Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Rodriguez.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Maria. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
In July of 2015, I had already been working for an oil and gas company for nine years when the market fell, and layoffs started occurring. I was one of the unlucky ones, but I did not let that stop me. I took a break from the corporate world to pursue my Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Houston-Victoria. Although it was stressful working full time, and school part-time, getting laid off is what pushed me to graduate.
I landed an entry level accounting job in January 2017. I then graduated in May of 2017. I felt so accomplished, but deep down inside I knew I wanted something else.
With the oil & gas market being so unpredictable and everyone being so seemingly dispensable, I knew I needed something that I could fall back on. I have always had a passion for all things beauty, but being a mother and wife I knew I needed a stable job. Accounting became the job to pay the bills, but I knew that the beauty industry is where my heart really was. In dabbling with makeup on myself, or friends, the nagging feeling grew, that told me I needed to get out of accounting and get my esthetics license.
In 2017, I got my eyebrows microbladed, and was not satisfied with my results. I never went back for my touchup, and it’s very difficult to see that I even had them done! This is what began my journey into the hottest trend of MICROBLADING! I was so fascinated with how realistic the strokes looked, and how just a simple eyebrow enhancement could make a person feel more beautiful. Not to mention, all the time you’d save, not having to draw on your brows! As I continued to do more research, the more I became determined that this is what I wanted to do. I decided to take a leap of faith on pursuing my career as a microblading artist, while still working in the corporate world. So by September 2018, I received my Microblading Certification.
By November 2018, I had received my Ombre/Powder/Combination technique certification from the same instructor/mentor. I was so scared, because the classes were not cheap, but at the end of the day I knew in my heart this was it for me, and I was investing in myself. In March 2019, I opened up my studio at Salons by JC. In a span of 3 months, I had received Lash Extension Certification, Lash Lift & Tint Certification, Henna Brow Tint, Threading Certification and Brow Lamination Certification. I am beyond grateful for my instructors, for giving me all that education and continued support. I am happy to announce I am officially enrolled in beauty school to be an Esthetician and will soon be able to provide skincare services!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course not! Nothing in life worth having is going to come easy. But that’s the beauty of it! No matter how long it takes, you can achieve your goals and dreams. Never give up because at the end of the day this is your story and every obstacle is just a chapter everything is temporary. If you can dream about something, and think about it all day… then keep pushing forward! I was working two jobs plus a family at home because I was afraid, and needed job security. I was afraid of leaving my stable job of being a full-time accountant by day, and part-time brow artist at night. I got clients as they booked me, but still nervous because I am still a newbie. With each certification I received, I had friends and family come through to help me build my portfolio. I would say, “Never give up… you are your only obstacle.” Everyone has a gift and potential.
Tinted Artistry Beauty Studio – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Tinted Artistry started off as a specialty salon for brows, but I am slowly adding more services. I have a whole-hearted passion for what I do and I am so happy to be able to make it my life’s work. I plan to own a bigger studio one day, but everything on God’s timing.
I specialize in permanent brows, lash lift & tint, brow tints & threading, lash extensions and brow lamination.
Microblading is a semi-permanent solution to thin, sparse brows and it involves implanting pigment using a special handheld tool. On average lasts 1-1/2 years and a touch up is recommended annually to keep the color and lines crisp and costs down.
Ombre/Powder/Combination brows it involves implanting pigment using a machine and on average can last up to two years depending on your maintenance and lifestyle.
Henna Brows, which is a plant-based, vegan, and cruelty-free tint that can last 10-14 days. It is a great way to play around with shapes and colors before proceeding to something more permanent and great for teenagers.
Brow Lamination in other words brow lift is a perm for your brows as it helps tame, shape and define your brows giving you the illusion of fuller brows…lasts up to 8 weeks. It’s a great alternative to microblading.
I’d like to be known for natural brows, I am always trying to use products that are vegan and cruelty-free. Something that has always stuck with me from my brow instructor is…” The natural look is always best because trends pass, but natural beauty is timeless”- Annalicia. I am eager to start my career as an esthetician, and be able to provide everyone a time to come relax and feel like they can conquer the world when they leave my room. So stay tuned for giveaways and upcoming services. I would have to say my passion for what I do lies in my desire I strive to make everyone feel beautiful. I take my time, and make sure to listen, in order to give my clients exactly the look they are going for.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I would have to say… the times that my faith in the fact that everything will fall into place endured, are some of my favorite moments. I had to remind myself that a master was once a beginner. Taking that leap of faith to start my business, and seeing how much it has grown in a year’s time is such a great feeling… But most importantly, seeing the growth in myself! I’ve always strived to be a role model for my kids… to show them that no matter how old you are, or what obstacles are thrown your way, you just keep pushing forward. They are my “why”… my motivation to keep going.
Contact Info:
- Address: 16742 Southwest Freeway, Suite 21
Sugar Land, TX 77479 - Website: www.vagaro.com/tintedartistry
- Phone: 832-265-1417
- Email: tintedartistry@yahoo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/tintedartistry
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/tintedartistry
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tinted-artistry-sugar-land-2?osq=tinted+artistry
Image Credit:
Maria Rodriguez/Bazaart App
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