Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Marie Compian.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Let’s start from the beginning. As a child, they would always say I had the gift of gab, you know the type that could sell ice to an Eskimo! Witty, outlandish, mischievous, with an imagination five times my size. Albeit those qualities didn’t always keep me out of trouble as an adolescent it would birth the resilient, determined, innovative entrepreneur I’d become. The road was not always smooth but it was necessary. Life has its way of humbling you to say the least. My teenage years were wild like most, I’ve always been an “over doer” even in the worst ways sometimes. Everything you shouldn’t do I did, and I did it twice. We’ll skip the gory details and fast forward a bit. Here we are, I’m 20 years old, at the lowest point I’d ever been, with nothing to my name except the courage to change the things I didn’t like and the WILL to see a change thru. I sobered up in all the best ways. Then one day I was like, I’m going to beauty school. I had no idea how to join though. I remember calling and visiting the college campus constantly until the RIGHT person would take the time to answer my questions and help me get enrolled, and I did. Wow, college was a blast!! I completed the 12-month program in 10, I had my goals set and knew exactly what I was working towards. A first-generation college graduate, I couldn’t wait to start putting my degree to work honey. I started branding myself immediately, it’s crazy to think back before the wave of social media and Instagram. I literally remember printing flyers and putting them in car windows. Good times. I worked at a local chain salon then on to be an independent contractor. This part of my life includes a LOT of hard work and dedication. You know I’m a big believer in the power of manifestation, law of attraction, having an attitude of gratitude.. NEVER giving up. The universe will fall in love with a stubborn heart you know. I think its important to note here, there was never really a “start” I’d call it more of an evolution of sorts. Like Mario Brothers each level increases in difficulty, but everything you’ve learned from the previous helps set up for the next, and sometimes you suck and you fail but you fail FORWARD. Because when you restart again you’re not starting from scratch but from experience! I can honestly say now I welcome that feeling of vulnerability. I know there’s great things on the other side. I call that character building times. What happens next changed my life in the best ways!!
I was 23 years old… when the first opportunity of a lifetime fell in my lap. I’m going to be a salon owner NOW?? As easy as the sun rises, the winds of change blew in my direction and when the dust settled, All Dolled Up was born.
I hit the ground running!! Always delivering quality work and excellent customer service. Full transparency it sounds like a breeze now, but I was scared at every tipping point in my life. Scared to graduate, scared to leave a stable job, scared to start my own business.. but ill tell you what when you are scared THAT is when you have the most room for growth.. and growth is so beautiful. I owe a lot of my success to being scared and hungry.
Personally, I’ve done a lot and had a lot of honors along the way. All of which I catalogue on my social media platform, I’m @DuchessOfTheDolls on Instagram, there you can see all my day to day and even look back from the beginning. From philanthropy, beauty, fashion to traveling all over the United States as a brand ambassador for a global company I partner with. TODAY, All Dolled Up is now seven years strong! I’ve grown a ton too over the years from the budding entrepreneur to a seasoned doll boss!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely no smooth roads, but when it’s for you, no terrain can stop you. It’s the ying and yang of life. The lows exist only to compliment the highs. Struggles build character and keep me humble. Trust me I can get cocky as they come so a good “knock me down to size” now and then is cool. How’s the saying go rough seas build strong captains.
To the challenges, I say this. Something I learned early on is that everyone will say it can’t be done… until it’s done. Do it. Every shortcoming or adversity you run into can literally set you up for your next blessing. Sometimes you’re the bug and sometimes you’re the windshield.. how you handle both determine your success in the face of adversity. I learned to look at the storms with excitement, I literally talk to God, like ok God teach me what I need to learn so we can get on to the GREAT. Without fail, he did, every. single. time.
Listen I’m an avid reader and one of my favorites is “The Four Agreements” I’ve learned so much about dealing with obstacles in that book, so I don’t take things too personally. I get in and get out focusing on the bright side and even if things are falling apart I don’t let it shake the core of who I am as a person. With or without anything extra in life, I will be ok. So I call it all joy.
All Dolled Up – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
All Dolled Up is more then a phrase, more then a salon, it’s an emotion, a state of being. All Dolled Up is founded on three key values. CULTURE. CREATIVITY. CHARM.
Truthfully were humans. Our humanity and willingness to be just that is one of the proudest traits we have. It’s our CHARM, each artist is true in the fact that sometimes we don’t have it all together. Were not perfect, but we give our absolute best to each client, every time. I work with some of the most talented amazing artists DAILY.
As a collective we’re strong together, although were all independent business owners we collaborate rather than compete. In turn it creates an environment for beautiful things to come to fruition. It’s the CULTURE. The stylists that work with All Dolled Up, at their core, are good positive powerful kind people.
We specialize in CREATIVITY, all things beauty. Coloring, Cutting, Makeup, Special Events, Weddings, Quinceneras, Anniversaries, FX Makeup, we create trends and are probably most known for our Platinum Dolls, beauty services for weddings, creative coloring and balayage. Our transformations are next level. Don’t take my word for it, follow our artists on social media and see for yourselves!!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
You know doll, location is extremely important. But in today’s day and age with the power of the internet and social media I’d say, create your own market, establish your own area, and live the life you want. Texas most defiantly is a business-friendly state with a thriving atmosphere and room for everyone to have stake in the game.
I see things only getting better and better for those who choose to put in the work and make it happen. Houston itself is the mecca for startup ecosystems, everything is bigger in Texas, including the opportunities!! With a spirit of perseverance, all things are possible.
Contact Info:
- Address: All Dolled Up
2504 West Loop
El Campo, TX 77437 - Website: AllDolledUp.PRO
- Phone: 979-543-1116
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Jamey Escamilla
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
