The Small Business Owner from Houston
A note for Allusive: I’ve seen you grow so much in the past 7 years and it has been amazing to watch you go through everything you’ve been through but still make a come back every single time. You have so many talents and even hidden ones that you don’t really share and it’s an inspiration to see you flourish doing the things that make you happy. From doing hair, makeup, nails, custom clothing along with cups, mugs, tumblers, etc. You name it, you can customize it, and so much more. You are a real hustler and I respect your grind every single day! If you've ever feel like you are not enough, ma'am, I am here to tell you that you absolutely are enough. You are beautiful, you are strong, and you are worthy of everything good in this life even when you don't believe it. I love you so much, and again, thank you! So, let’s get into this and give my readers something to remember.
Tell everyone where you’re from and where you grew up.
I was born in Webster, TX but I have grown up all over the Houston area.
How old were you when you first realized you had a passion for hair, makeup, and being creative?
I honestly couldn’t tell ya. I have always loved making things as a small child. I think it really started to really become my “hustle” so to speak when I was incarcerated though. I started doing hair in the beginning so that I would have the hygiene items I needed. Then I started doing peoples makeup for when they had visits or when they were going to take pictures to send home to their family. Once a friend of mine taught me how to crochet it was a never ending hustle for me. I would make personalized blankets or stuffed animals etc. for mothers to send their kids or loved ones. But the best part about it was when their faces would light up after seeing my creations. I thinks that’s when it started to be my passion for real.
What was life like for you growing up? Do you think that any struggles you faced growing up led you to want to have a creative outlet?
My childhood was rough to be honest. I spent a lot of time at home because I had to baby sit my down syndrome little sister. That’s when I really lost myself in music. I started playing the violin in the 5th grade. I remember spending hours a day practicing and playing to the point I honestly didn’t realize how long I had been playing each day.
What was your favorite childhood memory involving art? Any kind of art like music, paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography, etc.
Hmmm that’s a hard one. I have lots of memories involving all of the above. If I had to choose one I would probably say when I was helping my dad remodel his home because he had these 12 chairs for a huge glass dining table and they needed to be gold leafed (the finish of the chairs). I did all 12 chairs myself and every single time someone complimented them I smiled knowing they loved something I created. That was over 20 years ago and to this day I have 4 of the 12 and use them at my own dining table.
What type of art do you feel connected to the most and why?
Anything that can be admired! Not just by the person it’s for but others as well. Growing up I was always criticized or made fun of, so when people like something I have done it makes me feel a happiness I didn’t often feel.
What was the turning point in your life in which you had a shift in your mindset that made you say, OK, I need to put my mind to it and dedicate my energy to what I love the most?
When I was young I was always told to make a career out of what I love doing. For a long time I didn’t know what that was. I didn’t know what I wanted to do. Once I got out of prison and saw how difficult society makes it for people who have a criminal record I decided I needed to be my own boss. That’s when my real search began. It took me a while but I think that the father of my children is who really pushed me into the cosmetology field. He saw my passion and talent and pushed me to go to school and use it! I hate that I wasn’t able to finish my schooling, due to having my daughter, but I took what I learned and invested into teaching myself. For example in school all I learned was simple manicures and pedicures. But I taught myself how to use acrylic, gels, dips, etc. and I love trying new techniques now.
Being that you are a mother, what is your ultimate goal for your children and yourself with your business?
I think my biggest goal is showing my children that no matter what, your able to do anything you set your mind to! I want them to see my mistakes but also my dedication and drive in hopes that they will follow in my footsteps. Even when they decide to go down different career paths, I want them to learn everything they can. A jack of all trades is a master of none, but often times better than a master of one!! I love that quote because I feel like the more you learn the better you adapt in every avenue. I want my children to not have to rely or depend on others and the best way to avoid that is by them learning as much as they can.
Tell us about the first time you did a service for someone and how you felt going into it and coming out of it. Did you have a shift in confidence? This can be any service; nails, hair, a custom item.
