Today we’d like to introduce you to Kalisha Jaramillo.
Kalisha, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I began doing hair at the age of 11 years old. My mom, cousins, and aunts were among my first clients. By the age of 16, I had a daughter and entered into cosmetology to pursue my license. Thinking this would be the only thing I could do being that I was a teen mom.
Fast forward… my mom passed away in 2007, and it seems like the love I once had for hair died with her. I landed a job in corporate America for five years at JPMorgan Chase. We were laid off in 2013, and my desire to be an entrepreneur came back like never before. I went on to open a Boutique & Salon, sadly closing my doors after only a little over a year.
Determined to continue my journey as an entrepreneur I contacted TDLR to an inquiry about finishing my hours for cosmetology and was advised that since it had been ten+ years, I’d have to start over. I did just that, but instead of pursuing hair (which was attached to my mom) I decided to attend school for aesthetics to fuel my passion for makeup and skincare.
I’m pleased with my decision, and I’ll be finishing school in just under 45 days.
Great, 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?
Yes! It’s been smooth! (sarcasm) Of course, there have been some obstacles. Anything that comes easy won’t last. I use to think that the lack of support from my community, and family were my biggest obstacles. After doing a little self-evaluation, I quickly discovered that I was my biggest problem.
Comparing my business, and journey to others caused me to lose focus, and I began deviating from the original goal/mission. With every obstacle and closed door, I’ve went back to the drawing board to perfect, reinvent, and educate myself & brand. I use to think that it takes money to make money, but the truth is it takes a good work ethic, focus, and drive to make money.
Please tell us about Liyah Marie Studio.
The name “Liyah Marie Studio” is a tribute to my two daughters Amarie (15) and Aaliyah (6). In a world where beauty is defined by what’s on the outside as a mentor, and mother I try to instill in my daughters, youth, and clients that beauty is an inside job.
As a makeup artist and skin care professional, I also wear the title of therapist, friend, and counselor. I’ve taken my misfortunes and lessons and made them the stories I tell my clients that they too can make it. Liyah Marie is a safe place for women, and men. It’s a place where you can relax and forget about your issues for at least an hour.
Some clients fall to sleep, others meditate, but I encourage all clients to use that time to focus on themselves. I take a holistic approach to skincare. Anything that heals has to heal from the inside out. Self-care is important, and we specialize in finding the best skincare treatments, and regimens to help you be the best version on yourself.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Wow! So, I’ll never forget doing my moms hair and just a few days later her taking it down asking for a different style. That woman would get a new hairstyle at least two-three times each week. It would drive me crazy! Oh, what I would do just to have a chance to do her hair or give her a complete makeup just one more time. Back then I would only charge clients a hot $20 lol for any style. Those were the days
Contact Info:
- Website: https://directory.bookedin.com/liyah-marie-studio
- Phone: 817-617-1722
- Email: liyahmarie.studio@gmail.com
- Instagram: liyah_marie_studio
- Facebook: Liyah Marie Studio
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.
