Today we’d like to introduce you to Loren.
Hi Loren, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In high school my school partnered with Navarro college to offer us the cosmetology program. I joined my sophomore year at 15 and didn’t look back. When I learned cosmetology could be my career I knew I wanted to go straight into the field when I graduated high school. Once I got my license and high school diploma I started working as an apprentice at 17. Two weeks into my apprenticeship I turned 18. I was so excited to be assisting my boss that offered so many new services I didn’t even know existed, hair extensions, bridal / quince hairstyling. It was a new world that I was being guided thru, not just how to create the transformation but how to interact with people. I needed to learn to validate peoples desires while being realistic about what was possible. Keep my cool when the bridesmaids were running behind on a wedding day. Most importantly as an apprentice I learned how to connect and value my clients. At 18 I could do haircuts, color, extensions, and bridal styling. Once my boss expanded to a store front I expanded my services. We had a room I could offer spa services in and learned to do facials and waxing. I become obsessed with skincare. I offered esthetics and hair services simultaneously. At 19 I decided I wanted the flexible schedule this industry promised me. I left my boss and all I had known in the industry to go solo. I wanted to rent a room from my fellow entrepreneur friend, but tattooing isnt allowed in the suburbs. I had to make a plan B and quick, my parents offered to build me an 18x20ft studio in our backyard. My dad worked on building everyday for seven weeks straight. I helped once the fundamentals were up by installing the roof and painting. My mom, grandma, and boyfriend also played a part in bringing it together. Once I opened after not taking clients for about two months all my clients eagerly came to check out the new spot. I took my first vacation since high school and went to New Orleans. I will never take for granted the flexibility being home based gave me. I was able to spend more time with my friends and family than I did while being an apprentice. I learned so much about business. Behind the scenes boring things like marketing and finances. It was cool to use social media marketing to connect me to local people. I met so many new people and that ignited my love for what I do. I niched down to only offer my favorite services facials, haircuts, hairstyles, and waxing. I turned 20 and was finally able to prioritize my physical health again since high school. I started running and weight lifting. I made so many memories being in that home studio. I turned 21 and knew I wanted to scale my business. My cousin Leilani is also a licensed cosmetologist and I asked her if she would want to work together. After months we were able to move our businesses to be under one roof in Deep Ellum. I was back in the building I apprenticed at but as my own business. Me and Leilani rented and shared the loft above the barbershop. I took classes to refresh my services and ensure I was up to date in my techniques. I niched down again to only offer haircuts, hairstyles, and waxing. I wanted to be the best at what I was doing which means focusing. Being a cosmetologist having given me experiences I couldn’t have dreamed about as a kid. I’m so grateful to be able to say that five months after being in Deep Ellum me and Leilani signed a lease to rent a full salon in Cedar Hill Tx. Back to being local for our clients in a safer environment. Now I specialize in Brazilian waxing but still love haircuts. I will never quit haircutting as that’s what started it all for me. Waxing is fun and satisfying. Quick results. Hairstyling and haircuts are more of a process. Hairstyling has its seasons and I love to be apart of people’s special day. Whether it’s prom or a wedding. Everyday I strive to offer my clients the best possible services.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As an apprentice the pay wasn’t what I thought it would be. I worked long hours but I didn’t work everyday. So the days I wasn’t working at the salon I picked up a seasonal job at Micheal’s. I was working everyday for five months. No off days just lots of energy drinks. That took a tole on my health and I was told to fix my diet by my doctor because I got high triglycerides. Going solo allowed me to focus on my health and get my diet and exercise under control. Going solo gave me flexibility in my schedule but I also struggled not having a set schedule every week like my friends and family. It felt lonely at times being my own boss. I reached out to other business owners and became friends with them. I also missed the interaction I used to have with my coworkers. It was just me and my client which allowed for us to become closer but once my clients left I was by myself again, no coworkers to talk with.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I started Divine By Loren in 2022, when I got my cosmetology license. Since then I have poured a lot back into my business by taking continuing education classes. I specialize in layered haircuts, this is the first service I ever offered. I’m also a speed Waxer specializing in Brazilian waxes but I can do full body waxing. I took a training in Houston to be able to do Brazilian waxes in 15 minutes or less. My other services I offer is Bridal/ special occasion hairstyling. This service is very near to my heart because you get to know the client on such a personal level leading up to their special day but it is seasonal. Ever since becoming licensed I have known I wanted to help as much people as possible. Help them feel confident in themselves!
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to become a wax studio owner. I want to create a team of estheticians that do Brazilian waxing. Imagine the chain waxing salons but more comforting, sanitized, and consistent. I look forward to offering educational content in the future for new estheticians looking to learn Brazilian waxing, it’s not focused on in school.
Pricing:
- Haircuts 70
- Brazilian waxes 70
- Blowouts 50
- Bridal hair 160
- Special occasion hairstyling 140
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bestcedarhillbrazilianwax.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divinebyloren?igsh=MThsYm5uNmljdDBjYQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