The very first time I was paid to do a service for someone was when I was in the federal detention center in Waco. We were very limited as to what we had access to. There was an African American woman in my dorm that was dying to have her hair braided since she couldn’t get a relaxer or anything to help tame her hair. I told her I knew how to French braid but I had never attempted to braid natural hair in the way I knew she wanted. I was shocked when she offered to buy my shampoo that I desperately needed in exchange, so of course I had to try. It took me a while to finish but I didn’t stop trying!!! I knew how to do regular braids and French braids but not the Dutch braids she needed for her short hair. I will be honest and say that in the end the style wasn’t perfect but she was so happy and I felt so accomplished knowing I figured it out! It became a weekly thing and I got more and more practice when the other women in the dorms asked for me to braid theirs as well.
Out of all of your talents, which one do you feel the most connected to and why?
I would have to say my custom made items: shirts, hoodies, tumblers, cups, etc. I think I enjoy it the most because I’m able to do these for anyone, not just women. To be able to have someone tell me an idea they have and then take it to create something personal for them that they love is soooo satisfying.
Who or what has been your biggest motivation to continue doing what you love to do?
Knowing failure isn’t an option because I have children depending on me! Knowing that I can loose my 9-5 job at any moment but I will still be able to do something to make money. This world is a crazy place and you never know what can happen. I might not currently make enough without my 9-5 to fully support my family but every little bit helps.
What has been the biggest challenge in your life thus far and how did you overcome that to become the strong woman you are today?
My entire life has been a challenge. From my childhood on up but I believe that the hardest time in my life was the journey I have been on since my incarceration. Being away from my children for 4 years, not seeing them grow up and missing a lot of the most important years of their life was gut wrenching. Knowing that I had absolutely no power or say so in their lives while I was away took a long time to overcome but as I sat there I can honestly tell you that the time I was away molded me into who I am today. I used my time to work on me, and get me right! Mentally spiritually and physically. I used that time to not only get my GED but further my education and get my associates degree. I spent countless hours in the recreational area. It was almost therapeutic to a certain extent because when I was upset, mad, or struggling emotionally I would put my headphones on and hit the track. I would get lost in my thoughts and the music and it always helped me escape the miserable place I was in. Then my last 2 year I was blessed to be able to have one of the highest paying jobs on the compound which allowed me to save a nice amount of money. When I was released I was able to get my necessities and do the things I needed to get my life in order, but to this day it has still been an everyday struggle. I will never be able to get back those years lost with my kids and loved ones. And every single day I wonder what my life would be like if I had never gone.
I know personally you’ve done my make up, hair, nails, and have made custom items for me! Every last one was flawless and I appreciated it so much! How does it make you feel when people share your work and give you a job well done?
I absolutely love it! That is one of the main reasons I do the things I do! The moment you looked in the mirror after I did your make-up was priceless! To see your face light up and the excitement in your eyes when I have done anything for you, is what I live for! When someone shows off anything I have done, it is the greatest compliment for me. Knowing they love it and they are proud to show it off makes my entire day.
With being a full time mom and full time worker currently at a “9-5”, tell us, how do you do it all?! It’s inspiring to see someone with so much hustle about them.
It’s definitely not glitter and rainbows! Lol I have a lot on my plate and some days it’s hard for me to get anything done or feel like I have accomplished anything. Just my full-time job and my kids take up 90% of my day. But once they are in bed and I have a few moments of peace and quiet I am able to either work on my Allusive Designs or research new techniques or post things on my IG and website (which is currently down).
When you’re stressed and you’re feeling over worked what do you do to relieve your mind and practice some self care?
Wine, wine, and more wine! Lol joking, kinda… If I have a really rough day my favorite thing to do is pour me a glass of wine, light some candles, put my old skool slow jams on, turn off all the lights and run a bubble bath. I might drain the water and refill multiple times before I decide to finally drag myself out of it but it is the most relaxing place for me.
