Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Valadez.
Hi Laura, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I am Laura Valadez, I am a licensed nail and lash technician born in Dallas, raised in Mexico and now living in Crandall, Tx. My story is: I was in the dental field for 17years when the pandemic hit and closed businesses down to figure out which were essential and which were not. In the meantime I had to go to the office to answer phone calls and reschedule people. It was hectic because I was the only one there, and the phone was blowing up because people were in pain. One day, after finally having some silence, I was on my phone looking through social media, and nails kept coming up on my timeline even tho I hadn’t looked for nails. I suddenly got the urge not to go get my nails done but that I wanted to do it on myself.IIt was like a calling. I ordered the cheapest kit and did my nails at home. Then on my daughter. I then realized I wanted to keep doing this, so as soon as businesses started opening back up, I looked into going to school. I enrolled myself into night school because I was working and being a mom in the day and going to school at night. I used the stimulus checks that were being sent to pay for school. I finally completed my 620hrs when I decided I also wanted to do lashes, and I enrolled in that school as well and completed my 320hrs. I always found it was important to get licensed and do everything the right way as I learned the craft because I didn’t want to get into any trouble. I also always loved makeup and hair, so I decided that I would have a shed in the back of my house and do everything from there. That’s when I moved from Pleasant Grove to Crandall, TX. I was practicing from a space I had in my new home but I felt like I no longer wanted the shed and instead I wanted to have a suite in town where I could meet the wo derful women in my town. I was told it would be hard to find a space because Crandall is very limited in business spaces since it is a small town. That is when I saw a Facebook post by a lady who had just opened her wax and facial business and had 2 available suites to rent. I couldnt believe what I was reading! I went off to meet Natalie and see my future suite! Natalie is an empowered woman who is driven just like me, and I immediately knew this suite was going to be not only the place of my business but my 2nd home. I have been here for 6 months already, and I love every bit of it. I’m so happy with the way everything has turned out for me. It’s like so many months of trying and working on a plan. God put it all together for me because I was patient and trusted Him. I come from a Mexican family from Nueva Rosita, Coahuila. My grandparents brought their children over here for a better life, and I feel completely blessed and grateful that I am the first grandchild that graduated high school and now that owns her own business. Someone laughed when I made a post that said that on Facebook one time, and stuff like that drives me to do even more with my life. My dream is to be able to offer a small grant to one student from the school I graduated from and one student from the high school in Crandall in the name of LaLas Beauty Room. I also want to be able to sponsor the towns teams and see my logo on their uniforms. I am extremely grateful to all of my clients that walk thru my door not only to have their nails, lashes, makeup, or hair dome but to share their life stories and trust me. I am grateful to the clients who refer me to their friends and family and those who share my work on social media. THANK YOU!
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?
There was doubt first of all. I was so scared that I wouldn’t make people happy. I had confidence after a while of practicing and I knew I had what it took. Second would be money. School is not cheap and many nail technicians say they don’t go after their license for that reason but it is worth it and I encourage everyone to get licensed. Lastly, I would say not having the support at the beginning brings you down. You want everyone to cheer for you and be there for you especially family but later you learn that some of those people are not going to be there for the full ride and that’s ok. I still wait from a “I’m proud of you” from certain people who I thought were close to me but if I don’t get it I’m fine and I’m still making it.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I offer nail services, lash extensions, makeup, and hair. My suite is private. You go to other salons, and it’s not catered to YOU; it’s catered to all the women there. My place is just you and me. You can come in and customize the TV, the music, turn the lights on, off, whatever you feel is your comfort zone that is exactly what I will provide.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Dallas is getting overpopulated. My small town isn’t so small anymore. Good for business but sometimes I get annoyed with the traffic. I will forever picture the Dallas of the 90s.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lalasbeautyroom.com
- Instagram: @lalasbeautyroom11
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lalasbeautyroom1111?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Image Credits
Esmeralda Moreno
