Today we’d like to introduce you to Traphena Souder
Hi Traphena, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up, I watched my mother own hair/nail salons where she provided hair and nail services. Her dedication to her craft left a lasting impression on me, however, I was always encouraged by my parents to pursue higher education, something they didn’t have the opportunity to achieve themselves; so I followed that path.
I have always had a deep love to help others since I was very young so pursuing an education that would afford me that opportunity made perfect sense to me. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Texas Southern University and then went on to receive a Master’s in Education Counseling from Prairie View A&M. My career began in social services in 2011 and I’ve been working in that field ever since.
Throughout my teen and early adult years, I struggled to find out who I really was leading to failed relationships and friendships. It wasn’t until I developed a personal relationship with God in 2013 that I began to truly understand myself and find peace in my identity; however, the path to self-discovery did not end there.
I got married in 2014, but in March 2020, as the world was grappling with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself going through a separation and isolated from the world. During that time, the real journey to self-discovery began. I started focusing on my skin as a form of self-care, becoming a bit of a skincare junkie in the process. I even started a YouTube channel to help me cope with the separation. When the divorce was finalized later that year, I felt a freedom in Christ that I never felt before and I truly became who I was always meant to be. Fast forward to 2024, I decided to take the plunge and pursue my passion by becoming a licensed Esthetician and that’s how Luxurious Glow Esthetics was born. Becoming an Esthetician has been a four-year manifestation, and I’m incredibly excited about this new chapter in my life to help others in a new way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to where I am today has been anything but smooth. Growing up, I was bullied in various forms leading to low self-esteem. I found myself in relationships that didn’t serve me. However, each experience taught me valuable lessons that have shaped who I am. One of the most painful moments in my life was losing my daughter when I was 20 weeks pregnant in 2017. That loss was profound and left an indelible mark on my heart.
In 2020, I faced the challenge of divorce while in isolation. In 2023, I lost my father who had suffered multiple strokes. These losses have been overwhelming, and there were moments when the weight of it all felt unbearable, but I got through them with the grace of God. Now, going to Esthetician school is one of the most difficult things that I have done because it’s tied to building a business and a brand. In this day and age posting content is everything and that has been a struggle. There have been many times when I wanted to quit, plagued by inner criticism and doubts about whether I would be good enough in this industry.
But through all that I have been through, I’ve managed to remain joyful. My faith in God, the love and support of my family and friends, and the strength I’ve found in my current husband have been my anchors. These losses and struggles don’t define me, but they have certainly refined me. They’ve taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of finding light even in the darkest of times.
As you know, we’re big fans of Luxurious Glow Esthetics. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Luxurious Glow Esthetics is still in its early stages, as I’m currently enrolled at Beauty Kulture Academy in DeSoto, TX, pursuing my license. Even though I’m still in school, I’ve been working hard to market myself across various platforms to get the word out about my business/brand. My goal with Luxurious Glow Esthetics is to specialize in corrective skincare for men, women, and teenagers, with a particular focus on the art and science of Korean skincare.
What truly sets me apart is my background in social services. I’ve spent years honing my skills in empathy, compassion, and integrity, and I’m bringing those qualities into the treatment room. There are so many stories of people who don’t feel heard when it comes to addressing their skincare needs, and that’s where I come in. I want every client to feel truly understood, valued, and cared for during their treatments.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the organic growth I’ve achieved on social media. It might seem like a small accomplishment to some, but for me, it’s huge. As an introvert and a millennial, marketing myself through content creation has been more challenging than even going to college! But seeing my brand grow online and the doors that have opened for me because of it has been incredibly rewarding (shout out to Aunties and Mimosas Podcast!).
Through Luxurious Glow Esthetics, I want people to know that my brand is built on genuine care and a commitment to helping others achieve their skincare goals. I’m currently offering services at my school and am looking forward to expanding my offerings as I complete my education. My services will reflect my passion for skincare and my dedication to making each client feel heard, valued, and beautiful inside and out.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
If there’s one thing I’d like to share with readers, it’s this: never be afraid to pivot into something new, no matter where you are in life or how late it might seem. I’m almost 40, and I have a longstanding career with great benefits. Eventually transitioning into esthetics full time will been one of the scariest decisions I will make. But with God and the unwavering support of my husband, I know I can achieve anything I set my mind to—and you can too. It’s never too late to pursue your passion or start a new chapter in your life!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beautykulture.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxuriousglowesthetics/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LuxuriousGlowEsthetics
