Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Cardenas.
Hi Taylor, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey in regard to entrepreneurship began during the Covid-19 shutdown. I was an educator at the time and it was beyond stressful. I really started to question my decision to continue in that field of work or whether I desired a career change. Next was determining what my true passions were and what I felt would make me happiest pursuing.
Throughout college, I worked in the beauty industry as a receptionist for various companies and really appreciated the trade watching individuals walking out of the salon feeling their best. The environment was fun, fast-paced, never boring, and I knew making this decision that I already had the customer service experience. What peaked my interest the most was lashes, as I was starting to see a trend among my peer groups.
I immediately started doing research on becoming a lash artist and understood the State of Texas requires a lash license, esthetician license, or cosmetology license in order to provide this particular service. The more I delved into the idea, I knew it was something I could make a future doing while loving what I did in return. I was able to find a program that offered night classes and I started working on making my dream become a reality. In the meantime, I continued to teach during the day while taking classes at night. I completed the program in a year, graduated, and my brand, “Behold Beauty Esthetics” was born.
Initially, I started to lash part-time on the weekends at Wicked Esthetics in Friendswood. June of 2022, I transitioned into becoming a full-time lash artist and so far, have zero regrets; soaking it all up, loving this new chapter!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It most definitely has not been a smooth road, but I accepted and conquered every challenge necessary in order to take the proper steps to help minimize any major issues. I did my due diligence, researched different programs, completed exams as soon as possible, and started interviewing for positions immediately following obtaining my license. I prayed on it, stayed positive, and kept an open mind during the whole process. However, I struggled with the decision to dive in head first, work for myself, or to gain experience and work under someone.
Yes, I was a graduate, but I had zero experience due to the programs being primarily geared towards preparing you for state board exams. Therefore, I made the decision that working at a studio first would be best. The really cool thing about where I work, Wicked Esthetics, is that I get to promote my own brand and create my own schedule while perfecting my technique. The owner of the studio, Wednesday Wood, has taken me under her wing and taught me the ropes; she has been a true blessing and I am forever grateful.
Unfortunately, this industry can be very cut-throat and some people hesitate to share helpful advice, tips or hacks; that hasn’t been the case with Wicked Esthetics. I love the women I work with who have all welcomed me with open arms and who have been extremely helpful. It’s a great working environment and just an overall a fantastic vibe.
Halfway through my esthetics program, I discovered I was pregnant with my daughter, Isla Marie. This only further inspired me to push through and I was able to graduate when I was 7 months pregnant, taking my written exam at 8 months. My daughter became my most important motivating factor to finish! I modified my plans accordingly, but I truly believe everything happens for a reason. She’s the best thing to ever happen to me and I pray to be the example she follows when she decides what she wants to do with her future.
As you know, we’re big fans of Behold Beauty Esthetics. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am an esthetician who specializes in eyelash extensions, lash lifts, last tints, eyebrow laminations, eyebrow tints, and eyebrow waxing. I’m best known for my full set “Natural” eyelash extensions. I am most proud of the risky decision to walk away from “corporate” America. I am a very calculated woman, who seeks structure, and I like to weigh my pros and cons; however, that can translate into fear and hindrance. I decided to take a chance, bet on myself, and walk away from a stable income. What sets me apart from other businesses is my compassion for others. The reason I enjoy my job so much is because I get to help others enhance their natural beauty. I am very personable with my clients and make sure I understand exactly what they are wanting and I try my best to achieve their vision. At the end of the day, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I personally never had a mentor, but I did ask multiple people in my area whose work I admired if I could shadow. Unfortunately, the timing never worked out. I recently attended a networking event called “Lash Bash”, hosted in Utah, where I got to meet likewise colleagues, foster new friendships, took home a ton of products to review, and it was my first event where I got to share my brand.
I feel it’s super important to be a part of your community and to meet new people in your industry; you never know what opportunities may be presented.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vagaro.com/wickedesthetics/book-now
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beholdbeautyesthetics/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Behold-Beauty-Esthetics-112109471377101/
Image Credits
Marisa Morales
