Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Herrera.
Gabriela, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Gabriela Herrera, I am 25 years old. I am a first-generation covid graduate from the University of North Texas. During the Pandemic lockdown, I found interest in the beauty enhancement industry. I witnessed the lash and beauty industry grow rapidly and wanted to take part. I felt that it was a great idea to offer eyelash extensions to young college students in a college town where eyelash extensions aren’t that easy to come across (at least for a reasonable price.) It’s now been close to a year since 444 Lash & Beauty LLC has been established, and so far, I am a three-time certified home-based eyelash technician. Much of my clientele are college students and young adults all over the DFW metroplex.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly, anyone who owns a business knows it’s never easy being your own boss. It’s many late nights and very early mornings that come with having a successful business. Your main focus is to keep you and your business relevant for as long as possible, which I would say is the hardest part of having a business in such a competitive field. In March 2022, I decided to go all in and work full-time on my craft; quitting my corporate job was super scary, but not only did I believe I could do this everyone else around me believed in me. I couldn’t decide if I was looking to continue this new venture in the DFW area or go back home to Houston, Texas and start fresh as the owner of 444 Lash & Beauty LLC. I decided to stay in North Texas because I felt that my clientele grew so rapidly it would be unfair to leave, plus the outpouring of genuine support from everyone I’ve met over the past six years keeps me going & growing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
444 Lash & Beauty LLC provides women with luxury eyelash extensions. As a certified technician, I apply one mink eyelash to every single natural lash on the client’s eye. This luxurious service takes about 2.5 hours to complete and may last for up to 5 weeks, depending on the aftercare of the client. The purpose of eyelash extensions is to achieve an enhanced and noticeable look without having to apply tons of makeup daily. I take pride in my specialty sets which are Volume Lash Extensions and Wispy Lash Extensions as well as my Lash Art. Lash art consists of colored lashes, and lash decals such as glitter, hearts, butterflies, etc. I believe my hospitality & business name sets me apart the most from others. My workspace is known for its soothing aromas, r&b feel, and most importantly cleanliness. My clients call it the “444 experience” when they refer others, Haha I love that so much!
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is waking up every Saturday morning to my dad cooking his super breakfast sandwiches while enjoying classical salsa music on his old school stereo system in our living room. My father loved music. He had every single CD you can think of. And he sure could dance you off of the dance floor. I miss him so very much. My father passed away 6 years ago from a rare stage 4 stomach cancer. He was only 37 years old. I feel that he’s played a significant role in my success so far. My business name “444 Lash and Beauty” stems from him and the presence he has left on me and my family. A few months after his passing, I found myself lost and asking for signs. I began to notice repeating numbers blaring at me that I just could no longer ignore. The numbers 444 and 222 gravitated to me the most, I mean while driving, on bulletin boards, on license plates, and even on my Apple Watch. As I started to pay more attention to my surroundings, I continuously caught these repeating numbers, and I honestly felt my dad’s comfort and warmth every time I saw them. It was a feeling that he was visiting me and reminding me that he was still here. As my interest grew, I googled what these 3 numbers meant, and it said, “444 is a sign that one should keep the faith and the angels are watching over one. They have taken it on themselves to guide one to a brighter future”. And that is when it finally hit me. 444 are my true angel numbers, and even though I can no longer physically see my father anymore, he’s still guiding me through this life as my daddy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://444lashbeautybar.as.me/schedule.php
- Instagram: Instagram.com/444lash
Image Credits
444 Lash & Beauty LLC
