Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Atkinson.
Gina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started off at The Brow Bar in ULTA for a couple of years and then, decided I wanted to go medical with my license. I got certified in Laser Hair Removal and worked at a Med Spa. I got married and life was good. Little did I know, that our lives would change forever. In June 2015, I lost my Grandpa to cancer. In June 2016, my Husband lost his Grandma to cancer and within that same month, I lost my Mom. As you can imagine, we were devastated. I lost my Dad at a young age, so my Mom was the person I’d turn to when I needed advice. She was my everything and my best friend. We went through so much stress and pain. But deep down inside, I knew that God had a plan for me. When New Year’s came around before midnight countdown, in tears, I told my husband that 2017 was going to be OUR YEAR and that we would not have any more illness or death.
Well, I can honestly say we had a blessing in disguise because shortly after my husband got laid off. I KNOW…TALK ABOUT MORE STRESS. However, he did receive a severance package. He told me we should open a business. I thought he was CRAZY and JOKING. Little did I know, that he was serious. He pushed me to believe and be confident in myself. So, I focused on the one thing I knew I was good at… BROWS! I started on Permanent Makeup classes immediately and then booth rented. I named my business Artful Beauty and received my certification in Microblading/Powder Brows and tattoo license shortly after. Thanks to my dear friends and family, I built my portfolio and clientele, not only for permanent makeup but for facials, waxing and lash lifts too. Fast forward to a year and I meet Jacqueline who is now my business partner. I always knew since booth renting that I wanted my own business. So, I asked Jacqueline if she wanted to partner and open a Salon and Spa. Of course, she thought I was crazy but with the help of our husbands, we did it!
Even though I booth rented for a year, I still considered my self as my own business and GIRL BOSS but to officially have my own place is by far rewarding! Luminous Salon and Spa opened June of 2018 but we wanted the concept to be small businesses within a business. We made it into a booth rental/commission salon for stylists. We are located in Conroe, TX off N. Loop 336 W. We cater to all your hair, skin, lash and brow needs.
Even though I’m the co-owner of Luminous, Artful Beauty is still my business name. I count my blessings and thank God for my success. I know that my parents are looking down on me and like to think that somehow they had something to do with all of this. I know they would be proud of me. However, I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for my Husband. He is the #1 reason and I am grateful to have him by my side supporting me 100%.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Oh heck, no! When you start off, you have to hustle. Give discounts, have models, take the perfect pictures, constantly be on social media, purchase all your supplies, products, schedule clients, etc. The list goes on! Being a mom and wife is hard enough, but having your own business is even harder. But to make my clients day whether it’s new brows or luminous skin makes it all worth it in the end. I love what I do and wouldn’t change it for the world.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Artful Beauty – what should we know?
Artful Beauty started in 2017. A combination of Art and Beauty. Art being Permanent Makeup and Beauty for Esthetics; specializing in eyebrow waxing and shaping but also known for Powder Brows. A natural way of tattooing with a specific technique that gives the brows the illusion of makeup. This technique is perfect for anyone who wants a fuller brow or is just tired of filling them in every day. The client can go as natural or have a more defined look. Although I specialize in Brows. I love to do facials as well. A relaxing facial is always a plus! I strive to provide the very best customer service, whether it be perfect brows, relaxing facials or just taking the time to recommend products for your skin care needs, I am always in the best interest for my clients. When a client thanks me for making them look ten years younger or to make them feel sexy again, that lets me know I did my job. But most importantly, when I get referrals from other clients that is when I take pride in my business because that lets me know I’m doing something right.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First and foremost, I have to thank God for all my blessings. My parents who are in heaven watching over me. But my Husband is MY ROCK. He believed in me when I didn’t and pushed me to the point where I just took a leap of faith. My sister and brother who have always given me the best advice. Of course, my business partner, Jacqueline who has motivated me to be even better, have bigger goals and to dream big. As far as a mentor, I’d have to say Leann La with Fuzion Artistry. I’ve won an Ombré/Powder Brow class in December 2018 and I learned so much from her. She taught me advanced techniques to achieve an even more powdery pixilated effect on brows, posture, practice and business advice. She gave me that extra motivation and for that, I am so grateful.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1211 North Loop 336 W.
Suite B1
Conroe, TX 77301 - Website: www.artfulbeauty.skincaretherapy.net
- Phone: 936-777-0723
- Email: artfulbeauty1@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/artfulbeautyspa
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/artfulbeautyspa
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.
