Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonya Huffman.
Hi Tonya , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have a long history of self employment. I went to beauty school after high school so that I could work PT and still go to school. Doing nails fed my soul with creativity and served the purpose of a decent wage and flexible schedule. I would go on to open my own salon less than a decade later, only to learn every hard lesson to be learned in running a business, ultimatley ending in massive amounts of debt and ruined credit. While some of the hardships could be attributed to the housing crash/ recession in 2008, some of it was definitely lack of knowledge (and trusting the wrong people). In the years since, I married a Marine, moved from the west coast to Texas, had a couple of boys and tried on a few other professions. While interesting, nothing felt like a “fit” for me. Last year, I started getting an itch to open my own business. On an unrelated topic (or so I thought), I was also researching laser tattoo removal to remove my eyebrows (microblading). I came across a laser tech in Plano that had some great removal videos, AND a link to the laser that she uses which brought me to a page for entrepreneurs. This rabbit hole was quickly navigated and conversations with Astanza commenced shortly there after. Even though I had reservations about the risks involved, the expense and stress, this feels like “home” and I’m so happy!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly, the start-up is the easy part, it’s the long-term/day-to-day that is challenging. Finding a space, financing equipment, insurance – all fairly straight forward. Building a clientele, relying on referrals and reviews to get clients, is very stressful in the beginning. Personally, social media is definitely an obstacle! I’m not big on SM in my own life so knowing that I HAVE to do this for success in 2026, will continue to be a challenge. One day, I will have someone do this for me. Until then, I will do my best!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I have a small studio in No. Fort Worth where I specialize in laser tattoo removal, including eyebrow PMU. I also offer laser carbon treatments, and coming soon, permanent jewelry. My co-worker doing the heavy lifting is the Astaza Duality, a dual wavelength device that covers the full spectrum of ink colors. We’re competitively priced, compared to the big-chain laser centers, as well as a provider for Cherry Financing, which offers easy payment plans. The studio is co-owned with my husband, a USMC (Ret.) Verteran, so we take care of our AD Military & Veterans with special discount pricing year-round.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
As traumatic as my first business (mis)adventure was, I did learn “what not to do”, which is almost as important as what “to do”. I’ll be honest, the economy today is feeling a little daunting, once again. This time, not only am I in the service industry, but now a niche luxury service. But I will not make the same mistakes again. I will act quickly and pivot, if necessary, adding additional services that are not tattoo or laser dependant. There is always a way to cut losses and increase revenue, you just have to be proactive and get creative!
Contact Info:
- Website: undostudioltr.com