How do you bounce back from creative blocks/burn outs?
It might sound corny but I actually will go on Etsy and tiktok. I'll scroll through other people doing creative things and it either gives me ideas or at least the inspiration to work on my own things. I will also try to learn something new so that its fresh and exciting. Maybe there’s a technique I have seen but never tried. I'll just wing it and play around with different things and it goes from there.
What is your message to any one who aspires to have their own business and be self made?
It’s not as easy as others make it look! You have to have determination and never quit! Everyone will have bumps in the road and hurdles to cross but you will never succeed if your too afraid to try! Do your research and don’t let anyone deter your focus.
What are all of the services that you are currently offering and booking?
Since I don’t have a space for all services, I haven’t done much other than for Family and friends but I can still book: Full face Make-up, Acrylic nails, Dip nails, Mani & Pedi's, Hair color, Hair-cuts and Trims.
What are you most thankful for in your life right now?
Being able to watch my younger children learn and grow. I feel like God gave me a second chance when he gave them to me. I missed a lot with my older 2, so being able to have these moments with them is such a blessing.
Do you have any other passions/hobbies? If so what are they?
Sheesh…. so other than all of the things I have mentioned this far I also have a secret passion for poetry and music. I haven’t written anything in quite a while but when I “used” to have a lot of free time I would get lost in my thoughts or emotions and it would come out on paper. I think that my poetry and music have a way of conveying certain feelings and emotions that I’m not able to express in any other way.
What is the end all goal for your life personally and professionally? What will be the catalyst in your life that will make you say, damn, I have finally made it?
Being able to live comfortably off my own businesses. Financial freedom! The day I’m finally able to enjoy and live my life instead of life beating me up everyday will be a glorious time.
Are there any special people you’d like to recognize or give thanks to?
I’m sure you already know but for any of your readers who have actually made it to the end of this… I am so grateful for the people I call my family… the love and support I get from you and Andrea and the whole fam is truly a blessing. I couldn’t have asked for a better family to be welcomed into! I love y’all so much! I am also thankful for Brandon because he was the one who pushed me and encouraged me to go back to school and to always have side hustles going. And lastly my kids because without them I probably would have given up a long time ago. But they always know when mommy just needs a hug, a smile or a simple “I love u” to keep me going.
I was born in Webster, TX but I have grown up all over the Houston area.
How old were you when you first realized you had a passion for hair, makeup, and being creative?
I honestly couldn’t tell ya. I have always loved making things as a small child. I think it really started to really become my “hustle” so to speak when I was incarcerated though. I started doing hair in the beginning so that I would have the hygiene items I needed. Then I started doing peoples makeup for when they had visits or when they were going to take pictures to send home to their family. Once a friend of mine taught me how to crochet it was a never ending hustle for me. I would make personalized blankets or stuffed animals etc. for mothers to send their kids or loved ones. But the best part about it was when their faces would light up after seeing my creations. I thinks that’s when it started to be my passion for real.
What was life like for you growing up? Do you think that any struggles you faced growing up led you to want to have a creative outlet?
My childhood was rough to be honest. I spent a lot of time at home because I had to baby sit my down syndrome little sister. That’s when I really lost myself in music. I started playing the violin in the 5th grade. I remember spending hours a day practicing and playing to the point I honestly didn’t realize how long I had been playing each day.
What was your favorite childhood memory involving art? Any kind of art like music, paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography, etc.
Hmmm that’s a hard one. I have lots of memories involving all of the above. If I had to choose one I would probably say when I was helping my dad remodel his home because he had these 12 chairs for a huge glass dining table and they needed to be gold leafed (the finish of the chairs). I did all 12 chairs myself and every single time someone complimented them I smiled knowing they loved something I created. That was over 20 years ago and to this day I have 4 of the 12 and use them at my own dining table.
What type of art do you feel connected to the most and why?
