Today we’d like to introduce you to Carla Marcia.
Hi Carla, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always had a niche for all things beauty. I’m the youngest of 3 and the only girl, so you could imagine I grew up a bit of a tomboy but deep down I was a real girly girl. I envisioned myself either doing hair or nails, but it wasn’t until I worked as a receptionist in a beauty bar where I really felt I found my calling as an Esthetician. I just loved that feeling of making someone feel even more beautiful than they naturally are. I dove right in and attended my local beauty college leaving my full-time day job to commit myself full-time to school. A lot of sacrifice went into those 5 months, I had to work as a server at night and I had to sacrifice time with my son, to be able to accomplish what I had envisioned which was to come out successful. I’m just extremely grateful for my family who helped me along the way. It’s true what they say, “it takes a village.” I graduated from John Jay Beauty Collage in 2018 extremely excited to hit the ground running but the universe had other plans, I was pregnant with my second son, so things came to a halt for me almost instantly. But the goal and vision were still there throughout my pregnancy and even thereafter. I owe my determination to my mother, growing up she ALWAYS made it happen and always found a way to make things work. Fast forward to a year later I decided to take the plunge with really no money to even start and work for myself by renting a room. I learned quick that this was not going to be easy, I had times where I was just wanted to give up and thought to myself “what in the world am I doing?” but I had my boys to think about, and failure was not an option. A year passed I left the location I was at humbled and grateful by that experience. I gained so much insight throughout that time about the industry and about what I wanted for myself overall. I realized quickly expanding on my own was the best option for me mentally and financially. I started out in this one room that I shared with another new and upcoming artist, we had so much in common that our energies gravitated towards each other we got really close, and we decided we were going to do this together as our own separate brands but now we have huge suite that we share together. and still growing as a Latina-based brand. Growing a business isn’t for the faint of heart and don’t except for it to be smooth sailing because it’s far from it. I’m not exactly where I want to be but I’m further along than where I was two years ago. Teaching my sons to follow their dreams and to never give up no matter how hard it is.
Alright, 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?
Absolutely NOT! Call me crazy, I went into this with no knowledge of what I was going to do and literally no money paying weekly rent with no clientele and buying my own supplies. Literally starting upside down. I will say this I’m grateful for the struggles because it pushes you beyond your comfort zone to do what’s necessary to be successful. Actually, earning money in the beginning was a HUGE struggle, yes, I had clients but the income I was receiving went to supplies and to actually only pay for my weekly booth rent. That first year was struggle for me, but I’m grateful for that experience because it gave me a foot into the industry.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a licensed esthetician in the New Orleans area I specialize in Lash extensions, facials, body waxing, lash lifts, and all things beauty. Creating a work of art with the beautiful canvases that my ladies bring to me. I would like to say I’m known for my Natural lash sets. Every new client that lays in my lash bed always compliments me on them and that being the reason they book with me. I am most proud of my business and the work I put out. I take pride in always ensuring you feel beautiful and happy after each service. I’m a Latina-owned beauty shop. It just makes me proud that I could be an inspiration to at least one person. Don’t let your gender or ethnicity dictate who you can become. I believe what sets me apart is that I’m 100% authentic. I don’t try to pretend to be someone I’m not. I let my clients see the real me, we can talk about life, joke around I’m the best friend you thought you didn’t need:)
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
My advice to anyone starting out is to be patient. Everything takes time, have a goal and accomplish it. Small wins matter. Have a support system, we are a village and there’s enough room for everyone to win. Don’t depend on family and friends to jump to be your clients. I learned that the hard way. I have a few friends who have supported me from day one and I’m forever grateful for, but most of your best clients are going to come from total strangers. Don’t settle for less than what you’re worth. Don’t sell yourself short when pricing your services. Trust me, clients will pay for quality work, quality over quantity. When you lowball yourself, you’re just setting yourself up for failure and attracted the wrong clientele, and trust me that’s not what you want because those type of clients will leave you quick to find the next deal. You want to build long-lasting relationships with your clients. Find a support group on social media to help you along the way. DON’T GIVE UP! If I could go back, I would definitely do more research within the industry. Knowlege is power Hunny and if you have that then you’re already successful.
Pricing:
- Classic Full set $150
- Volume full set $200
- Femme Beaauty Signature Facial $120
- Lash Lift $75
- Brazilian wax $50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Femmebeaauty.as.me/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/femme_beaauty
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/femmebeaauty
Image Credits
@rarevis18n
Femme Beaauty
Sydney Shaer
Ohana Mama
