We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Priscilla a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Priscilla, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about your team building process? How did you recruit and train your team and knowing what you know now would you have done anything differently?
The Artistry Beauty Studio was born out of an idea that God instilled in my heart in 2016 after getting certified in the art of Microblading. I always knew I wanted to have my own business one day, I just didn’t know it was going to be in my 40’s that the idea of being my own boss would come to fruition.
The Artistry LLC was born in 2017 when everything right just seemed to align perfectly. A new Sola Salon was about to open up right across from one of my esty jobs, I think it was a sign. For me I took it as a sign from God, it was now or never.
Salon suites makes it easy for new entrepreneurs like myself to pursue their beauty dreams. It was a 10×10 (100 sq.ft) space in the middle of a shopping mall, the energy was new and just what I needed at the time. The Artistry was just me, myself and my clients. Did I think one day I would have a team? Yes.
After Covid, in 2021 I was excited to move into a new larger space outside of a salon suite and into my own place. My business, The Artistry had a new home, a 1158 square foot space. I couldn’t believe it, scary almost because after all it was just me in this large space. Funny thing is that once I started to furnish the space it started to instantly feel small.
I had been praying to God to hire my sister so that she can get out of her current employment- my prayers were answered. My sister was my first hire. Months later I brought on a friend of mine, a fellow esty that I had met at European Wax Center. She was a close friend, someone I truly cared about but after a year she wanted to explore other opportunities.
Hiring other employees were not in the cards as I wanted to build a team of artists. Artists that I would personally train and take under my wing. In 2022, after years of contemplating to start our academy or training, I finally announced my first class.
I started to feel pressured and influenced by social media that hiring and having a team was all the fame and best thing to do to scale your business. I had led teams before but leading your very own team, that you hand pick is truly scary and exciting at the same time.
My business was profiting with just me as the artist, I was running a multi six figure company on my own- I was thinking wow, imagine if their were an additional three of me doing the same thing? The goal was let me hire more artist, artist I personally train and reap those rewards. The rewards hardly came, and my bank account was not soaring like I had imagined.
After two years of managing artists, I felt exhausted, depressed, burnt out and constantly found myself spinning. I often would self sabotage, self doubt and even have imposter syndrome about my business. I was waiting for the day to make half a million dollars, but that day never came.
The hustling, the chasing, the burn out without a plan in sight was like this boomerang of reality. The reality that maybe I am not meant to lead a team. All the glory, hustle and growth that other artists were portraying and broadcasting on social media was starting to feel like a goal that was out of my reach. Because I couldn’t reach that level of business I started to self doubt. I felt myself disengaging in social media and feeling numb to the idea of leading a team.. I would still find myself striving to keep my business going, even though I didn’t want to. But the out pouring love from family, friends and especially my clients was the fuel I needed to continue the dream God put in my heart.
I decided to get Baptized and be renewed in my faith. It wasn’t till then that I felt relieved and seen. See the pressures of this world can be so blinding to many of us who hustle for the wrong reasons.
I love what I do, my passion is more alive without the pressures of others. I no longer compare myself to others- I stay. in my lane. I show up authentically on social media and only post when I want to. I’ve learned that having a team is for some, not for all. That it isn’t easy carrying the responsibilities of others.
I find myself going back to basics. Creating what I am best at and mentoring those who wish to learn from me.
If I were to do it again, I would of taken some business courses to help me better understand how to truly lead and build a successful team.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hola, I’m Priscilla Molina — founder of The Artistry Beauty Studio & Academy in Lake Forest, California. I’m a licensed and multi-certified Permanent Makeup and Paramedical Tattoo Artist, as well as an educator, mentor, and proud beauty entrepreneur.
My journey in the beauty industry started over a decade ago as a professional makeup artist working with iconic brands like MAC and Chanel. I’ve done everything from bridal makeup to music videos and commercial shoots, but over time, I realized my real passion was helping people feel confident in a more lasting, natural way.
In 2017, I launched The Artistry Beauty Studio with a mission to go beyond traditional beauty services. I wanted to create a space where people — women and men alike — could feel truly seen and confident in their skin. Whether it’s a subtle enhancement or a transformative procedure, every service we offer is about empowerment and self-love.
We specialize in permanent cosmetics like Microblading, Powder Brows, Nano Brows, Lip Blush, and Paramedical Tattooing — including Scar Camouflage, Stretch Mark Rejuvenation, and Areola Restoration. These aren’t just treatments — they’re deeply personal services that can change the way someone sees themselves.
What makes us different isn’t just our techniques or results — it’s the heart behind what we do. Every client experience is customized, thoughtful, and rooted in compassion. Whether someone is healing from surgery or just wants to feel more confident every day, we’re here to help in a way that blends artistry with care.
One of the parts of my work I’m most proud of is The Artistry Beauty Academy. Through programs like Microblading + Shading Mastery, NanoRealistic Beginners Mastery, and Advanced One-on-One Training, I get to mentor aspiring artists and watch them grow into confident professionals. Helping others succeed in this field is incredibly fulfilling.
At the end of the day, The Artistry Beauty Studio isn’t just about beauty — it’s about transformation, education, and empowerment. This is a place where people can feel safe, supported, and beautiful — inside and out.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
Almost 9 years into my business and learning from podcasts and multimillionaires stories, I now know you should never use your own money to start a business. I thought I had to save money and use my own savings to start up and keep floating. For my next venture I will be applying for a SBA loan.
Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?
Last year 2024 was probably one of the most humbling years for myself and my business. Having to pay myself for the first time out of my own savings just so that I can pay my employees was one of the hardest things. It has caused me to use my credit cards and create an outstanding personal debt. This lesson was one that I feel I will never lose sight of again. Even though I’m not out of the red, I don’t lose sight that my heavenly father has a plan. I am still learning after all, this is my first business and by Gods grace and blessings, I will be able to recoup again. This is why I have decided that going back to basics, that down sizing is the best thing for The Artistry Beauty Studio.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theartistrybeautystudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartistrybeautystudio
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-artistry-lake-forest-3
Image Credits
@visionx