Today we’d like to introduce you to Dionna James.
Dionna, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Barbara Elizabeth Beauty has a lot of history behind it. I created the name of the company when I was 12 years old (long before I knew I would have a business lol). I named the company after my grandmothers. Barbara is my maternal grandmother’s name and she was a beautician. Elizabeth is my paternal grandmother’s middle name and she was a musician. Although I didn’t have an opportunity to meet these women I always wanted to honor the amazing legacy they left. Which is how I created the name Barbara Elizabeth Beauty. At an early age, I discovered my passion for the beauty industry; I would spend countless hours on Saturday mornings at the beauty shop while my mom got her hair done. I was amazed by the styles the beauticians would create, I would run home and mimic them on my dolls. From the roller set to perfectly manicured nails and red lipstick, I wanted to master all of it. My interest in makeup sparked a few years ago and I enrolled in Touch Makeup Academy in Downtown Houston. After attending makeup school, I finally decided to registered my business in 2017.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not at all been a smooth road, but I’ve consistently persistent over the years. After High School, I had my mind made up that I would go to college and then cosmetology school. Life didn’t quite work out that way. I graduated college and started teaching. I told myself I was still going to cosmetology school, but instead I went to grad school and got a Masters in Counseling. During that time my makeup interest really sparked and I was able to attend Touch Makeup Academy in Downtown Houston. Its a constant challenge balancing my schedule as a teacher with my business schedule, but I love what I do.
Barbara Elizabeth Beauty – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Barbara Elizabeth is not just about hair and makeup, it’s about capturing each woman’s true essence, bringing who she is on the inside out. My goal is for each of my clients to walk out feeling fierce, bold and confident after receiving the Barbara Elizabeth experience; Whether heading to work, a night out on the town, or preparing to be the most beautiful bride in the world. I pride myself on my great customer service skills. I have a mobile business so I’m constantly traveling in and out of my client’s homes, giving them each personalized service in the comfort of their own home. I’ve had some amazing experiences and opportunities, I have had the opportunity to do hair and makeup for ABC 13, Good Morning America, Superbowl 51, Great Day Houston, Weddings, Proms, Photoshoots and more.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Although I’ve had some amazing opportunities, my success is definitely not measured by the number of likes of followers on social media. Or by the amount of money I make, My success is measured by the smiles of satisfaction and the undeniable confidence that I see on my clients face after receiving The Complete Beauty Experience. I constantly am looking for ways to grow and improve to stay abreast on the different makeup and hair looks, styles, techniques and trends.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 713-530-7260
- Email: barbaraelizabethbeauty@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/barbaraelizabethbeauty
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/barbaraelizabethbeauty
- Other: barbaraelizabethbeauty.mayvenn.com
Image Credit:
Renaissance Photography
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