Today we’d like to introduce you to Damaris Macias.
Hi Damaris, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Never in a million years did I imagine I would be here today, a business owner. Me? No way! Look, as someone raised by a hispanic single mom of 3 I was taught to believe, we pick something we are good at, go to college, get a “good” job in corporate America and thats the end of it. As long as it pays the bills, that’s all that matters. And that was exactly what I did. So here I was 8 years later with a B.A in psychology working a 9-5 office job that did not satisfy me (but paid the bills of course) and one day I just couldn’t take it anymore. I hated the routine and I wanted more fulfillment from my work. I wanted more time with my family and to have the flexibility to run my schedule my way.
Out of nowhere came along an opportunity of a lifetime, where I could show the world my creative side. I was already great with people and loved doing makeup for fun because I loved making women feel beautiful. So although I didn’t know much about the beauty industry itself, much less running a business, I did know this much that I was ready to do it at all cost.
Growing up, while my sisters dreamed about becoming moms someday, I dreamed of becoming a businesswoman, an entrepreneur. I wanted to be someone who made a difference in people’s lives. Although at the time I didn’t know exactly how, but like the perfect puzzle, it all started coming together. That very same year I took a lash extension course and signed myself up for esthetician school, all while working full time. Soon after, I started my very own beauty business and I never looked back!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! But I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Just like everything else, being a business owner comes with its ups and downs. I had to give up a lot of family time before I could gain it back. I often felt guilty for working long hours and I made many mistakes along the way (still do) but it’s definitely been worth it! I must say, this path really requires true passion. Many times I felt like giving up but the fire burning inside of me and the love I have for my craft and my clients is what keeps me going. And my family of course because I couldn’t get through the struggles without my support system.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an esthetician/lash extensions artist and educator specializing in natural beauty and preserving the health of the natural lash. My focus is in making my clients feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. A lot of my clients that have started their skincare journey with me have gone from wearing makeup to cover up their imperfections to wearing makeup for self-expression or for special occasions and sometimes go completely barefaced because they now love the skin they are in. Same goes for my lash clients. They come to see me day in and day out because lashes make them feel more beautiful, empowered, fearless, confident (my client’s words, not mine). And that is why I do what I do. I am most proud of the results of happy clients. It is such a humbling feeling that I get to make people smile everyday and that I’ve grown my beauty business with nothing but a pair of tweezers, a facial kit. and a dream.
I thrive in creating a personalized, relaxing and luxurious experience for each one of my clients. I like to take my time to better understand my clients needs and wants so we talk through what they are looking to achieve and it is an honor to do so. The services are done one on one in my private studio spa so they have my complete and undivided attention, which is what they love most!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Mainly a lot more growth. Not just for me but the industry as a whole, which shows no sign of slowing down and this pandemic has really proved it. I was definitely concerned as to what negative impacts this pandemic would have on my business and if it would put me behind but instead, it has continued to grow and I couldn’t be happier. My goal is to have the ability to expand Damaluxebeauty by adding more team members and going beyond just one location, maybe an academy, or even going beyond just beauty; the possibilities are endless and I can’t wait!
Contact Info:
- Email: damaluxebeauty@gmail.com
- Website: https://damaluxebeauty.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: @damaluxebeauty
