flexibility to think bigger, and I finally decided to open my salon suite. I love having my own space and being able to make a schedule that fits my life and my client’s lives as well.

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?
It’s definitely not easy trying to make it while having a full-time job and a family. I have my moments of feeling like I’m missing out on family time or had to turn away a job to make time for family. There is also being a solo artist, that it is all on me to make it. Finding and keeping clients and staying on top of the ever growing trends. It’s all a balancing act, deciding what to prioritize and having a great support system has been my biggest blessing. They are always pushing me to follow my dreams and giving me ideas to grow. My advice for other women creates a strong support system. It can be a large or small group, the main thing is that they believe in you. They are the people that are going to be there to let you know it is okay to follow your passion.

What should we know about Shear Beauty by Laura? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a full-service salon. Cuts, color, balayage, traditional highlights, etc. and makeup. I also do on location hair and makeup for weddings/special events, fashion shows and photo shoots in Houston and the surrounding areas. I will also be adding lash extensions to my list of services in late January. I love all aspects of the beauty industry but my favorites are weddings, fashion shows, and photo shoots. It is always go, go, go, I don’t even realize what time it is or if I’ve eaten.

It has made a huge impact on my self-esteem and my work. I always say yes! I take advantage of all the opportunities that come my way.

Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
The only advice I can give is to keep on keeping on. Keep following your dreams, always say yes and always be prepared. Surround yourself with like-minded people that lift one another up and are as ambitious as you are. I have many mentors on social media, that motivate me to keep honing my skills and work/life balance. Networking in your community is also very important. I will admit I am not the best when it comes to meeting new people, but this is something I have been working diligently on the past year and am finding the more you do it, the easier it becomes.

Pricing:

• Hair & Makeup (Special event) – $140
• Basic Color – $80+
• Brazilian Blowout – $200+
• Haircuts – $60
• Eyelash Extensions – coming soon!

Contact Info:

• Address: Inside Uptown Salons – Royal Oaks
  12350 Westheimer Rd
  Ste. H ~ Rm. 119
  Houston, TX 77077
• Website: ShearBeautyByLaura.com
• Phone: 832-844-6821
• Email: shearbeautybylaura@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shearbeautybylaura/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShearBeautyByLaura/

Image Credit:
Frank Salas Reflections, Neue Creative, Bridget Heredia Photo

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