Anything that can be admired! Not just by the person it’s for but others as well. Growing up I was always criticized or made fun of, so when people like something I have done it makes me feel a happiness I didn’t often feel.
What was the turning point in your life in which you had a shift in your mindset that made you say, OK, I need to put my mind to it and dedicate my energy to what I love the most?
When I was young I was always told to make a career out of what I love doing. For a long time I didn’t know what that was. I didn’t know what I wanted to do. Once I got out of prison and saw how difficult society makes it for people who have a criminal record I decided I needed to be my own boss. That’s when my real search began. It took me a while but I think that the father of my children is who really pushed me into the cosmetology field. He saw my passion and talent and pushed me to go to school and use it! I hate that I wasn’t able to finish my schooling, due to having my daughter, but I took what I learned and invested into teaching myself. For example in school all I learned was simple manicures and pedicures. But I taught myself how to use acrylic, gels, dips, etc. and I love trying new techniques now.
Being that you are a mother, what is your ultimate goal for your children and yourself with your business?
I think my biggest goal is showing my children that no matter what, your able to do anything you set your mind to! I want them to see my mistakes but also my dedication and drive in hopes that they will follow in my footsteps. Even when they decide to go down different career paths, I want them to learn everything they can. A jack of all trades is a master of none, but often times better than a master of one!! I love that quote because I feel like the more you learn the better you adapt in every avenue. I want my children to not have to rely or depend on others and the best way to avoid that is by them learning as much as they can.
Tell us about the first time you did a service for someone and how you felt going into it and coming out of it. Did you have a shift in confidence? This can be any service; nails, hair, a custom item.
The very first time I was paid to do a service for someone was when I was in the federal detention center in Waco. We were very limited as to what we had access to. There was an African American woman in my dorm that was dying to have her hair braided since she couldn’t get a relaxer or anything to help tame her hair. I told her I knew how to French braid but I had never attempted to braid natural hair in the way I knew she wanted. I was shocked when she offered to buy my shampoo that I desperately needed in exchange, so of course I had to try. It took me a while to finish but I didn’t stop trying!!! I knew how to do regular braids and French braids but not the Dutch braids she needed for her short hair. I will be honest and say that in the end the style wasn’t perfect but she was so happy and I felt so accomplished knowing I figured it out! It became a weekly thing and I got more and more practice when the other women in the dorms asked for me to braid theirs as well.
Out of all of your talents, which one do you feel the most connected to and why?
I would have to say my custom made items: shirts, hoodies, tumblers, cups, etc. I think I enjoy it the most because I’m able to do these for anyone, not just women. To be able to have someone tell me an idea they have and then take it to create something personal for them that they love is soooo satisfying.
Who or what has been your biggest motivation to continue doing what you love to do?
Knowing failure isn’t an option because I have children depending on me! Knowing that I can loose my 9-5 job at any moment but I will still be able to do something to make money. This world is a crazy place and you never know what can happen. I might not currently make enough without my 9-5 to fully support my family but every little bit helps.
What has been the biggest challenge in your life thus far and how did you overcome that to become the strong woman you are today?
My entire life has been a challenge. From my childhood on up but I believe that the hardest time in my life was the journey I have been on since my incarceration. Being away from my children for 4 years, not seeing them grow up and missing a lot of the most important years of their life was gut wrenching. Knowing that I had absolutely no power or say so in their lives while I was away took a long time to overcome but as I sat there I can honestly tell you that the time I was away molded me into who I am today. I used my time to work on me, and get me right! Mentally spiritually and physically. I used that time to not only get my GED but further my education and get my associates degree. I spent countless hours in the recreational area. It was almost therapeutic to a certain extent because when I was upset, mad, or struggling emotionally I would put my headphones on and hit the track. I would get lost in my thoughts and the music and it always helped me escape the miserable place I was in. Then my last 2 year I was blessed to be able to have one of the highest paying jobs on the compound which allowed me to save a nice amount of money. When I was released I was able to get my necessities and do the things I needed to get my life in order, but to this day it has still been an everyday struggle. I will never be able to get back those years lost with my kids and loved ones. And every single day I wonder what my life would be like if I had never gone.
