Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Nguyen.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It’s extremely crazy and out of this world to sit back and really think about how I started. A friend of mine always jokes and says, all I had was a blending brush and a dream. He was purely joking but in some ways, it’s kind of true. I’ve had any and every job possible. I have tried to even become someone I’m not just to please others and/or convince myself of what was good for me. I love fashion and beauty, and I always have.
I pursued my love for fashion and beauty at the Fashion Institute in New York City. I’ve had friends help me, taught me, trained me to help get me through the door that Ill be forever grateful for.
I worked for different makeup companies and makeup counters. I knew one day, I wanted to own my own business but like anyone would be, I was scared of the unknown.
I was scared of the risks. Would anyone take me seriously? Needless to say, I went for it.
I started Pink Palette Artists in 2008 and I was the only artist of course. Then, came 2, then 4, and now, 16 artists and stylists. We are separated into a hair team and makeup team. Since our last interview with VoyageHouston, we open our new studio. We now have 2 operations in Houston. Our first studio is our full service salon in the Heights called Charlize Alexandra Hair and Makeup Studio. Our newest studio is the brick-and-mortar of Pink Palette Artists called Pink Palette Studio for special event hair and makeup on Northwest Freeway.
The new studio is also served as a small event space as well. Our artists and stylists work out of both studios by appointment only.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has absolutely NOT been a smooth road. The growing pains, the business stress, and the workload are all factors of being a business owner. The daily struggles I call it, completely normal. A struggle of mine that I would like to share is very simple, it’s called “Life”. Balancing life is the hardest, and at the same time, the most rewarding factor. Some call it, a daily struggle as well but it’s one factor that has to be worked on, practiced, then finally mastered. I’m a wife, a mother of two, and a business owner. People might think I’m a work-a-holic but what they may not know is I have a lot of friends and family, like a whole lot, LOL. I love spending time with my friends and family every chance I get. I wouldn’t trade my life for the world!
The question I had for a long time was, “ How do I succeed at everything at the same time?” I had a very special client of mine told me once, “Debbie just do it and don’t think about it, just do it. You can do anything you set your heart to do.” In the last few years, those words have meant everything to me. The juggling and switching gears hour by hour has been difficult but much more manageable when you just go for it. With the support of my loving husband, family, friends, and co-workers, I feel like the luckiest girl I the world. Not to say I have mastered it or ever will, but it’ll be my challenge of a lifetime. And, I choose to accept it in all aspects.
We’d love to hear more about Pink Palette Artists/Charlize Alexandra Hair and Makeup Studio.
I am the owner/operator of Charlize Alexandra Hair + Makeup studio as well as, the owner/operator + a Makeup Artist for Pink Palette Artists.
Charlize Alexandra Hair+ Makeup studio is a full-service salon with independent hairstylists and estheticians. Pink Palette Artists is Houston’s Award Winning Glam Squad made up of Hairstylists and Makeup Artists, specializing in media production, events, and weddings.
I spend a lot of my time running the businesses but I continue to hold a brush in my hand every day. Makeup artistry is my first love and always will be.
We are able to set ourself apart from others with our continuous interaction with clients, our ability to deliver the most beautiful and creative looks consistently, not to mention the love for what we do, and the ability to work as a team.
I am so proud to work beside the most talented and incredible men and women in Houston.
We are blessed to have incredible artists from both companies. They consistently and professionally keep our reputation growing every year. I am so proud to be part of such a talented team I also call family.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
I agree there is so much focus on the struggles for us. I want my daughters to be aware of what is possible. Many people I’m sure to have their negative and positive views on social media. It’s not all great but it’s definitely not all bad either. It amazes me to see what social media has created for the voice of women.
Look at social media today and in every direction, we see women doing magnificent things!
We have the opportunity to create powerfully and share that with the world. The world moves forward and shows younger women that they are absolutely unlimited in their power to do the same and more! I get excited about what’s possible and in store for the future! 🙂
Contact Info:
- Address: Charlize Alexandra Hair and Makeup Studio
3219 Houston Ave.
Houston, TX 77009Pink Palette Artists
14300 Northwest Fwy. Suite A2
Houston, TX 77040 - Website: www.charlizealexandrastudio.com www.pinkpaletteartists.com
- Phone: Pink Palette Artists 281. 236.2360/ Charlize Alexandra 713.861.1700
- Email: info@charlizealexandrastudio.com info@pinkpaletteartists.com
- Instagram: @pinkpaletteartists
- Facebook: Pink Palette Artists / Charlize Alexandra Hair and Makeup Studio
Image Credit:
Loan Le Photography, June Le Photography, Agape House Photography, BlackFrame Photography, You Kai Creations Photography
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.
