Today we’d like to introduce you to Steph Sanchez
Hi Steph, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well where I do start Lol
I had bad childhood growing up not the best environment but just like everyone else that’s my sad story .
But I knew I didn’t wanna be like my family etc I know I had two choices to be like them or not .
don’t get me wrong I love my family and always will but sometimes ppl are bad for you no matter if their family or friends.
I thought I had to settle and be like my family no big dreams really or any drive to pursue them .
Not saying my family didn’t have dreams but they made excuses and let that get in the way .
I ended up getting pregnant young at 17 a life changing moment can either break you or change you .
My young pregnancy changed me to push me to do better because I had someone to be a good role model for.
Plus I got lucky because my baby father at that time , he became my husband and we been together 19 years but anyways he pushed me and told me I can always do better etc .
I graduated high school and then went to vocational college for medical assistant did that for about 10 years .
Then I got bored and realized that I was replaceable and it doesn’t matter how long you work for some companies in that field you can be let go .
That’s when I had the life changing moment and realization it was time to hustle and come up with something so I could be my own boss .
Then the pandemic happened everything got put on hold and I wanted to help out the community and make a difference so I became emt .
I know it’s crazy but I did it , I was right there working in a normally man’s field but I wanted to help others .
I think I like that the most because it proved we can do anything a man can period .
Like I said previously this was during the pandemic so I was on the frontlines and I was exposed to alot of traumatic stuff and it was too much to watch ppl die and you couldn’t save them .
Then i started practicing my makeup and watching videos and improving with time .
I would always get compliments on how good my makeup looked .
My husband came up to me one day and said why don’t you do makeup .
That’s when NEXTLEVELBEAUTYLLC was born .
I started to take makeup classes
Thru cerlin artistry and Jackie makeup they really helped and mentor me and took my skills to the next level .
Also my sister in law Sandy really gave me that push she does makeup already her business is beauty fly Sandy she very good .
I started practicing on my friends and sister in laws whoever would let me lol .
Then I my professional makeup career started to take off , then I signed up for cosmetology school .
While I was in school started to take more classes like pure beauty lash class and Laura master bridal hair and nu beauty for lips to add more services.
My dream was to be a one pop shop so I wouldn’t have to turn no one away .
I love makeup so much I started my own makeup line Nextlevelbeauty Cosmetic and I offer lip glosses and lipstick and lashes all my products are vegan and started in my kitchen lol
Then I graduated cosmetology school got my license at Victoria cosmetology school they are the best. Mrs Le and Mr Yung and Mrs Lopez .
Then went right back for my barber license.
I started to network and do pop ups to promote my business and my products.
Then I started to get that itch again to make a difference.
I remember how it was growing up not able to get a haircut or makeup done because we couldn’t afford it .
I started doing my free giveaways to help a bride or quince princess for free hair and makeup by me .
But I wanted to help more then I met Jessica jeanz from 97,9 she the sweetest and I started to collab with her and do free events offering free haircuts and more beauty services to give back to my community.
I also wanted to show my kids they can do whatever they put their mind too , that no dream is too big .
I was finally able to open up my own salon it’s off 1960.
Where I offer professional makeup and hair and barber and beauty services.
Too book me you can message me on my instagram nextlevel_beautyllc .
I’m very blessed I couldn’t do this without god and my husband and my kids and close family and friends
That’s how I got where I’m am today and really putting in the work and not quitting.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
To be honest it been a crazy ride
you have to learn that not everyone going to like your work but that’s okay . I really learned how not to take everything so personal because business is business.
I have experience a lot of ups and downs but I just take everything as lesson and try to learn from it and grow .
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I offer professional makeup and Hair services for events .
I also am a licensed cosmetologist and soon barber so I offer hair services like coloring , extensions, braiding , men’s cuts .
I also offer beauty services that I am certified in like facials , teeth whitening, hyaluron lip filler etc
And my makeup line .
Im pretty proud of my makeup line NEXTLEVELBEAUTY COSMETICS and my beauty shop NEXTLEVELBEAUTYLLC .
Im also an educator I teach group or one on classes like lash classes , makeup classes , hyaluron lip pen classes to get more info you can check out my instagram .
I first started working out of my house a lot of late night of doing hair out of one of my rooms that I turned in to a shop and making my makeup out of my kitchen lol
I really feel like confident in my work and because I put my all in my work .
A lot of long nights and sweat and tears but now I’m here .
now I have my own shop and I’m am super grateful for all my clients and family and friends .
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I think alot of my clients and strangers can see how genuine and good hearted I’m am .
Also how I’m am me .
When my clients come I provide a safe place for them , I’m am their therapist, friend , comedian.
We just vibe and have good time and we stay laughing .
My mindset is there enough room for everyone to win and we should be able to support one another .
No hate or shade or no weird energy.
I support all my friends and family and with businesses.
That’s just my mentality.
I love how I can make other ppl feel better about them selves with my hands just doing my talents god gave me .
Also I love when anyone can use my products that are good quality and affordable.
Also I think how I love to give back to my community I love my city Houston !!!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextlevel_beautyllc?igsh=MXN4MjBkYWtzZTlncA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: nextlevelbeautyllc@yahoo.com