I know personally you’ve done my make up, hair, nails, and have made custom items for me! Every last one was flawless and I appreciated it so much! How does it make you feel when people share your work and give you a job well done?
I absolutely love it! That is one of the main reasons I do the things I do! The moment you looked in the mirror after I did your make-up was priceless! To see your face light up and the excitement in your eyes when I have done anything for you, is what I live for! When someone shows off anything I have done, it is the greatest compliment for me. Knowing they love it and they are proud to show it off makes my entire day.
With being a full time mom and full time worker currently at a “9-5”, tell us, how do you do it all?! It’s inspiring to see someone with so much hustle about them.
It’s definitely not glitter and rainbows! Lol I have a lot on my plate and some days it’s hard for me to get anything done or feel like I have accomplished anything. Just my full-time job and my kids take up 90% of my day. But once they are in bed and I have a few moments of peace and quiet I am able to either work on my Allusive Designs or research new techniques or post things on my IG and website (which is currently down).
When you’re stressed and you’re feeling over worked what do you do to relieve your mind and practice some self care?
Wine, wine, and more wine! Lol joking, kinda… If I have a really rough day my favorite thing to do is pour me a glass of wine, light some candles, put my old skool slow jams on, turn off all the lights and run a bubble bath. I might drain the water and refill multiple times before I decide to finally drag myself out of it but it is the most relaxing place for me.
How do you bounce back from creative blocks/burn outs?
It might sound corny but I actually will go on Etsy and tiktok. I'll scroll through other people doing creative things and it either gives me ideas or at least the inspiration to work on my own things. I will also try to learn something new so that its fresh and exciting. Maybe there’s a technique I have seen but never tried. I'll just wing it and play around with different things and it goes from there.
What is your message to any one who aspires to have their own business and be self made?
It’s not as easy as others make it look! You have to have determination and never quit! Everyone will have bumps in the road and hurdles to cross but you will never succeed if your too afraid to try! Do your research and don’t let anyone deter your focus.
What are all of the services that you are currently offering and booking?
Since I don’t have a space for all services, I haven’t done much other than for Family and friends but I can still book: Full face Make-up, Acrylic nails, Dip nails, Mani & Pedi's, Hair color, Hair-cuts and Trims.
What are you most thankful for in your life right now?
Being able to watch my younger children learn and grow. I feel like God gave me a second chance when he gave them to me. I missed a lot with my older 2, so being able to have these moments with them is such a blessing.
Do you have any other passions/hobbies? If so what are they?
Sheesh…. so other than all of the things I have mentioned this far I also have a secret passion for poetry and music. I haven’t written anything in quite a while but when I “used” to have a lot of free time I would get lost in my thoughts or emotions and it would come out on paper. I think that my poetry and music have a way of conveying certain feelings and emotions that I’m not able to express in any other way.
What is the end all goal for your life personally and professionally? What will be the catalyst in your life that will make you say, damn, I have finally made it?
Being able to live comfortably off my own businesses. Financial freedom! The day I’m finally able to enjoy and live my life instead of life beating me up everyday will be a glorious time.
Are there any special people you’d like to recognize or give thanks to?
I’m sure you already know but for any of your readers who have actually made it to the end of this… I am so grateful for the people I call my family… the love and support I get from you and Andrea and the whole fam is truly a blessing. I couldn’t have asked for a better family to be welcomed into! I love y’all so much! I am also thankful for Brandon because he was the one who pushed me and encouraged me to go back to school and to always have side hustles going. And lastly my kids because without them I probably would have given up a long time ago. But they always know when mommy just needs a hug, a smile or a simple “I love u” to keep me going.
