We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kenzie Perez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kenzie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
The biggest risk I’ve taken so far was opening Fresh Cosmetic Studio. I opened in May 2021, so the pandemic was a factor, but also Austin was having an influx of people moving here making prices increase on almost everything. Previous to opening my studio, I was a cosmetic tattooer working in tattoo shops around Austin. I wanted to create a studio that Austin hadn’t seen before, where all are welcomed and we serve the best permanent make up and lash extensions in the city. I have always been a dreamer, and trusting my gut to take the leap and go all in on my business is something I’m proud of. It’s not easy, and I’m constantly learning and adapting, but I’m passionate and seeing clients leave with smiles on their faces make it all worth it. As my business is approaching it’s second year, we are proudly partnering with other local business in our community and donating to as many local non profits as we can. Without taking the risk that I did, I wouldn’t be able to provide a safe space for all & give back as much as we do. I hope that I can be inspiration for those debating on taking the risk & opening a business.
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?
Hi friends! My name is Kenzie Perez and I’m a cosmetic tattooer and the owner of Fresh Cosmetic Studio. After a 7 year career in make up doing both special effects and glamour, I decided to learn permanent make up. I’ve been in this amazing industry for 5 years now. I specialize in Microblading, Combo brows and Lip Blushing. I also train aspiring permanent make up artist at our training facility. I believe what makes me a leader in my industry is coming from tattoo shop background. I dive deep into my craft by learning my pigments, machines, needles, and each type of skin. What makes me most proud about my career is the transformations and the confidence I can give my clients. Changing someone’s insecurities, or scars, or cover up previously done work that maybe wasn’t done the best. I’m truly proud that I have such amazing clients. One interesting fact about me is that I also co-own my husbands tattoo shop, Electric Ave Tattoo. We are located in the same building! Besides owning two businesses, being a mom, and an artist, I have just recently accepted a role as Board Member to Brave Alliance, a community-based facility offering medical forensic exams for assaulted victims.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
I truly believe in if you make your clients happy and instill confidence in them, they will refer you to their friends and family. Most of my clients say they hear about me from someone else. I treat my clients like friends. I’m also a big fan of free stickers, and I give them out as much as possible.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
I learned you have to communicate & input is important, but ultimately you have to do what’s best for the business if need be. I try to learn each team member, and have open communication with them. In my opinion though, the most important factor is respect. I respect my team and I ask for respect back. To maintain high morale, keeping a positive mental attitude as a leader is extremely important. We like to have fun team meetings, and we just threw a block party for our staff and clients as well to show apperciation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.freshcosmeticstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenziefreshpmu/
Image Credits
Amanda Aguirre and Drew Elaine