Today we’d like to introduce you to Estrella Godinez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My mother realized I was gifted in hair artistry since I was a little girl. I would constantly butcher my dolls hair and had an interest for changing their hair color as well. At age 11, I gave someone a clipper haircut for the very first time and the result was not bad at all. Since then, my interest grew and I became a professional cosmetologist at age 18 and a licensed barber shortly after that. What strengthens my skills in this industry is that I have a background in both professions, barbering and cosmetology, and it provides me with the knowledge and different perspectives that enhances my ability to consult with clients and understand their hair goals. I am where I am today because of my grandmothers inspiring work ethic. I have tried to follow her footsteps and my mothers by modeling their HUSTLE and GRIT! My family has been my motivating factor since day one! I also recognize that I have delivered consistency in quality work, hours worked, excellent customer service, and have prioritized growing my team. As a leader, not only do I get better but so does my team! In 2020, we worked by appointments only in a small suite near downtown Conroe. Who would have thought that two years later, The Barber & Beauty Spot, would turn into a local favorite for many families, cultivating a familial ambiance for our customers, which was the mission from the start!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Any entrepreneur will tell you that any business has its phases. To start, opening up your business takes time and preparation. It took me nine long months for our place to be ready. Imagine the level of patience that requires. However, my faith helped me understand that good things must take time. Secondly, marketing for an entire TEAM of barbers and stylists has been challenging as well. Everyone has their own strengths, talents, and different levels of experience, and I must be highly attentive to that in order to be able to expose those skills to those who are unaware of them. Growing and strengthening the team has been one of the most rewarding things I have done as an entrepreneur. Lastly, barbering has been one of the fastest growing trade jobs in the last years according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, therefore there are plenty of talented barbers all around us which means more competition. Nevertheless, we remain faithful to our vision of promoting unity amongst people and infusing barbering and cosmetology in one space providing families a ONE STOP SHOP for all of their hair necessities.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My mother taught me to be a jack of all trades in the industry, by the way, everything I know is because of her! I am skilled in shaving, styling, haircutting, coloring, facials, waxing, braiding, highlighting, and much more. I am highly passionate for shaving, styling, and cutting as I believe that it takes creativity and methodology to visualize the overall outcome and understand the process towards achieving it. I’ve heard from local baseball moms that the teams may refer to me as “Star the barber girl that can do designs”. It brings me so much joy to know that I was able to make an impact and boost their confidence, especially a team of baseball boys preparing for their World Series tournament one summer. What sets me apart from other professionals in the industry is that I am also a licensed clinical mental health counselor and currently a doctoral student in the Counselor Education program at SHSU. Throughout the years, my barbering career has paid for my college career and I feel very fortunate about that. Our brand is not just any brand, it signifies years of dedication and hard work, education, preparation, and FAITH. What is most important to me for readers to understand is that when customers walk through our doors we are genuinely grateful for it. By you supporting The Barber and Beauty Spot, you’re also supporting other families, and the people in our community, because we impact each other greatly!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I encourage anyone to DREAM BIG but also to never cut corners. The process cannot be rushed. Sometimes we rush to get to our goals but the truth is that we learn so much in the journey towards achieving our goals, and omitting steps or rules will only set you back further. Learn to embrace the way and before you know it, you will be asked to share your story!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thebarberandbeautyspotllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebarberandbeautyspotllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Barber-and-Beauty-Spot-100083378430697/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebarber.and.beautyspot
Image Credits
Instagram: @itsmayraphoto (team picture and individual shots)
Instagram: @jovafilm (Halloween 2023 community event)
Instagram: @_dreams.photography (ribbon cutting ceremony)
