Your journey began in a basement, offering hair and makeup services. What inspired you to take the leap and open your own studio in 2020?

My journey began in my living room, one chair and one mirror.
Then my husband renovated the basement of my home, so I could offer makeup and hair services with limited resources but a clear vision.
In 2020, I took a leap of faith and opened Santa Beauty Studio with the purpose of creating a professional, inclusive space where natural beauty is not only enhanced — but truly celebrated.
Santa Beauty Studio offers a wide range of services, including professional makeup, personalized hair color, highlighting techniques such as balayage and foil highlights, deep conditioning and restorative treatments, and most importantly — a specialized focus on curly and textured hair care.
What makes us unique is our commitment to educating and empowering our clients. We don’t just style hair — we help our clients understand and embrace their natural beauty, especially those with curls and coils who have often been overlooked in the beauty industry.
What started in a small space has grown into a respected studio in the community, transforming not just appearances, but also confidence and self-love through the art of beauty.

Opening a beauty studio during the pandemic couldn’t have been easy. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in those early days, and how did you overcome them?

Opening Santa Beauty Studio during the height of the pandemic was one of the most challenging decisions I’ve ever made. The uncertainty was overwhelming — salons were closing, safety protocols were constantly changing, and people were understandably hesitant to book beauty services.
One of the biggest challenges was building trust. I had to reassure clients that they could feel safe in my space. I invested in strict sanitation procedures, implemented appointment-only scheduling to control the flow of traffic, and prioritized one-on-one services to create a safer and more personalized experience.
Another challenge was financial. Launching a new business during an economic downturn meant I had to be extremely strategic with every dollar. I focused on word-of-mouth, social media, and delivering excellent service so that every client would return and bring someone new.
Most importantly, I stayed connected to my purpose. I reminded myself daily that Santa Beauty Studio was more than a salon — it was a space for empowerment, especially for those with curly and textured hair who often feel excluded from traditional beauty standards. That mission kept me going, even when things felt uncertain.

Santa Beauty Studio is known for its warm, personalized care—especially for curly hair and makeup. How did you develop your signature approach and style?

Santa Beauty Studio’s signature approach was born from both personal experience and years of working closely with clients who felt overlooked by traditional beauty spaces. As someone who understands the struggles of managing curly hair and finding professionals who truly know how to care for it, I knew I wanted to create something different — a place where clients could feel seen, heard, and celebrated.
I developed my style by focusing on education and empathy. I invested time in advanced training for curly hair techniques, makeup artistry, and hair color — but more importantly, I listened to my clients. I asked them about their struggles, their goals, and how they wanted to feel when they looked in the mirror. That feedback shaped everything from the products I use to the way I structure each appointment.
Every service at Santa Beauty Studio is personalized — whether it’s a curly cut, a custom balayage, or a makeup look that brings out someone’s confidence. Our style is about enhancing natural beauty, not changing it. That’s what sets us apart.

How has your business grown since opening your doors in Lawrence? What moments or milestones stand out?

Since opening the doors of Santa Beauty Studio in Lawrence, the growth has been incredible and deeply meaningful. What started as a small space with a clear vision has become a well-known studio in the community, especially for our specialization in curly hair, makeup, and personalized color services.
One of the most important milestones has been earning the trust of our clients, many of whom share that, for the first time, they feel their hair is truly understood and valued. Another key moment was when our appointment book started filling up weeks in advance, which was a clear sign that our work was making a real difference.
We have also expanded our services, improved the client experience, and begun welcoming students and professionals interested in learning about curly hair care. Seeing how this dream, born from effort and passion, has grown into a space for transformation, education, and empowerment has been one of the greatest rewards of my journey.

Looking back, what are you most proud of in your journey as a business owner?

Looking back on my journey as a business owner, what I’m most proud of is creating a space that truly serves and uplifts a community often overlooked in the beauty industry—people with curly and textured hair.
Building Santa Beauty Studio from the ground up, especially during challenging times, took resilience, passion, and a strong commitment to my vision. I’m proud that we’ve become more than just a salon; we’re a place where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to embrace their natural beauty.
Beyond the services we offer, I’m proud of the relationships we’ve built and the confidence we help cultivate in every person who walks through our doors. That sense of trust and connection is the real foundation of my business, and it’s what motivates me every day to keep growing and evolving.

What advice would you give to other beauty professionals, especially those starting from home or dreaming of opening their own space?

My advice to other beauty professionals—especially those starting from home or dreaming of opening their own space—is to never underestimate the power of patience, consistency, and passion.
Starting a business isn’t easy, especially in the beauty industry where competition is strong and challenges are many. But if you have a clear purpose and love what you do, that passion will drive you forward even in the toughest moments.
It’s also essential to invest in your education and keep learning because knowledge and skill are what will set you apart. And don’t forget the importance of building genuine relationships with your clients; trust and respect are the foundation of a lasting business.
Lastly, surround yourself with people who support you and believe in your vision, because the journey can be lonely, but with a strong community, everything becomes easier and more rewarding.

What’s next for Santa Beauty Studio? Any dreams, services, or goals on the horizon?

Looking ahead, Santa Beauty Studio is excited to continue growing as a trusted space for curly hair care and beauty. One of our main goals is to expand our educational programs—offering workshops and classes to teach others how to care for and style curly and textured hair with confidence and skill.
We’re also exploring new services and treatments that focus on hair health and personalized beauty experiences, ensuring every client leaves feeling their best.
Ultimately, our dream is to build a larger community where people can not only receive exceptional beauty services but also find empowerment, support, and a sense of belonging. We’re committed to evolving and adapting to meet the needs of our clients and inspire self-love through every service we provide.