Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Gonzalez.
Vanessa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Since I was young, I’ve always had a passion for the beauty industry. The idea of hair and makeup was something that always caught my interest. I would of pursued a career in cosmetology but the thought of all the struggles financially really intimidated me. Not having my mother or father around was one of my hardest struggles in life but having my grandmother was such a blessing, growing up she always made sure to push me in every way possible and always told me to stay strong and succeed in life and for that, I am forever grateful. I did my best to make a living for myself and my two wonderful son’s until I realized how much more I was worth. I wanted better for my family. Life happened and I came across one of the best things that could have ever happened to me which is my husband, he has been my biggest support system through the years and then came my beautiful daughter. My life was now complete in my eyes but there was still something missing. I knew I was worth so much more and that working for someone just wasn’t cutting it anymore. I wanted to be able to spend more time with my
children and be a part of each of their accomplishments. My goal was to be the greatest in their eyes. My husband saw the potential I had and pushed me to follow my dreams, so that’s exactly what I did. I
trained with some elite brow and lash artists and my life was about to take a turn that I never expected. I worked as an RDA for many years and took clients for lashes and brows on my days off until my clientele grew tremendously. I was later introduced to a big part of my life, my business partner Aniyah. We both had so many similarities I’m really starting to think we are a real sister. From being white and Salvadoran we were just too n’sync. Together, in a few short months, we created The House of Beauty Queens and our eyelash extensions retail line. The support we have had is unreal. I am forever grateful to each and everyone that supports our every move. Giovanni, Julian, and Ava know that mommy is doing this for you!
Has it been a smooth road?
My journey has been far from smooth, not having my parents really took a toll on me. It was hard to get through things that some people take for granted every day, but my grandmother’s memory pushed me through it all. My advice to others would definitely stay strong and confident through every obstacle that takes place in your life. When I say I’ve been through it all, I mean it. My life has definitely been a crazy hard journey but I always remained humble and pushed through everything that was in my way.
We’d love to hear more about BlinkMinks.
I specialize in esthetic’s but Individual Eyelash Extensions and Microblading are my biggest passions. Through the years my clients nicknamed me BonnieLove so we now call my work the “Bonnie Slay” I try my best to cater to each and every one of my clients as if they were my closest friend. In my opinion, giving each person that personal time really sets you apart from others. You must stay humble.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Don’t be afraid to ask. If you’ve identified someone you think would be a perfect mentor for you don’t feel intimidated to ask questions or if that person may be too busy. Choose someone with a different perspective, you can always seek out more than one. Let the relationship evolve organically. Don’t check out when you feel challenged and press into each and every relationship.
Contact Info:
- Address: The House of Beauty Queens
412 N. Tyler St
Dallas, TX 75208 - Website: www.thehouseofbeautyqueens.com
- Phone: 214-870-3969
- Email: blinkminks@yahoo.com
- Instagram: bonnielove_blinkminks
- Facebook: The House of Beauty Queens
Image Credit:
Vanessa Gonzalez
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