Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Nguyen.
Debbie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As long as I could remember, I have always wanted to own my own business in the fashion and/or beauty industry. At a very young age, I was mesmerized with makeup. I would have my mom take me to a department store just so I could watch people apply makeup. I would come home and tear up my mom’s entire makeup collection then pretended that I worked at a makeup counter.
After taking fashion classes in high school, unsure of where I was heading, I continued my education in Fashion Merchandising at HCC then off to Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. While in fashion school and living in NYC the struggle was real. I had a few friends help me get in the beauty and fashion industry while attending school that I will always be grateful for. Well, my dream as a kid, of working at a makeup counter definitely came true. Don’t get me wrong I loved every minute of it. But I knew I wanted to own my own business one day. I was blessed to have opportunities such as makeup gigs part-time while either attending school or working a full-time job.
I also spent many years in fashion production, corporate sales, marketing and retail. I honestly believe every opportunity I’ve been given in my life has molded me to become who I am today. I’ve been able to make a career out of what I love to do and work with the most amazing people in the industry.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Definitely, it has not been a smooth journey. Pink Palette Artists started almost 10 years ago. If you know anyone who has been around me in the last 10 years they would definitely say we have come a long way.
When Pink Palette Artists was found, obviously I was the first and only makeup artist. I knew if I was patient I would eventually find and work with the best of the best. Of course, I did, and we are who we are today.
The biggest struggle would have to be the growing pains. As we define ourselves and continue to grow, there comes more options and directions to choose from. One of our challenges was needing a studio we can call home. A studio turned into a salon and Charlize Alexandra Hair + Makeup Studio was born.
Pink Palette Artists office operates inside Charlize Alexandra Hair + Makeup Studio. It was a very difficult and challenging process but we got through it.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Pink Palette Artists is Houston’s Award Winning Glam Squad made up of Hairstylists and Makeup Artists, specializing in media production, events, and weddings.
In this business, you have to be extremely passionate and love what you do. I have been very fortunate to have met and work aside with some very talented women.
We now have a team of 14 hairstylists and makeup artists. As PPA grew, we needed a home.
We searched for the perfect studio, then the studio became a full-service salon, Charlize Alexandra Hair + Makeup studio was built.
Many people are confused with the two businesses. Many ask, “Why is Pink Palette here but Charlize Alexandra is on the storefront?”
Pink Palette’s main office and headquarters is inside Charlize Alexandra. However, Pink Palette does not offer the same services as Charlize Alexandra. Charlize Alexandra Hair + Makeup studio is a full-service salon with independent hairstylists and estheticians that offer services that Pink Palette does not. For instance, CA offers facials, cut, and color and PPA does not. PPA offers exclusive services to makeup and hairstyling.
Not to be confused, a few of our hairstylists from CA are also on the Pink Palette Team.
I am extremely proud of our team being able to consistently provide quality services to all our clients for their most memorable days.
I am also extremely proud to hang the storefront name after my two daughters, Charlize and Alexandra.
What were you like growing up?
I think I was born a party animal. I love being around people!
I’ve always enjoyed great company and spending time with my friends and family.
I LOVE to dance, not sure if I’m even any good but I never cared. When I was a kid, my parents never put me in dance class, so I made sure I got my dance fix in all day and all night. I made sure Michael Jackson’s Greatest Hits was on repeat.
Nowadays, my dancing is limited to Disney songs with my two little girls but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Till this day, I still love spending as much time as possible with my friends and family. Throwing dinner parties are the best!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pinkpaletteartists.com and www.charlizealexandrastudio.com
- Phone: Pink Palette Artists – 281.236.2360 / Charlize Alexandra – 713. 861.1700
- Email: info@pinkpaletteartists.com / info@charlizealexandrastudio.com
- Instagram: @pinkpaletteartists
- Facebook: Pink Palette Artists
- Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/pinkpalette/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pink-palette-artists-houston?uid=DGnGQlO7m5UfoRNrWcUZMw&utm_source=ashare&ref=yelp-android
Image Credit:
Kimberly Chau Photography
Agape House Photography
Day 7 Photography
Naya R Photography
Motley Ilustrates
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.
