Today we’d like to introduce you to Rola Salah.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Two decades ago, I came to America from my home country, Lebanon, having no idea where my life would end up. I had just finished my second year of English Literature, a major I had no interest in as I never enjoyed it as much as I had enjoyed beauty.
Growing up, I was known as the social butterfly by everyone in my small city, Saida. My most prominent feature had to be my hair; I would never leave the house without hairspray in my hair or a hair out of place. I would have to say that my late grandmother was a very prominent aspect in my life since she was the person who introduced me to beauty. She made sure I knew everything there was to know about hair and natural skincare. After marrying the father of my two now teenage daughters, I was brought to this foreign country filled with opportunity and spent my time here alone with absolutely no family around me. I spent years fighting whatever obstacles came in my way. One of these obstacles led me to Houston, Texas where I had my two beautiful baby boys and finally decided to do what I wanted to do and not what someone else told me to do. I saved up enough money and joined Regency Institute, where I earned my cosmetologist license.
After this, I attended two Master classes and earned extra certifications in lash extensions and permanent makeup. From there, Lash Lounge became a second home to me. This specific location was the first in Houston, so I did not think my work would reach as many people as it has. Doing lashes is a very detailed work that requires a perfectionist’s touch. This job allowed me to finally set down my roots and become widely known in Houston. Some of my clients even come from out of Houston just to have me do their lashes! I am finally happy where I am in my life even though life had so many surprises for me like going through two divorces, but instead of letting them affect me, I take them as a goal I must accomplish. I encourage others to do the same and not let anyone dictate your every move or bring you down! Once you know your worth, you will be happy. Take it from what I have gone through, but here I am telling you about it through a magazine article. It did take a while to heed my own advice, but I am finally there and ready for anything.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I have never taken any of my obstacles as struggles, even if they were terrible to deal with. While I was trying to obtain an education in cosmetology, I had to take care for my six children and work part-time in taxes. For five days a week, I would leave to school from seven to five and get back home to prepare a very large meal for the entire family. I had recently had a one-year-old baby boy who was hard to leave, but I knew it had to be done if I wanted him and the rest of my family to have a better life. Also, I wanted to be more financially independent to be stable in life later on. Another big issue I dealt with was not having any family members with me; it was hard finding people to trust in such a big country. However, I still kept in touch with my mom and brother and helped them out financially whenever they needed it.
Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about you and your career so far?
I do not own my own company yet. However, in the future, I do plan on owning my own full-service, day spa where there will be a wide arrangement of services available to anyone wanting any kind of beauty service in one luxurious and comfortable spot. For now, I specialize in lashes (classic and volume lash extensions, lash perms), permanent makeup (eyebrow microblading, eyeliner tattoo, luscious lip tattoo and tattoo removal), and Hyaluron pen injection. My Instagram page (@rola.lashlounge) has given me the ability to make myself more known and recognized in the Houston area.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First and foremost, my family has been a huge help in motivating me to do what I want. My beauty instructor, Mr. Mikko Horttana, was there for me whenever I doubted myself and made sure I accomplished my goals. Both Lisa and Amanda, the owners of The Lash Lounge Memorial Green, gave me the opportunity to start with them and later become their senior stylist.
Contact Info:
- Email: beautybyrola@gmail.com
- Instagram: @rola.lashlounge
- Facebook: Beauty by ROLA
Image Credit:
All photos are taken by me (Rola Salah) and all are my clients.
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