Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Martinez.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Julie. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
My journey started off in the medical field – 15 years ago! One day, I was browsing Instagram and came across a before and after photo of eyelash extensions. I was so intrigued. How did it work and how could I get them done myself? After thorough research, I found a reliable lash artist and starting going to regular appointments.
Soon, I became determined to learn to do eyelash extensions myself – only part-time of course – as a source of extra income for my family. As a struggling mother of four, never did I ever imagine it was something that I would eventually quit my job for in order to pursue full-time. I found a school near my home that was affordable and would only require me to complete 300 hours. Given these circumstances, I was convinced this was something I could manage to make a reality.
A year into working my full-time job, and doing lashes on the side, I realized the money I was making part-time from lashes was beginning to rival the income I made working full-time job. In 2015, with the help of a close friend with a large following in the beauty industry, I was able to quit my job and pursue eyelash extensions full-time.
As someone who had only ever worked in the medical field her whole life, this was an extremely large (and scary) leap of faith for me, but I mustered up the courage and decided to follow my heart. After all, if all else failed, I had my extensive experience and certifications in the medical field, and I knew I could always fall back on that. It was also reassuring to know that the cardiologists I was leaving assured me that if it didn’t work out, I still had a position there if ever I needed to come back.
Months into my eyelash career, I was in the middle of an appointment with an established client who flew down from Croatia to visit a college friend and also get her lashes done with me. She introduced me to the beautiful art of microblading, a technique that was booming in Croatia at the time but had been unheard of in the United States.
I began to save up my money to fly out to Serbia to take a class with the renowned European inventor of microblading when he announced he was coming to the United States. Thus, I became one of the first students in the U.S. to take a class. Four months after the class, my constant practice and dedication earned me a certification in microblading and a spot as the 2nd to be certified in Texas.
Has it been a smooth road?
At the time I learned the microblading technique, it was just introduced to the United States and business was booming (thankfully). Long nights and a lot of time away from my children was one of the most difficult parts. Not only that but I was literally a one-woman band, and I found myself lacking the necessary skills to run a business.
Most days, I found myself overwhelmed and barely managing to keep up. I didn’t realize it would be so hard working for yourself and – more times than I’d like to admit – I wished I could just return to my 9-5 and be done for the day. I can confidently say I’ve gained a whole new respect for anyone running their own business.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Modish Artistry – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We specialize in microblading, but we are constantly seeking to learn new services in order to accommodate and reach all types of clients – male, female or otherwise!
Some of our other services include other semi-permanent makeup techniques like Stardust eyeliner, Ombré lips (lip blushing), teeth whitening, eyelash extensions, SkinPen, custom brow waxing and tinting, tattoo removals and corrections, microblading training and scalp micropigmentation.
One thing that would benefit potential clients to know is that we’ve been doing our job since 2015 as the 2nd PhiBrows certified in Texas and we’re damn good at it! We strive to only bring you the best products, collaborate with top artists to host trainings at our salon and always invest in further education with the best trainers in our industry.
What I’m most proud of is being able to share this business with my family. My husband – who was once my passionate student – has earned a vital role as my business partner.
My daughter works the front desk and takes care of all our clients before they even walk through the door and is actually the one writing out this interview right now (hello). This business has become very important to me as it is something I can pass on to my children in the future.
Pricing:
- Three different microblading techniques
- Prices start at $300+ (not including the follow-up visit)
Contact Info:
- Address: 216 S Tyler St, Dallas, TX 75280
- Website: www.vagaro.com/modishartistry
- Phone: 214-403-4075
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas 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.
