Today we’d like to introduce you to Pearl Gonzalez.
Hi Pearl, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started cosmetology school at 24, which seemed later than most. I had two small children at the time and knew I wanted to be a full-time mother and a full-time hairstylist. Which I needed to figure out how to balance both. It took 5 years, 3 separate apprenticeships, 40-50 hr. work weeks, and a lot of learning and personal growth to finally take the leap and understand I needed to become an independent business owner/ hairstylist. Not only was it scary, due to the unknown, but I also had a lot of responsibilities… along with my dreams. I’m going on 10 years in August, as a small business owner/hairstylist. When I chose to “risk it all”, I had no prior business experience, I had no strong financial standing and the only thing I knew was I had outgrown the corporate salon world. When people say, it doesn’t take a lot of money to start a business…it’s true, but when you do not have a lot of money it can seem like you’re risking it all on something that might not even have a financial return. Thank God, Bombshell Locks Studio is still thriving & I wake up every morning happy to go to work. I have been very lucky with the clients I have gained and I really view them as family. 3 months ago, I decided to pursue my second venture, which is Photography. Being a mother, you want to capture every moment. Which lead me to think, why not capture someone else’s millstones, love, achievements, birthdays, or corporate/business title changes with personal branding photos? There came the creation of “Green Aura Photography”. Why Green aura as the name? Green Aura is associated with the heart chakra and describes love for yourself and others, compassion, and forgiveness. All things that represent my own personal journey. So far, I have created a balance between home life, work-life, Photography life… which all equal up to what I consider the good life. As long as you do something you enjoy…it doesn’t ever feel like work.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The only obstacles were me, myself, and I. It’s very easy to compare yourself, it’s very easy to not believe in yourself. It’s very easy to doubt yourself. Sometimes critics aren’t needed when you are your own toughest critic.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a licensed hairstylist who specializes in hair extensions, such as hand-tied wefts, microbeads, tape-in, fusion and I’m also a master colorist. I have 15 years experience doing extensions and 12 years experience as a colorist. I’m also a photographer. I enjoy capturing anyone who is wanting to remember a moment in time and create a forever memory. My favorite time to capture moments are: sunsets!
As a hairstylist, my main priority is the integrity of someone’s hair. When someone sits in my chair, I’m honest and we are a team working together to create the desired look the healthiest way possible.
As a photographer, my main goal is to have people feel their most comfortable in front of the camera and just be themselves. Which always results in something beautiful.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Trust yourself, believe that if you have an idea, you can achieve it. The worst thing that can happen is you will return to the place you were before, but with more knowledge to try again. Never think your dreams are too big or not reachable and have patience and understanding with yourself.
Also, pick your person/people who are on your team, the people who are there to lift you up when you feel yourself falling, the ones who really believe in you when you doubt yourself. Those are the people who will unknowingly help you succeed and achieve your goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.greenauraphotography.com and www.bombshelllocksstudios.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/green_aura_photography?utm_medium=copy_link
- Facebook: Dfw/Bombshell locks studio & green aura photography
- Other: https://instagram.com/bombshelllockshairextensions?utm_medium=copy_link
