We were lucky to catch up with Diana Cordoba recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Diana, thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
I started my business; Simply Blue when I was 17 years old in the state of Indiana. I built an amazing clientele, great connections with other vendors in the wedding industry and was doing very well. But I was not happy being in Indiana, so I randomly decided to move across the country from Indiana to Orlando, Florida with my best friend. It was the SCARIEST decision of my life. I knew I was taking a big risk leaving my business behind, and starting all over, but I needed to do this. My first year in Florida, I worked part time at a phone company and I knew I needed to work on building my business but it was nearly impossible to do both. I saved money and quit my safe job and in 2022 and I have worked very hard to get a clientele in Orlando, build connections, meet vendors and get my name out there. I am beyond happy with my decision, and I do not regret a single thing. This has been one of the hardest two years of my life, but I am thankful for where I am now. I can not wait to see what’s in my future. Risks are scary, but in life it is okay to be scared. The important thing is to not let your fears hold you back from your purpose in life. “Be scared, and do it anyways” is one of my favorite quotes that I live by.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Diana, I am the owner of Simply Blue, a team of licensed esthetician’s and cosmetologist. We specialize in special event makeup and hair. I have been a licensed cosmetologist for 7 years now, but my passion for all things beauty started when I was 12 years old. My older brother was dating a girl named Heysel, we would both sit and watch YouTube videos that mainly consisted of makeup tutorials, and that is where it all started for me. I was in love with playing around with different colors and trying them on. Once I started high school, my counselor told me I should go to cosmetology school, and so I did. My junior and senior year consisted of me going to high school in the mornings, and in the afternoons I would leave high school and go to cosmetology school. But once I was in school I quickly learned makeup was not a main focus at all, and so I started posting on Facebook every single day offering services. I remember my first wedding I worked, I was only 16 years old and I was doing makeup for under $40.00 per person and I was ecstatic. I knew this is what I wanted to do. Being a makeup artist is a lot more than just “playing” in makeup and making others feel beautiful. It is a lot of work and there is a lot of discipline. I do everything myself. I run my social media pages, marketing, book clients, send out contracts, clean, learn consistently to stay up to date with the newest trends and so much more. I think what sets me apart from others, is my true love for this industry. I take pride in what I do and I always do my best with every single person that sits in my chair.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has always been consistency. I consistently work to provide the best service for every single person that even just inquires with my business. Building relationships with other vendors is also key. When you have good relationships with photographers, planners, venues, florist ect. it helps tremendously.
Any advice for managing a team?
One piece of advice I would give to anyone that manages a team is to treat them how you would like to be treated. Being able to be a good leader is so important. When your team is happy, they perform better. I am so grateful for the girls on my team.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.simplyblue.co
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/simplybluellc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplybluein
Image Credits
Beth Waterman Kristen Mittlestedt Artistry, LLC and Statiajonesstudios