Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alexa Juarez, Founder of Az Beauty Studio, located in Scottsdale, AZ, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My business is mainly cosmetic tattooing, aka permanent makeup. I offer microblading, ombré powder brows, lip blush tattoo, brow lamination, and brow wax and tint. I take care of any and all brow needs!

Tell us about yourself

My name is Alexa, and I have been in the beauty industry for a little over 15 years now. I am an Aesthetician, medical laser technician, lash extension artist, makeup artist, and now mainly cosmetic tattoo artist. It started with the obsession with drawing on my eyebrows. I quickly realized that I looked so much better with fuller brows. One day I came across a procedure called “microblading” I had never heard of this, but I wanted to try it. At the time, no one was doing it in Arizona. I jumped at the opportunity to learn it myself; I did and never looked back! I now have over eight certifications in my field. I have always been fascinated by the beauty and how it can change someone’s mood!! When you look good, you feel good! There is nothing I love more, and nothing brings me more joy than seeing my clients happy and feel amazing just by changing their brows! Brows framing your face and tweaking them here and there can take off 5-10 years from your face. Not only do I enjoy doing my work, but the joy it brings my clients keeps me going and wanting to get better each year.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment would be being in business for 10+ successful years. 2021 was my 10th anniversary, and it meant a lot that I was able to accomplish this totally on my own. Many years ago, I started working out of my living room and didn’t let my lack of resources and funds get me down. Little by little, I saved so I could one day have all the latest products, take continuing education, and better my craft! I am now in a beautiful studio I worked very hard to be in.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

I would say the hardest thing is the constant work! And I mean that you don’t come home and work stops. Work is 24/7! Answer clients, schedule clients, social media, inventory, email never ends; lol, it’s gotten me in trouble a few times. Although, just in the past few years, I have established more boundaries, given myself a bit more “me” time, and put work down past a certain time. It’s hard not to want to answer work texts and calls, but boundaries are the only way to create a good work/life balance.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Live, eat and breathe what you are starting. The only way I became a master at my craft was to be obsessed with it. I learned every little thing I could and practiced every day. That is the only way I knew I would become the best!
  2. Keep your business present on social media! I have a love/hate relationship with this one because I love sharing my work but being on social media every day can be a little draining. I would say stick to certain weekdays to be present and post, so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
  3. Be grateful daily for the business that does come your way. Most of the time, starting a business will be slow the first few years, but if the consistency is there on your end, you will see that the business eventually comes! Be patient and remain positive!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Yes! I am also a cosmetic tattoo educator! I offer beginner and advanced classes to anyone interested in learning the art of brow tattoo and lip blushing!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.azbeautystudio.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azbeautystudio480/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azbeautystudio/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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