Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophia Luong.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sophia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My cosmetology career first started back in high school. I chose the cosmetology program as my elective with the helpful suggestion of my mom. My mom is a cosmetologist, so I grew up in the salon and somewhat knew how the industry operated and knew earlier on that graduating with a cosmetology license will put me ahead with a set career in college, instead of a minimum wage job. So I began to pursue this career at 15, and it wasn’t easy.
I was an honor student in high school, trying to clock 1,000 hours for my license while also taking dual college courses, competing in competitions, and working a part-time job at a shoe store. I’m not going to lie, it was probably the hardest and darkest time in my life, but I always held onto that vision that it was going to be worth it in the end. And today I can whole-heartedly say it was worth every sleepless night, breakdown, sweat and tear. I graduated high school not only with a diploma, but also a cosmetology license and nine credit hours away from an associate’s degree – in which I completed the following summer.
The first complete of months after receiving my license was tough. I couldn’t find a job within the industry as a “newbie” and the jobs I was able to get, had me sweeping hair and doing laundry. I started doing hair after a few months, but I wasn’t in love with it. I got my lashes done one day and thought the process was so intricate and unique that I looked into training to be certified. I picked it up fast, absolutely fell in love with it, and started working at a lash studio. After two years with the studio, I branched out on my own and created Soluxbeauty. It was the scariest thing I have ever done, but I must say it was the best decision I’ve made. I networked, advertised myself, and slowly started building my clientele and was able to say I was my own boss, at only 19! I was able to be on my own, pay my way through college without loans, travel as well as help out my parents. It feels really good to be able to take care of my loved ones and give back to the ones who sacrificed everything for me.
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?
This journey has been everything BUT a smooth road. I’ve probably encountered more struggles and obstacles than I have successes. As an entrepreneur, you have to take risks and in the beginning, I had nothing, so I risked everything. I left a stable and secured 9-5 job in order to chase my dream of becoming my own boss and starting my own studio. I had mass amounts of bills due and honestly, there were some months where I thought I wasn’t going to make ends meet. But month after month, I somehow managed to. As my business grew, I faced incredible doubt and discouragement from the people I thought would support and root for me the most. I had to learn how to not let that affect me and instead, fuel me to become and do better. I’ve tried to open many studios in different locations within the past three years, and two of them completely failed. I lost all of the money I invested in it and just had to walk away. And I absolutely do not regret any of it. I learn a valuable lesson within every failure of mine, in which I can later apply to my future ventures and know what to do, what not to do, and how to do things better the next time. Sometimes I do think I would be safer and less stressed if I just settled with a stable 9-5 job, however taking a risk or leap of faith, planning, developing and creating on my own turf is more fun. Harder? Yes, thousand times yes, but rewarding.
Please tell us about your practice.
I am a cosmetologist, and I specialize in lashes. I offer lash extensions, lifts and tints and even growth treatments. I’m known for my ‘textured mega’ volume style of lashes. Unfortunately, the lash industry has become beyond saturated with people who want to make a quick buck. They’re oftentimes untrained and use improper and cheap products that can be damaging to the clients’ eyes and lashes. I’m always searching for new, innovative and safe products, as well as keeping up with the new trends within this industry to benefit both my clients and I. My clients are my absolute top priority within my business, not money. I actually care about the health and integrity of their lashes, and I believe that’s what sets me apart.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe my hard-work ethic was the most important to my success. I would say it was my drive or determination, however. There were many times where I wasn’t driven nor determined or motivated to keep going or do anything. However, I somehow always pushed myself to get up and do it. I’m also a full-time college student with a second part-time job, so I have a lot on my hands and I truly feel I work incredibly hard at all of them. I’m not working.
Pricing:
- Classic Set | $80
- Hybrid Set | $95
- Mega Set | $120
Contact Info:
- Website: soluxbeauty.as.me
- Phone: (214)-273-5135
- Instagram: instagram.com/soluxbeauty
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