Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Gonzales.
Hi Mary, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I spent 15 years building a career in banking, but deep down, I knew I had a different calling. I’ve always had a passion for helping women feel beautiful and confident, so I decided to take a leap and enroll in beauty school to earn my eyelash extension license. Just before graduating, I gave my two weeks’ notice at the bank—with no backup plan, just faith and determination.
After graduating, I worked at an eyelash salon for a year, where I gained confidence and learned the ins and outs of running a beauty business. One day, my husband—who was my boyfriend at the time—told me, “I think you should open your own business. I’ll sell my house, move in, and cover the bills until you start making money.” His belief in me gave me the courage I needed to take the next step.
I found a small office space to rent and officially opened my doors in November 2019. The first few months were a struggle, but I slowly started building my clientele, month by month. Just as I was gaining momentum and steady growth, COVID hit. In February, I was forced to close my doors for two months, and many of my clients were hesitant to return afterward. It felt like starting over—but I didn’t give up.
I rebuilt my clientele from scratch and decided to go back to school to earn my esthetician license so I could expand my services. After another year working out of a small studio, I finally had enough clients to move into a larger space. From there, my business grew rapidly—so much that I soon had a waitlist of clients eager to book with me.
Through every challenge and milestone, my purpose has remained the same: helping women feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. Because when a woman feels beautiful on the outside, it radiates into every part of her life—her confidence, her relationships, and the way she shows up in the world. That’s what inspires me every single day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. In the beginning, the uncertainty was overwhelming, and for several months I questioned whether I had made the right decision leaving my banking career. The biggest challenge came during COVID. Being forced to close my doors was devastating, and I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to recover financially. Even after reopening, many clients were still hesitant to go out in public—especially for such an up-close and personal service like lash extensions and facials.
Those moments tested my strength and determination, but they also pushed me to adapt, rebuild, and stay focused on my passion. Looking back now, I’m proud that I didn’t give up. The struggles made me stronger, more creative, and even more grateful for the clients who continue to trust and support me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My business specializes in lash extensions, customized facials, and full-body waxing services. I focus on creating an experience that helps each client feel relaxed, confident, and cared for. I believe beauty is deeply personal, so I take the time to listen and understand exactly what my clients want—whether that’s a natural lash look, glowing skin, or a smooth, refreshed feel after a waxing service.
What sets my brand apart is the compassion and professionalism behind everything I do. My goal isn’t just to provide a service—it’s to help every woman who walks through my door feel seen, valued, and beautiful in her own skin. I take pride in building lasting relationships with my clients and creating a space where they feel completely comfortable being themselves.
I’m most proud that my business has grown almost entirely through word of mouth. That tells me my clients truly trust me and believe in the care and results they receive. At the heart of my brand is a simple philosophy: when you feel beautiful on the outside, it radiates through every part of your life.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The beauty industry is constantly evolving, which makes it both exciting and challenging to predict where it will go in the next 5–10 years. New techniques, technologies, and trends are always emerging, especially in skincare and lash artistry. I think we’ll continue to see a strong focus on natural, healthy beauty—enhancing rather than masking—and more personalized treatments that focus on self-care and overall wellness.
For me, staying educated and adaptable is key. I plan to continue learning new techniques and investing in advanced training so I can keep offering my clients the best, most up-to-date services available.
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