Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanel Lopez.
Hi Chanel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Ever since I was a kid, I was totally in love with tattoos! I started slowly being introduced to the tattoo industry since 2010. Beauty, on the other hand, was always in my blood; being a tomboy growing up, it took me a while to indulge in my skills beauty-wise. I guess that’s why I stick to natural looks. Eventually, I wanted to get out of the 9-5 life and be able to build my own schedule and business. My daughter was growing up, and momma needed flexibility, freedom, and financial security! I started by doing event hair and makeup on the side and eventually went to beauty school to pursue my cosmetology license. Trained for microblading, and once I found out it was tattooing eyebrows, I was hooked! I opened my shop in 2017 to have a space to help other girls change their life from dull to bright with sharing everything I learned throughout the years of transitioning myself from an office job to becoming my own boss and having more control of my life! Today, me and the Swag Krew have helped over 100 students and over 3,000 clients; I get to travel outside of Texas to train, speak and provide my service.
We are even in the process of opening a second location in Red Oak, Texas!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been easy. When I was getting started, I would struggle with wanting to quit my day job and pursue my dreams full-time. Something was telling me to go for it, but knowing bills need to be paid, and it’s not like you have a nest egg to fall back on, was scary. I would literally have tears going to work because I just knew that I was not supposed to be spending my time there. It wasn’t until my daughter’s father passed away and I took a bereavement did I realize life is too short scared money don’t make no money. I had to do something different to make it happen. Let’s just say 3-day bereavement turned into 3 weeks bereavement, and then when I went back, I quit that same day. Got the shop and started working a night job as a “sanitation technician,” which I came to learn later meant janitor. Hahaha which I didn’t mind. But basically, I pulled some Benihana shit and worked 3 am-9 am as the “sanitation technician” and then went and opened shop 10am-time to go home. The janitor lasted as long as it took to build enough clientele. It took me 2 payrolls till I was able to quit that job and go full-time at the shop. I had clients willing to sit in my lobby to get their teeth whitening because the space I started in was less than 200sq ft, and the front door wouldn’t open if both me and Tina were in there at the same time. Memories I wouldn’t change for the world.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in permanent makeup. Microblading, ombre/powder brows, lip blushing, and tattooed eyeliner. The natural look we are able to achieve as well as our wide range of tattoo makeup is what sets us apart! Our shop offers so many services: botox, facials, teeth whitening, tooth gems, lash lifts, lash extensions, event hair and make-up, and trainings! I’m most known for my ability to help those wanting to change their life by learning one of the services I offer. I can teach anyone the skills they need to make it happen! I’m proud that I can be an inspiration to others, like when I was first starting and looked up to those already killing the game!
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Decorating my bedroom was one of the biggest things I enjoyed doing. It was a way to express myself. At one time, there were 100s of CDs hanging by thread from my ceiling and inflatable furniture everywhere! I graffitied my name in my closet and just recently took it out the wall of my family home so I could add it to the shop decor.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.swagattackbeauty.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/swagattackbeauty?igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swagattackbeauty?mibextid=ZbWKwL
